Trestle to Trestle Trail in Iowa

Polk County's Trestle to Trestle Trail stretches from Des Moines to Johnston, one of its northern suburbs. The 3.7 mile asphalt trail, which runs near both heavily-wooded forest and the Des Moines River, has been a crucial link in central Iowa's robust trail network since its opening in 2007.

In the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines just south of Euclid Avenue, the aptly-named Trestle to Trestle Trail links with the restored railroad trestle spanning the Des Moines River at the eastern end of the Inter-Urban Trail. The trestle—known as the Wakonsa Bridge and now decked with concrete—dates from the early 20th century and offers direct access to the Neal Smith Trail on the opposite banks of the river.

The Trestle to Trestle Trail's second railroad bridge is at the trail's Johnston endpoint just north of its tunnel under Interstate 80/35. The original trestle crosses Beaver Creek, allowing trail users to connect to Johnston's network of local trails, including the contiguous segment that runs deeper into the heart of Johnston from the Trestle to Trestle Trail's northern endpoint.

Most of the trail traces the route of the Inter-Urban Railway, which was later reorganized as the Des Moines & Central Iowa Railroad. The line was abandoned in the mid-20th century, but fortunately the two trestles and much of the original route was left intact.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available at the Polk County administrative complex on Euclid Avenue adjacent to the Des Moines River. A dedicated parking lot can also be found on Lower Beaver Road to the east of NW Beaver Drive. If you are planning on beginning your trek in Johnston, consider parking in one of the many lots on Merle Hay Road or NW 62nd Avenue. From there, follow the paved local trail until you reach the trestle just north of I-80/35.

Inter-Urban Trail (IA)

Iowa - 1.3 miles

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Neal Smith Trail

Iowa - 26 miles

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John Pat Dorrian Trail

Iowa - 3.4 miles

The John Pat Dorrian Trail, formerly known as the East River Trail, runs for nearly 3.5 miles from Pete Crivaro Park in south Des Moines to Birdland...

Accordion

Waveland Trail

Iowa - 1.7 miles

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Principal Riverwalk

Iowa - 1.5 miles

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Meredith Trail

Iowa - 5.2 miles

The Meredith Trail connects from downtown Des Moines west to Gray’s Lake Park. The trail picks up off where the Principal Riverwalk leaves off along...

Martin Luther King Jr. Trail

Iowa - 2.3 miles

The Martin Luther King Jr Trailway tears off from the Meredith Trail and heads west along the MLK Jr Parkway in Des Moines, Iowa. The Meredith circles...

Kruidenier Trail

Iowa - 1.9 miles

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Bill Riley Trail

Iowa - 2.7 miles

The Bill Riley Trail delivers a short but immersive trail experience in a tranquil natural setting. The trail begins at the southern end of the Walnut...

Des Moines River Trail

Iowa - 2.6 miles

Take a morning bike ride or evening stroll on the Des Moines River Trail. The paved trail diverges from the Meredith Trail and Prinicipal Riverwalk,...

Walnut Creek Trail (Iowa)

Iowa - 3.2 miles

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Colby Woods Trail

Iowa - 3 miles

Residents enjoy getting outside and onto this popular Urbandale trail thanks to its ease and connectivity to neighborhoods, parks and other trails....