Explore the best rated trails in Grinnell, IA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Cedar Valley Nature Trail and Old Creamery Nature Trail . With more than 52 trails covering 4192 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.
This trail has much less use than others in town. Watch out for the many deer
We started in Akron and rode about 18 miles north. Loved it!!!
I rode the Chichaqua Trail in early October 2024. From the southwest end to 88th street east of Bondurant is smooth cement. There is parking and a restroom at 88th st where it changed to asphalt with a few minor issues. The worst part was between Ira and Baxter. Just watch for cracks. Some bad spots are paint marked. Overall a great long trail away from noise and traffic that I would highly recommend riding. I give it 5 stars! Traveling cyclist Facebook
I rode the Kewash in late Sept 2024. It’s paved from Washington up to the bridge at Crooked Creek where it changes to good crushed stone. There were a very few holes that some animals have dug here and there but overall the crushed stone is in solid great condition with no loose gravel. There is a lot of straight open riding with no shade. It’s a very serene ride with no interaction with the death machines. I rate this 5 stars for sure. Traveling cyclist Facebook
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
I said I rode in 2025 but I see no way to edit. I rode Sept 2024. Traveling cyclist Facebook
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.
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
This is another great trail in the Cedar Valley Trail system. It’s a smooth trail and though it runs near a road the noise is not deafening. I enjoyed this trail and I rate it 5 stars. Traveling cyclist Facebook
In early September 2024 I started this Cedar Valley Trail in Evansdale and headed south. The trail was paved but it has a lot of big perpendicular cracks and little sink spots that detract from the enjoyment. Too bad they haven't paint marked the bad spots that you cannot see when they're in shadow. It is one of the rougher trails I have ridden and I was begging for it to turn into crushed stone. At Miller Creek Road the trail was closed. I believe it's where the much wanted gravel section would have started. I think they are paving the gravel parts so the new parts should be good when completed. I was anxious to ride this trail but I was a little let down by the condition and the closing. 4 stars for surface condition.
Traveling cyclist
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