Pack Up The RV! Let’s Go Biking!
You’re dying to get on your two wheeled roadster and feel the wind in your hair. No, we’re not talking about your hog, although you might want to bring it along in your toy hauler anyway. We’re talking about the pedal-powered variety of transportation. The kind that gets your legs burning and heart pumping. So, if you’re eager to get your helmet on and get the chains moving, you will need some primo trails to blaze! Here are our favorite bike spots in Iowa, sure to fulfill your bike craving.
HIGH TRESTLE TRAIL
Known for having one of the most beautiful bridges in the midwest, the High Trestle Trail is a great place to let the rubber meet the road. With 25 miles of paved recreational trail, High Trestle runs from Ankeny Iowa to Woodward Iowa. This trail is unique, because it follows the route of a former Union Pacific Railroad. Today, instead of shipping freight, it’s estimated that it’s used by 3,000 people each week. Oh, and don’t forget to see the bridge at night! The square light system glows blue, and is a pretty cool sight to see!
RACCOON RIVER VALLEY TRAIL
The Raccoon River Valley Trail is one of the biggest on our list. With 89 paved miles along the Raccoon River, this trail stops through many Iowa communities that you might want to stop by along the way. Daily fee: $2.
CEDAR PRAIRIE TRAIL
Roll your wheels along the gentle hills of the “Cedar Prairie Loop.” This paved trail offers a beautiful, tree-lined path right next to Black Hawk Creek. And, along the way there are picnic shelters and grills, playgrounds and restrooms. Get to Cedar Prairie for 17 miles of relaxing bike cruising.
SUGAR BOTTOM
If you’re looking to get some dirt on your mountain bike wheels, look no further than the Sugar Bottom trail. This trail is considered an intermediate level, with plenty of log hops and switchbacks. With 12 miles of winding trail, this spot offers a great place to get your heart pumping.
WHITE ROCK CONSERVANCY
Located on the 5,500 acre conservancy along the Middle Raccoon River Valley, this landscape is a mountain biker’s paradise. It has sixteen miles of bike-optimized single track trails and 12 miles of shared use trails there will be plenty of room to find new adventures. Trails are professionally designed and built to have varying degrees of difficulty to test and build your skills. Don’t forget your wallet, this trail is $3 a day.
So the next time you are craving some bike time, make sure you take these trail options into consideration!
