So I upgrade the riders in IOWA to very polite and trail friendly over one interview here. Choose from more than 13 properties, ideal house rentals for families, groups and couples. From Adel, you’ll pedal through Redfield, Linden (named for its many linden trees), and Panora in relatively quick succession. Restaurants and lodging are plentiful here. I started at 7 am at the Waukee trailhead. Some portions of the trail pass over raised boardwalks that enable hikers to … The trail has a lot of open stretches so remember that when deciding when to ride and watch out for the walnuts in the fall, yikes! You can finish your day’s journey by taking the short trail segment east along US 6 (Hickman Road) to the trail’s end in Clive. The lake and beach area are nice and not overly crowded. It was very well maintained and the small towns you encounter about every 6 miles were quite accommodating. The segment from Waukee northwest to Dallas Center was opened in October of 2012. Quaint, cheap, unique, and very nice. The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association organizes several activities along the trail each year, including rides, a Fall Festival, and an annual banquet. Here, you’ll also find restrooms and drinking water. Events Next time, I will probably just ride the main loop, and not include the northern part above Jamaica, simply due to the number of miles, and the bumps. Not jarring, but enough to be annoying. … Raccoon River Valley Trail: Urbandale, IA, US Route Overview Iowa Bikeways From the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. Eventually, this "Let's Connect Trail Project" will stretch to Woodward to meet the HTT. This should be repaired ASAP. We saw vehicles only in the towns. Raccoon river park has something for most everyone. The Middle/South Raccoon River Water Trail starts as two water trails that join midway below Redfield. To either side of the trail, the brushy embankments are also bustling with birds. Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . I saw on the map that the trail extends east for a few miles, to Clive, so I used that stretch as a warm up as it was a bit chilly out. Several nice places to stop for food and beverage breaks. I like the fact that it is a loop so we didn't have to back track. Head west about 41 miles to Jefferson, and turn left onto SR 4 (N. Elm St.). We crossed paths with about 15 different riders on the loop, and all were friendly. We stayed on Perry Iowa and we able to bike right to the trail and continue riding the whole loop. Many trees along the side, with corn fields on either side. A delightful find as was this trail. Some of the trails have been made by humans and some of them by their furry friends. The “connector” opens so many more trail routes and adventures! Even though the weather outside is cold this time of year, the Dallas County Conservation Board (DCCB) says the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) is getting plenty of use. The trail from Waukee to Herndon is all concrete. The trail will be adding another 33 mile loop in 2009 along another rail line, creating a loop. It's unfortunate, because the TH facilities, depot and campground in Jefferson are quite nice and it seems the locals are not getting the bike traffic and traveler money that other communities are. Nearly every cyclist spoke and said hello, there was only one solitary rider with headphones that failed the friendly greeting. I ride the lower half of the trail all the time, there is no damage from the flooding. Just this is enough to bring me back. I left Jefferson, and got back to the T in the trail, and headed south this time, to complete the loop. Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. From Waukee to Ortonville, flat, open corn fields From Ortonville to Adel. A project on the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Greene County is finally complete. A new 33- mile extension of the trail is being developed from Waukee, through Dallas Center, Minburn, Perry, Dawson, Jamaica and Herndon (where it will re-connect with the existing trail) that will create a nearly 90-mile paved looped trail! Better yet, buy an annual pass $10 and come back again and again. Look for the payment drop boxes at the trailheads. The trail is 10-feet wide and follows a … The entire trail is paved, and on the main loop, so are many of the country road crossings! The trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride around the lake. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. It is nice trail, but neither me, nor my bike, care for constant bumpy when I am out there having fun. Pheasant hunters can be found pursuing their interests on the portions of the trail open to hunting. Raccoon River Valley Trail Getting Plenty Of Use. North Raccoon River Water Trail. Especially those they had tried to fix. On the western outskirts of Des Moines, the Raccoon River Valley Trail offers a quintessential central Iowa experience. Contact, CHECK OUT OUR DIRECTORY TO HELP PLAN YOUR VISIT, “In the Shadow of the Rails” Greene County Installations Complete, Major Trail Maintenance is Taking Place Along Raccoon River Valley Trail. 