Trails in Des Moines

Chichaqua Valley Trail 

Stretching 25 miles from Berwick to Baxter, the entire trail is paved, making it perfect for runners, cyclists, rollerbladers, and all other non-motorized methods of transportation. Watch for mile markers to Kansas City along the trail, what was formerly a railroad route. Abandoned in 1984, the railroad route reopened as a recreational trail in 1987 and features a stone bridge dating back to 1885. 

Trailheads:

• 1 mile east of Bondurant on NE 88th Street
• Baxter business district
• Mally’s Park in Berwick
• Ira
• Mingo
• Valeria 

Notable features: Restored caboose at Baxter trailhead
Places to refuel: Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company

Neal Smith Trail 

Neal Smith Trail rolls along the banks of the Des Moines River through the Ding Darling Greenway conservation area and then makes its way through a variety of landscapes, including riverbanks, wildflower meadows, lakeshores, and dense forests. Plenty of benches offer ample opportunities for trail users to rest and enjoy the deer, rabbits, butterflies, and other critters active along the route. 

Trailheads 

• Birdland Park and Marina
• Big Creek Marina 

Notable features: Saylorville Dam, Riverview Park, Big Creek State Park 
Places to refuel: Firetrucker Brewery

Clive Greenbelt Trail 

For a smoother walk, run, or jog, the Clive Greenbelt Trail is 11.3 miles of smooth asphalt, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. This beautiful and scenic route features an iconic bridge, creek, and small waterfalls. Located in Clive, IA, this trail is close to many food or drink hotspots, so you can get your grub on, before or after enjoying the trails. 

Trailheads:

• 1490 NW 86th Street, Clive 

Parking

• Lions Park in Clive
• Wildwood Park, Clive
• Campbell Recreation Area, Clive 

Notable features: Art along the trail, Greenbelt goats
Places to refuel: 515 Brewing

High Trestle Trail 

High Trestle Trail is a "rail-trail," or a decommissioned railroad line converted into a multi-use trail, so the terrain is relatively smooth and flat. The trail crosses over the 1/2-mile, 13-story high bridge over the Des Moines River valley. The High Trestle Trail Bridge is one of the largest trail bridges in the world and was named as one of BBC's "Eight Amazing Footbridges" in 2015. Illuminating the sky with bright lights after dark, the bridge includes six overlooks with interactive panels highlighting the area's cultural and natural history. 

Trailheads:

• Hawkeye Park in Ankeny
• N Main Street and Railroad Street in Woodword
• Sheldahl
• Slater
• Madrid 

Notable feature: High Trestle Trail Bridge, picturesque views of the Des Moines River valley, several art installations
Places to refuel: Flat Tire Lounge, Nite Hawk Bar & Grill

Gray's Lake and Water Works Park 

Get your steps in along the 1.9-mile trail encircling Gray’s Lake. In the evening, drink in the beautiful downtown Des Moines skyline from the colorfully illuminated bridge. Dip under Fleur Drive via the new pedestrian tunnel to explore Water Works Park and be sure to keep your eyes open for several pieces of public art.

Kruidenier Trail around Gray's Lake 

Trailheads:

• Gray’s Lake Park 

Notable features: Gray’s Lake, Beach, Christine Hensley Terrace, lighted bridge pathway
Places to refuel: Confluence Brewing 

Water Works Park 

Trailheads:

• Gray’s Lake Park 

Notable features: Nearly twice the size of Central Park, Arie den Boer Crabapple Arboretum, River Constellation 
Places to refuel: Des Moines Biergarten, Jasper Winery