Mapleleaf Pathway

The Mapleleaf Pathway is located in the small community of Diagonal, Iowa. The trail occupies an abandoned Chicago and North Western Railway corridor, which once formed part of a larger system that looked like a maple leaf when viewed on a map—hence the trail's name.

Running north from the northeastern edge of Diagonal, the Mapleleaf Pathway passes through a dense stand of lowland timber trees. The mix of oaks, cottonwood, maples and buckeye trees, along with the trail's seclusion, makes the route an excellent spot for bird watching. The trail is also a popular local destination for berry picking. After trekking away from Diagonal for 1.5 miles, the trail ends at the scenic Grand River.

Parking and Trail Access

Diagonal is located in the triangle formed by Des Moines, Omaha and Kansas City and is about a 1 hour drive from I-35 in southern Iowa. The trail doesn't currently have a dedicated parking lot, but parking can be found on some of Diagonal's local streets.

Ringgold Trailway

Iowa - 2 miles

The Ringgold Trailway connects the eastern edge of the small city of Mount Ayr with Poe Hollow County Park, a little less than 2 miles away. The trail...

Lenox Multi-Purpose Trail

Iowa - 0.25 miles

This short trail runs through open space behind the town's high school, following a portion of an abandoned railway line.

Lamoni Rail-Trail

Iowa - 4.7 miles

The Lamoni Rail-Trail, also called the Lamoni Recreation Trail, is a delightful route through the downtown area, with a side loop through the campus...

Accordion

Little River Scenic Pathway

Iowa - 1.8 miles

Since 1994, the Little River Scenic Pathway has offered something for everyone to enjoy. Users can enjoy nature while hiking, biking, jogging or...

Cinder Path

Iowa - 13.5 miles

The Cinder Path in southern Iowa is notable as the state’s first rail-to-trail conversion. Following a shady route past farms and wetlands along the...

Wabash Trace Nature Trail

Iowa - 62.6 miles

A Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame rail-trail, the Wabash Trace Nature Trail earns its title—providing an amazing trip through the rural...

Great Western Trail (IA)

Iowa - 16.5 miles

Built on a former section of the Chicago Great Western Railroad (built in 1893), the Great Western Trail spans 16.5 miles from just outside of urban...

Raccoon River Valley Trail

Iowa - 89 miles

On the western outskirts of Des Moines, the Raccoon River Valley Trail offers a quintessential central Iowa experience. Over its nearly 90-mile span,...