95% of this ride is smooth riding. To stay on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, in Waukee, pivot west to continue on the trail’s loop toward Adel. Hunting Season Dates; Hunting and Habitat Public Meetings ... North Raccoon River Dallas County, Iowa Lizard Creek Webster County, Iowa Lower Des Moines River Eldon to Farmington, Iowa Maquoketa River Jones County, Iowa All respecting COVID19 social distancing practices. Work is well underway on the new "north loop" of the RRVT which will extend from the current trailhead in Waukee to Dallas Center, Minburn, Perry, Dawson, Jamaica and Herndon, where it will connect with the segment that runs between Yale and Cooper/Jefferson. This is a great trail. "Much of the trail has been resurfaced, except for a small section in and about two miles west of Adel. Went out and got to the first bridge from Jefferson that crosses the river and it was still down, the detour kind of sucked but other than that the trail was nice. Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 30,000 miles of trail maps and more! You’ll pass a self-service bicycle- repair station as you enter the town, which also has a refurbished depot with restrooms, drinking water, and a covered picnic table. If we ever come back, we will definitely stay there again.Day 2 started with a short walk to the Uptown Cafe. Uphill along the river, climbing up to a high prairie. Peek inside at the displays of railroad history and the old baggage room. We could see where water had been over the trail, but there was no damage to the trail in the sections we rode. I've been over every inch of this trail multiple times and just find it to be delightful. We live in Jefferson, so I'm most familiar with the northern end of the trail. Bicyclists, joggers, walkers, skaters, campers, cross-country skiers, birdwatchers, hunters, fishermen, naturalists and snowmobilers all use the RRVT, or at least those portions of the trail that are opened to specific uses. Check or FAQs for more common login questions. The Raccoon River Valley Trail is a great trail for fun family rides with a couple of exceptions. In 2018, the first section of an exciting new project to connect the Raccoon River Valley Trail to the stunning High Trestle Trail opened. The trail crosses many gravel/dirt roads and the transition from the pavement to dirt is frequently very rocky or has deep soft dirt which could be a problem with a road bike traveling at high speeds. Enjoy a 71-mile on the scenic Raccoon River Valley Trail featuring bacon specialty foods along the way. Through the woods, a canopy over you From Adel to Redfield. The Raccoon River Valley Trail is a 89-mile-long paved trail along the branches of the beautiful Raccoon River through Greene, Guthrie and Dallas Counties in west central Iowa. It was quite nice almost the entire ride. I've ridden all the way to Des Moines and back on both legs. All proceeds go to the conservation boards in the counties through which the trail passes, and the money is used for trail maintenance and improvements. The trail runs through 3 counties (Greene, Guthrie and Dallas) and local conservation officials are responsible for maintaining it. Nature Lodge. Uploaded: 7/19/2017. Thus turned out to be a fabulous choice. With a 9-mile “connector” trail now planned between the RRVT and the popular High Trestle Trail, the number of users on both trails is expected to mushroom in the years ahead. Go 1.3 miles, and turn left onto E. Lincolnway St. Travel seven blocks east to the parking lot, which is to your right just after you pass the depot.In Waukee, on the southern end of the trail, you can park at the intersection of US 6 (Hickman Road) and Ashworth Drive/N. The Trail is now closed between 252nd St and 265th St. No timeframe for repairs but certain to be closed for several months. In recent years, the Conservation Board directors, citing the reports from electrical counters along the trail, have estimated that more than 350,000 people per year are using the RRVT. Love the Midwest. At Panora, you’ll pass a lovely trailside garden and a covered shelter with railroad signage and a small section of track. I do, too. My wife and I are annual pass holders and can't possibly thank those who made this possible near enough. The only reason I might not ride that section again real soon is that there are a lot of cracks that have been filled, but the filling is now sunk in, and many other cracks that need filling, and despite the nice scenery, it was just too bumpy for me to be fun. “Even with the necessary trail closures, Dallas County offers dozens of miles of paved path along the north loop of the Raccoon River Valley Trail and High Trestle Trail.” Trail repairs are … As the trail uses a former railroad bed, the grade is quite flat in most places making it a great trail for cyclists of all abilities. We highly recommend it. GO. ", TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy, We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors, E. Lincolnway St. just east of S. Cedar St. (Jefferson) and Hickman Road west of NW 128th St. (Clive). We stopped in the town of Dallas Center and ate ice cream at the Korner Kone Ice Cream and Deli, which is right off the trail about 150 ft away. Turn left to travel east to the towns of Jamaica, Dawson, and Perry, or continue your southward momentum to the towns of Yale and Panora. AC was great. Over its 89-mile span, youll traverse woodlands, prairie and agricultural landscapes. I drove 600 miles to do it, and