The Green Valley Lake Trail is a developing multi-use trail around the perimeter of its namesake lake, located within the popular Green Valley State Park just north of Creston, Iowa. As of 2019, the trail is only open in a few segments around the southeastern edge of the lake, but efforts to pave additional stretches of trail are ongoing.
The concrete trail begins at the campground within the park, continues for three miles around the eastern end of the lake, and ends just down the road from the end of the Park to Park Trail, which connects through the city of Creston to lovely local parks within the community there. Following the lakeshore, the trail passes through quiet, shaded corridors as it winds its way, offering some great photo opportunities of the sprawling lake. There are two on-road gaps along the route; although the park roads are only lightly-trafficked, be sure to exercise caution along the roadway.
Green Valley State Park is a popular destination for fishing, camping, swimming, and any number of fun outdoor activities, and the Green Valley Lake Trail makes a perfect addition to a day at the park!
Parking and restrooms are available within Green Valley State Park; the park entrance is located at 1480 130th Street, north of Creston.
I am on this trail frequently walking or biking. You get a great view of the lake. It's very smooth for the exception of the gravel path. When I bike I just take the path to the road and then back into the park, getting back on the path. I highly recommend this trail!
The paved trail is wide, curvy and follows the southeast lakeshore. The gravel and then grass portions of the trail circle the entire lake and was very well maintained. In all, it was a 9 mile loop they was very scenic. Difficulty level was just right. Highly recommended.
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