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 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.
This trail does not have any events yet.
Be the first to add one!
Des Moines' Inter-Urban Trail was opened in 1998 on the abandoned tracks of the Urbandale streetcar line. Residents and visitors of Iowa could ride...
Part of an expansive trail network in the Greater Des Moines region, the 26-mile Neal Smith Trail rolls along the banks of the Des Moines River...
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...
The Waveland Trail runs through the historic neighborhoods of Waveland Park, Waveland Woods and Waterbury in western Des Moines. Along the way, the...
To the residents of Lastrobe, the Lincoln Avenue Rails to Trails Greenway is more than a simple off-road path: it also a social asset, a place where...
The Johnston Interurban Trail, built on a corridor used by Iowa's Inter-Urban Railway from 1906 until 1948, provides an important connection for the...
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...
A sidepath trail located along the side of the adjacent busy parkway that shares its name, the Martin Luther King Jr. Trail may not provide the sort...
Beginning just past the junction of the Johnston Interurban Trail and the Trestle to Trestle Trail, which carries users over the creek and south into...
Named for the major project the city of Des Moines has undertaken to improve transportation and connectivity along the Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway...
The Kruidenier Trail cuts through beautifully landscaped areas around Gray’s Lake and leads you into downtown Des Moines. The park offers a permanent...
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...
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!