Find the top rated horseback riding trails in Iowa, whether you're looking for an easy short horseback riding trail or a long horseback riding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a horseback riding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
_21156_st.jpg)
_45895_st.jpg)
_135458_st.jpg)
This odds a beautiful trail except that is closed at the half way point and we could not find anything online telling us when it would reopen. We were expecting to take a 30 mile round trip ride today only took a 13.5 mile ride.
Gorgeous wooded stretch from Waverly to the turn towards Denver. Bridges are perfectly smooth concrete. Unfortunately most of the asphalt has a weird ridged-like surface that made for a bumpy ride. What a shame.
There’s some nice scenery but the asphalt is very rough in some parts. There’s a smooth stretch south of Waterloo…maybe 5 miles. We started at a park in Evansdale and intended on riding to Brandon but turned around at Gilbertsville…just wasn’t fun and there’s better trails in the area.
We rode this trail on a beautiful summer day. It’s the best ride I’ve ever experienced. The scenery is gorgeous and the asphalt and concrete is perfectly smooth. We were mostly in the George Wyeth State Park area.
Discovered this comfortable place with great accommodations for two bike travelers. They offer a pullout sofa if you do not wish to share a bed. Indoor bike storage with a comfy bed and a hot shower! Distillery right next-door and two restaurants to fuel up in the morning to get back on the trail. Close to the panhandle of West Virginia. Their name is Harmony Trail Haven on Airbnb.
Parked at Graf and rode east to Durango and back 16 miles. The trail surface is packed sand/stone dust and a really pleasant ride! No roots, heaves, potholes, etc. There are plenty of spots to rest and take in the scenery or have a snack. There is a new bathroom which was clean. Looked like spots to camp as well. At Durango, there is a place to eat right on the trail. Shaded canopy. The limestone cliffs reminded me of the KATY trail. Wish I had time to go west but alas, this gives me an excuse to visit Iowa again!
Rode 12 miles out and back on this trail. Parked at Credit Island Park - lots of spaces for parking - and rode north. There are active and busy train tracks next to the trail and then on the other side is the Mississippi River. The route is industrial vibe scenic on the section I rode. I really enjoyed the trains. There is a section of the trail that is a detour onto the sidewalk for about 3 blocks around Quinlan Park (hope I remembered that name right). The blacktop/concrete trail surface is typical for this kind of ride next to industry. Some roots heaving up here and there but nothing too crazy. I’d recommend the ride because how Often do you get a chance to ride with trains, barges, and the mighty Mississippi River?!
Wonderful trail from Iowa City to Tiffin. Fun to see how it winds under the interstate. Some shade, some sun. Could use a little more directional signage. Nicely maintained and ample benches to relax and enjoy nature.
Highly recommend this beautiful and well kept trail. Beautiful to ride along the trees and over the 2 epic ohiopyle bridges.
Rode the Raccoon River Valley trail round trip between Perry and Herndon on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. That turned out to be 27.2 miles. We parked at the Caboose Park in Perry. Interestingly, covered parking was available there. We could not find the bathrooms there, so not sure why Trail Link indicates bathrooms are available. The trail surface was fantastic; wide, smooth concrete with mowed grass on both sides. The grass had been recently mowed and the trail had been blown or swept clean. Wow! Nice! The bathrooms in the old depot in Dawson were available and in perfect condition. The trailhead in Herndon offers parking only; no water, no bathrooms. Overall, this was a great ride, one we will do again in the future.
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Map Search
