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Print Friendly MapThe Oralabor Gateway Trail is a 5.2 mile concrete-surfaced spur branching off from the Neal Smith Trail south of Saylorville Lake and just north of NW 66th Avenue. While running adjacent to suburban Iowa neighborhoods, the trail parallels Oralabor Road (hence its name) for much of its route.
As the trail enters the town of Ankeny, it passes through the 3.3 acre Glenbrooke Park, which features a picnic shelter, playground equipment, and basketball courts. Access to Des Moines Area Community College is likewise easy from the trail with just a short hop across Oralabor Road at DMACC Boulevard. Immediately east of the Oralabor Cemetery between Ankeny Boulevard and Delaware Drive, the trail ends at the northern endpoint for the Gay Lea Wilson Trail in Ankeny. This trail, completed in 2013, allows those traveling on the Oralabor Gateway Trail to run or ride all the way into eastern Des Moines and the Des Moines' suburbs of Altoona and Pleasant Hill.
The Oralabor Gateway Trail also provides a convenient connection to the beautiful High Trestle Trail by way of Ankeny's local trail system.
Access to the Oralabor Gateway Trail from Des Moines is best achieved by taking the Neal Smith Trail north until you reach the trail spur south of Saylorville Lake. If attempting to reach the trail by car, consider parking at Glenbrooke Park in Ankeny just off of Oralabor Road. Alternatively, park at the lot at Carney Marsh on SE 54th Avenue in Ankeny and take the Gay Lea Wilson Trail north until you reach the Oralabor Gateway Trail at Oralabor Road.
Great trail with lots of wooded areas but safe paths. Got to the end and found a bathroom around the corner at Cottonwood. It's a nice restroom with a picnic area. Will probably take a sack lunch with us next time. Has potential for lots of bugs so wear sunscreen and repellant.
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