i am glad I did! The 39-mile portion of the trail from Waukee to Herndon is part of the American Discovery Trail, which runs between Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware and Point Reyes near the Bay Area of California. Raccoon River Valley Trail is a rail trail running 56 miles from Waukee, Iowa, to Jefferson, Iowa. I decided to do the complete trail. raccoonrivervalleytrailassociation@dallascountyiowa.gov, Trail Map Significant woodlands and wetlands throughout the area provide critical habitat for bog turtles, among numerous other threatened and endangered species. This all-important 9 miles will make central Iowa an even bigger destination! If you're in from out of town, buy a day pass for $2 and help support the trail. Snow across pass approximately 1 mile north of Panora on April fools day, 2019. Overall, it really is a nice trail....all paved, and except for the northern stretch, very smooth. It really is quiet nice. The stretch from Forest Park Museum, just south of Perry, through Perry and west to Dawson was opened about two years ago. Very clearly marked trail head and easy to follow instructions to submit money for the usage fee ($2 for a day, $10 for the year). The segment from Minburn, northwest to Perry was officially opened on June 30th of this year. A bridge lighting project in Adel began in mid-May. This rails-to-trails project involved a 35-mile trail extension of the popular Raccoon River Valley Trail in Dallas and Guthrie Counties. We hear they are going to connect the high trestle trail with this 89 mile trail which will make it even better! The trail is wide and flat, and is fairly easy walking. A person from the county told us these repairs are scheduled to be made soon. The Greene County Sheriff's department is hopeful that no one gets shot. The trail’s eastern endpoint is located about 4.8 miles east. In all our travels I don't thing I have seen as well maintained trail or facilities. Paved, scenic and best of all isn't right next to a road. It is rough from Yale to Jefferson. Like the Raccoon River Valley Trail? It might seem we are in need of AC a lot, but the heat index was almost 100% during our ride. From Perry, your trajectory turns southeast as you roll through the small farming town of Minburn and then Dallas Center a few miles later. On the western outskirts of Des Moines, the Raccoon River Valley Trail offers a quintessential central Iowa experience. Had a great ride today. All-in-all the ride was absolutely phenomenal, and we highly recommend this trail! We camped in a RV at Springbrook State Park which is six miles west of Yale. 515-465-3577 DCCB Outreach Coordinator Sarah Gilchrist says they have seen plenty of signs of activity out on the trail. Really, in passing it is only for a few seconds. In Mid-March 2019, a bridge collapsed which carries the Raccoon River Valley Trail over the North Raccoon River just south Jefferson. “The safety of trail users is our highest priority,” Wallace said. This is a destination trail that's worth your travel. The nearby trail that extends north from Des Moines is a much more varied and enjoyable ride. The total ride was 99 miles and there was live music playing at all the towns along the way. Help defend and expand trails nationwide. The trail is very rideable, but the section from Yale to Panora needs some repairs. Once I was south of the T, the trail wasn't as bumpy again. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The Raccoon River Valley Trail makes a great destination for bicyclists looking for a leisurely ride through a diverse cross section of Iowa, including the growing suburb of Waukee, to the picturesque county seat communities of Adel and Jefferson, to small towns such as Redfield, Linden, Panora, Yale, and Cooper. Alas, last summer, the brewery was gone and so was about 25% of the condition of the trail. With a short detour to Hanging Rock park in Redfield we totalled 53.5 miles on Day 2. why don't we have a current trail update map????????? Every trip on the RRVT should include a stop at Harvey's. The trail is signed very well. This section of the trail is fairly open. Summary: You need to ride this trail if you get the chance. Scenic and canopied and few long stretches of corn wasteland. Bicyclists, walkers, fishermen, snowmobilers & more use the RRVT. From Cooper, it’s 5 miles to Herndon, where you’ll come to your first trail junction. There are quite a difference in the sections of the trail. Surface water throughout the area is shed into the marshlands and tributaries of the Raccoon and Oldmans Creeks, which serve as important headwaters that feed the Delaware River and Bay. Come in the summer, and you’ll see a plethora of grasshoppers darting across the pathway. Would love to see more bed and breakfasts and food options spring up along the trails. Be careful to you don’t miss your turn on Waukee and end up in Clive! I cannot recall any town along the trail that didn't have at least some kind of rest stop. The Boathouse serves as a river trail and land trail hub and offers additional parking for easy access to the water. Just an unbelievably good trail experience all around. Several road crossings that are gravel... Definitely need to use caution as some were a bit of a rough transition, but easily manageable. The trail is paved. We didn't ask for that, the