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The Franklin Grove Heritage Trail rests on top of an abandoned Rock Island railroad corridor that runs through the heart of the small Iowan city of Belmond. The trail connects the residential section of Belmond to rural farming areas to both the north and south.
Belmond has rallied around this trail, and its upkeep is a true partnership. Regular maintenance is the responsibility of an active friends group, while the city mows along the trail. Recently, benches were installed by Eagle Scouts, providing rest for weary travelers.
Belmond is located on US 69 and not far from I-35, making travel easy from both the north and south. The best place to park is at the aptly-named Pool Park at the trail's midpoint on 1st Street SE. The park is home to the city's municipal swimming pool.
This trail is nicely paved with asphalt. It was expanded in 2019 for .6 miles to the northeast and .6 miles to the southeast, now making it 3.0 miles long. There are sunny areas and shady areas. It is bike, walker, jogger and wheelchair friendly. The trail features a Story Walk along with a Little Free Library. There are all kinds of parks and activities nearby: disk golf, swimming, tennis, skateboard facility, playgrounds, picnic spots, and brand new in 2020, a pickleball court. If you are hungry, you can find hamburgers, pizza, sub sandwiches, Mexican food and ice cream in Belmond. A nice system of sidewalks connect the trail to the whole town.
On Independence Day, we headed to Belmond and rode the short and well-maintained trail. The north section took us through a peaceful residential area and a meadow, and the south section through a lovely wooded area ending at a county blacktop road. Taking in the annual parade and chicken dinner fund-raiser at the fire station, it was a great way to celebrate America's 238th birthday.
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