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Print Friendly MapThe Russell White Nature Trail runs for nearly 4 miles through a landscape of forest, pasture and prairie and links the tiny community of Lanesboro with open space to the southwest of the town. The trail occupies part of a railroad corridor built by the Chicago Great Western Railway in 1902. Evidence of the trail's railroad history can be seen in Lanesboro, where an old brick train depot is still standing.
The trail crosses the Raccoon River via a 350 foot long trestle that has been converted for recreational use. The river and dense tree cover make the trail a popular spot for bird watchers—be sure to bring your keen eyes and a camera, and you might see an owl staring back at you through the trees!
In Lanesboro, access the Russell White Nature Trail at the intersection of 4th Street and 120th Street. Trail users can also pick up the trail farther southwest where it intersects Union Avenue or 130th Street. Parking is available in a small dirt lot at the western trailhead on Timber Avenue.
I love this trail ¿! Grassy, well maintained path with lots of scenery!
Neat backwoods all grass ‘trail.’ This is more of a hunters/outdoorsman’s path disguised as a trail however is definitely rideable on a mountain bike or hybrid if you air out a tad. Id suggest parking in Lanesboro near the town playground- ride south and back will make for a decent ride. There’s a turnout towards the south end… when you’re in the woods south of trestle where you can pick up some additional distance. This place is backwoods! You get to see all of what Iowa really is here: a melting pot of farmland, woods, the deep south, and the Wild West, hehe.
Love this little trail. I run/ bike here a lot. The views from the trestle are amazing and a lot of times recently bald eagles have been sitting in the trees nearby the trestle.. lots of wildlife to be seen in general... if you happen to be in the area and need your trail fix this is worth a look. You can start at either end.
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