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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Had a nice, slightly windy 70 degree day in november and rode from Vinton to Dysart. Only saw 3 or 4 people on the round trip. Ride is flat and trail well maintained except near Dysart where there were a few trees down (but you could get around) and one bridge that was blocked with a detour sign although i did cross it and it seemed fine. Nice views of farms, a few bridges over creeks and once over the Cedar River. You can stop midway in Garrison and there is about a mile paved extension in Vinton. You could do it on a road bike if its dry although a hybrid might be a bit better. I had my mt bike and that was fine. It was past the nice leaf time but earlier in the fall and I would guess spring/summer there are enough trees it would be quite pretty. Very nice overall and i liked the low usage for the solitude. There are about five parking spots at the trailhead in Vinton (right at the end of 8th street and in Dysart it runs right through town so seemed like a lot of spots.
Excellent walking trail for those who aren't fond of steep inclines. This trail has a few mild ups and downs but for the most part is level and flat. The surface is all paved and smooth and with the lake, the trees and blue sky, it's beautiful. Wildlife, a couple of walking bridges and a covered bridge make it even more enjoyable. Casual walking takes about 2-3 hours (5-6 miles).
Beautiful fall day on this trail today! Although it isn’t finished on the north end, it is wide, clean, and easy to find for a nature walk.
This is one of the best rides we have found in Des Moines. Pretty level and wide. Couple of nice bridges including a covered one! Nice places to stop and rest and view the scenery.
This trail has so many amazing views along the way it’s a must do! We started at the hilly end and it was pretty intense for about 4 miles or so. After that it was a lot more level and enjoyable. The trout hatchery was a cool place along the way with trout of all sizes , some of them quite huge. There was also a gorgeous waterfall behind the hatchery! The trail meanders over bridges, along streams, and past scenic overlooks. Watch for the Decorah Eagles Nest which has signage on the trail.
There are no more trail closures due to construction. You can ride from Cordova Park trailhead to Pella if you choose.
Great ride, trail well maintained and the fall foliage was a perfect setting. The bridge after sunset was beautiful.
Went out and got to the first bridge from Jefferson that crosses the river and it was still down, the detour kind of sucked but other than that the trail was nice.
I love how the views on this trail vary from surrounded by woods on the north end, to going through quiet residential areas in the middle, and then the historic downtown and finally along the Mississippi River levee with a nice high view of the river and surrounding area. I've biked or walked on this trail many time and it's always a great place to be. The trail is asphalt and well maintained.
This is a beautiful trail and Decorah is a lovely Iowa town. My husband and I enjoyed the challenge of the hills. After reading these reviews we also decided to do the hills first. We totally forgot about the challenge of the hills by the time we got to downtown for pizza and ice cream! However, we will never forget the beautiful Iowa scenery! A great day of riding!
We are beginning bikers and older. Loved the wide paved path. Put in north of Carlisle and ride was great as was the view. Then we hit the HILL. Oh my. Benches on the way up and I can see why. We could ride up and took all we had to walk up. We turned around and what a ride down. whheeeee’. Won’t be doing this one sgsin
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