Looking for the best trails around Des Moines?

Explore the best rated trails in Des Moines, IA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Galloping Goose Trail (IA) and Red Rock Prairie Trail . With more than 78 trails covering 4235 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

Recent Trail Reviews

High Trestle Trail

Great trail

September, 2024 by dpate

I rode from 1st street in Ankeny north to Slater then west to just outside of Perry. The map shows it is broken just west of Woodward but it in fact continues into Perry. I think it’s the HT Trail to Raccoon RV trail but there is not a map for that one. Definitely a 5 star trail! Traveling cyclist Facebook

Great Western Trail (IA)

Edit

September, 2024 by dpate

I said I rode in 2025 but I see no way to edit. I rode Sept 2024. Traveling cyclist Facebook

Great Western Trail (IA)

Good trail

September, 2024 by dpate

I rode this trail in mid September 2025. I started at the north end not knowing there is a rail closure at Count Line Road and Hwy 28. It continues to a mile and a half north of the Chicken Restaurant. The trail was open the rest of the way to Martinsdale. The older asphalt sections have plenty of cracks and is rough. The cement sections are heaven. I think eventually it will all be cement. Wonderful mostly shaded ride through the country. I give it five stars even with the rough sections. It’s another great long trail away from the death machines.

Accordion

Neal Smith Trail

3 cheers!

September, 2024 by dpate

I rode the trail from Cherry Glen Rec Area into Des Moines for 15 miles. There are some older sections that are a bit rough but there are also some new cement sections that are fabulous. It winds through great scenery and even with rough areas I would rate this trail five stars. I highly recommend checking this trail out! Traveling cyclist Facebook

Great Western Trail (IA)

Short Ride

September, 2024 by mjmeyer_tl

We were hoping to ride this entire trail this morning but were unsuccessful. We started south out of Cumming and it was SO bumpy that we turned around after about three miles. Riding north of Cumming we encountered the same bumpy patched up trail until we encountered a trail closed sign. I couldn’t really enjoy the scenery as I had to keep a close eye on the trail. The trail at the street crossings was concrete for a few yards on either side which was wonderful. We left the trail after only riding nine miles. We were disappointed in the condition of the Great Western trail and won’t ride it again unless it gets a major facelift.

Neal Smith Trail

Beautiful trail, highly recommend! A bit bumpy in spots, but very well maintained!

September, 2024 by bockcynde

Beautiful trail, highly recommend! A bit bumpy in spots, but very well maintained!

Trestle to Trestle Trail

Nice connector

August, 2024 by dpate

Super connector trail between Johnston trails and Des Moines trails. Just one of many good trails in the greater Des Moines area. 5 stars Traveling cyclist Facebook

High Trestle Trail

Must see

August, 2024 by dpate

I have ridden this trail on numerous occasions though I have not seen the bridge lit up at night. There is another reason to return to this fantastic trail! 5 stars from this rider. Traveling cyclist Facebook

High Trestle Trail

High Trestle Trail Bridge Delight, July 2024

August, 2024 by sebhike24verizon.net

A friend and I from Virginia stopped to do the High Trestle Trail in mid July on our way to South Dakota and enjoyed it very much. Very unique, beautiful area and the other bicyclists were very friendly. We stopped at the Flat Tire for a snack and my friend had a beer. Trail surface was clean. It was a great way to break up our long drive.
Seb

Great American Rail-Trail

West bound from Ellensburg. August 2024

August, 2024 by tastesbadtobears

We ( recumbent trike & e-bike) headed West from the Kiwanis park. Turned around after 9km as the surface was really tough on the trike. There’s 2 good wheel tracks for bikes, but the trike had to ride partially in the coarse trail ballast. Scenic area with farm views and a huge windmill farm in the distance.

Volksweg Trail

Very scenic

July, 2024 by xgqrms2jbn

I most recently rode the trail on the end of July 2024 from Howell Station Campground to the termination by Cordoba Park. It’s a wonderfully curvy and hilly trail. The hills are long and gentle and the views are great. It seems most of it was shaded. There were some cracks but most of it was smooth and any cracks were manageable. Going the other direction from my start would take you into Pella which is mostly uphill and not a lot of shade. I would highly recommend this trail my favorite being the part I ride along Lake Red Rock. traveling cyclist Facebook

Summerset Trail

Great trail

July, 2024 by tannermumm

I stumbled upon this trail exploring the Summerset State park and it was a very pleasant surprise all the way through! Wonderfully paved with blacktop (with only a couple clearly marked bumps here and there) it passes sweeping countryside vistas of farmland/crop land as well as long stretches of tree tunnels and woods. My favorite part was passing over the charming wooden trestle bridges going over the rushing streams and babbling brooks. My only regret was that I didn’t do more of the trail, I’ll definitely check this out again when I’m passing through the area.

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