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.
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Love this little trail. I run/ bike here a lot. The views from the trestle are amazing and a lot of times recently bald eagles have been sitting in the trees nearby the trestle.. lots of wildlife to be seen in general... if you happen to be in the area and need your trail fix this is worth a look. You can start at either end.
I rode this in June '19 & camped north of Riceville by a lake. I rode north as far as I could until it became a loose gravel road--short distance from the MN border--sounds like that may be finished by now. I liked the concrete sections to prevent erosion. There were some awesome oak trees and some interesting curves & small hills--even a wooden bridge over a swamp.
Riding south was pretty much in straight stretches with some right angle turns. Again, some pretty stands of trees & vegetation. Elma was a treat with the museum & covered bridge. I liked the trail marking "railroad semi-fores" to keep you on course whenever there was an important turn. Very nice trail, wish I had spent more time there. Iowa has done a good job upgrading its trails with concrete.
We started at the south trailhead in Martinsville. NOT suitable for skating and probably not nice on a bike!!!
Don't miss out on this wonderful trail!
My husband and I rode Mineloa to Imogene (locals say this is the most scenic part of the trail) in late August. The shady path was really welcoming and peaceful on this sunny warm Iowa day. We were lucky enough to chat with a superb bowtied gentleman, one of the original heroes who advocated to make this path a rail-trail starting in 1988 - and there was much local opposition! This gentleman, now a healthy 74 years old, rides regular and is part of the smashing volunteers on The Wabash Trace Nature Trail.
Thank you Iowa and all those who volunteer to keep this trail sparkling!
I had a little trouble finding the trailhead on Cresco but once I did, I was on my way. Had a flat tire on the way to Ridgeway. Got the tube changed and rode on to Ridgeway. Lost my keys where I changed my tube and had to go back to try and find them. Luckily I found them and rode back to Cresco. The part of the trail I was on I enjoyed. I am defiantly coming back to ride this trail again as I have some unfinished business riding from Ridgeway to Calmar.
I camped at Lake Hendricks Park the half-way point of the trail. Easy access from the park to the trail. I rode the north section first and had the wind at my back. Could not pick up the trail in Ridgeway and had to ask for directions. Rode the trail all the way north and they are paving the last section to or the first section in Minnesota. Crashed on my return trip to campground and bent up the wheel of bike. Got a replacement rim in Cresco and rode the south portion of the trail in the afternoon to Elma. Wind was strong and it was tough going but the ride back was nice. The map is a little off. The trail is now paved completely from Elma to the border north of Riceville. I would ride on this trail again just because it is a nice trail and there are some scenic features.
There is a about 2 miles of nice paved path in downtown Clinton at best. Then as it heads towards Eagle Point ridge the path turns in badly mainaines asphalt and suddnenly ends with no signs to get you Eagle Point Ridge.
Going south it is supposed to go to Comanhce but dead ends with no signs to indicate how to continue.
You'd do much better to take 30 East into Fulton, Il and ride the great river raos bike path.
Great ride! Combines beauty and a little bit of challenge as ride out to Dyersville has the slightest of incline. Trail itself is in good shape, well packed with no ruts or overgrown areas. Many well marked parking areas to enter trail, allowing for all abilities to enjoy! Lots of beauty to see in the heart of Iowa farm country.
The descriptions online and videos on Youtube can’t do this trail justice! Words are utterly inadequate. The videos I saw online were fine but, videos can’t quite convey the feeling of pulling off into one of the observation areas, getting off the bike, and just taking in the majesty of it all! The view of the river valley is awe inspiring and guaranteed unforgettable. Crossing the High Trestle Bridge was a blast! It’s one thing to ride the bicycle down any plain path but, add a thirteen story high, half mile long bridge over a breathtaking view of a river valley, and that’s when it becomes an experience you don’t want to miss! I’m glad I came! Thank you to the people who dreamed this up. Thank you for making your dream a reality!
Bucolic setting and very well maintained. Flat easy ride and would be good for kids. Plenty of signs but could use some arrows on the pavement so you don’t have to stop to look. Don’t miss going to the blue bunny ice cream parlor just a few blocks off the eastern end of the trail.
Sadly I only had the pleasure to ride from Woodward to the High Trestle Bridge but that short distance revealed a very wide concrete trail in excellent condition. Being a Friday midday there was little traffic on the trail or at the bridge allowing for some nice photography while enjoying my short ride. I only wish I could be there at night to see the awesome LED lighting this art masterpiece has to show!
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