River's Edge Trail (IA)

Iowa

3 Reviews

Following a former railroad corridor, the River's Edge Trail (formerly known as Iowa River Trail) will one day span 34 miles from Marshalltown in Marshall County to Steamboat Rock in Hardin County. Currently, two short segments are open at either end of the trail.

In Marshalltown, the paved pathway spans 2.1 miles and traverses residential neighborhoods on the city's west side.

North of Marshalltown, a 5-mile section of the trail connects the cities of Steamboat Rock and Eldora. From S 1st Street, just south of Main Street in Steamboat Rock, the paved trail heads southwest over the Iowa River and through a tree-lined corridor. Curving south to parallel the meandering Iowa River, the pathway heads into downtown Eldora where it ends by the intersection of IA-175/Edgington Avenue and 9th Street.

Parking and Trail Access

In Marshalltown, begin the trail at the Ann Keyer Trailhead, located just north of the YMCA at Wilson Circle. You can also access the trail at various cross streets along the way.

In Steamboat Rock, parking is available at Steamboat Rock City Park and at Iowa River Water Trail Access #254B (near the intersection of W Main St & N 8th St). Additional parking is available at Tower Rock Park (20392 Co Hwy S56), which also has cabins, picnic, cooking grills, fishing, picnic area, and a nearby canoe/kayak launch onto the Iowa River.

In Eldora, parking locations include the Eldora City Park (9 Park St), which is east of the Eldora Welcome Center & Railroad Museum along IA-175/Edgington Ave. The Pine Lake Trail passes through the park.

Great trail, but..........

August 2023 rkc1954

Great trail, but doubt if a lot of us will live long enough to see it finished. Started in 2017 in Marshall county, been working on it for 7 years but only 3 miles done. At this rate, it will take about 25 years to get to the Hardin County line, (about 12 miles) where they will take over for their share. I believe Hardin county has maybe 5 miles paved. There's a large bridge over the Iowa River north of Marshalltown which needs replaced to carry the ambulances. The trail is concrete and 10 feet wide.

Awesome Trail !!!

March 2023 t9pc25xqv4

The wife and I rode this trail for the first time on the first day of spring, going to be our favorite trail I believe! Start in Steamboat Rock and it’s a gradual incline most of the way to Eldora which makes it easy ride on the return trip. For us Golden age folks it’s a win win…

B.K.S. (Best Kept Secret) Steamboat Rock Trail

July 2022 faux.onlineforms

We initially came into town to visit the Steamboat Rock Dam and Iowa River access point for kayaking. We then discovered the bike/walking trail which is one of the best we’ve seen. We already planned loading up our bikes and coming back to use it. We enjoyed the natural grasses and wild flowers along the trail. Viewing the Iowa River off the bridges was spectacular! I hope the people who live in this area appreciate the GEMs they have right here in town and utilize it to it’s fullest. Down the road about a mile we saw Inner Tube Rentals (lots loaded on busses ready to go) and they take you to the river and in you go, they pick you up down river. They have bike, kayak, canoe rentals as well. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TRAIL.

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