waitress offered. Riding 2 and even 3 wide and not slipping into single file when meeting other groups. We rode from Waukee to Jefferson going through Perry on Day 1. After getting to Jamaica I hit the T in the trail, and headed north, clear to Jefferson. From downtown Des Moines, take I-35 north for about 28 miles to Exit 111B for US 30 W (toward Ames). While most of the surface is fine, the intermittent cracks were rough. Construction on a new trailhead with restrooms, a shelter and other amenities is currently underway in Waukee where the existing trail and north loop of the trail currently intersect. Finally, there is an excellent walking trail (about 2 miles) circling the lake. Bear Mountain State Park is situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River. Get directions, reviews and information for Raccoon River Valley Trail in Waukee, IA. Some is concrete and found some newly laid blacktop near Yale. We came from another state because we were looking for an easy day drive to a trail. But the French Toast made with their homemade cinnamon bread was worth the wait.The trail between Herndon and Yale was like the couple miles north of Herndon: rough. The RRVT trestle two miles south of Jefferson continues to be closed after a portion of it collapsed during the March 2019 high water event, A number of improvement projects are taking place this year along the Raccoon River Valley Trail. We rode from Yale to Jefferson through miles and miles of corn and soybeans. There is a depot in Redfield that sells pop and gatoraid, and is 'manned' by locals who are very friendly. On nice fall/winter biking days you may encounter hunters that are purposefully trying to cause bikes to wreck by allowing their dogs to attack riders. Look for the north loop to be completely finished within the next couple of years, weather and funding permitting. The corridor is shaping up. I'll include some pics to. The bridge south of Jefferson is still out. Whoever repaired this part of the trail should be forced to get on a bike and ride it. My wife and I started on the Clive Greenbelt at 100th street, and rode west to the Raccoon River Trail. A trail pass is required by all trail users. The trailhead restroom facilities were overall excellent. Send to Device Advanced Export View Standard Route (with cuesheet) Route Details Turn left onto Ashworth Drive, and follow it for a half mile to the trail parking lot, which is located to your right and left just after you cross US 6. The trail winds its way between the lake and the Raccoon River providing a natural experience that can rarely be found in an urban environment. At the northern trailhead in Jefferson, you’ll be greeted by a former Milwaukee Road depot painted a cheerful yellow. In Iowa, the American Di The trail turns north here, and you’ll have 6 miles to go before reaching Yale, where you’ll pass by a massive grain silo, as well as a city park with restrooms and water. The “In the Shadow of the Rails” public art installations have been completed in Greene County, reports the Greene County Conservation Board. We spent over 6 hours riding the Raccoon River Valley loop. You’re on the homestretch now with 5 miles to go before reaching Herndon, the site of your first trail junction. We want to connect the Raccoon River Valley Trail with the High Trestle Trail”. The trail was built on a former railroad right-of-way. Home + Hunting. At its upper navigable reaches in Sac County, the river flows through a heavily glaciated area with unique scenery. What a nice trail and a great palce to be. 10th St. From I-80 westbound, take Exit 117 for Waukee. The trail is great and you can see that they have put a ton of resources into both the RRVT and the High Trestle Trail. Dallas Center and Perry both have several services (restaurants, beds and breakfasts, retail, convenience stores, etc) for trail users to take advantage of and plans are in the works in some of the other smaller communities to add trail amenities. Now it’s time for trail lovers to help. Returning from Michigan to ride the trail in 2014. DCCB Outreach Coordinator Sarah Gilchrist says they have. I was so glad I brought two 24 oz bottles of drink, I think a third bottle would have been better. It was nice doing it the once tho. My wife and I rode the entire trail over two days. The two-mile trail is wide and flat and meanders through various forest types before closely following the Metedeconk River for about ¼ mile. In particular the mile on either side of the trestle bridge a few miles south of Jefferson was really nice. The next day we rode from Yale to Redfield and back which is quite different. Frustrating!!!!! Raccoon River Valley Trail. For a state with so many great trails and the history of the RAGBRI you can do better IA. Even though the trail is mostly flat there are challenging gradual climbs. Smooth pavement with friendly and polite cyclists. Put it all together and you have the BACooN RIDE starting and ending in Waukee. There are restrooms and water frequently, and numerous benches. From the depot, you’ll head south past country homes for a few blocks until the trail dives under a shady tree canopy. This trail is well maintained and is in very good shape. We ate at the Mars Diner and Dairy Bar. It never gets old. Bids were let and construction will begin on the segment between Waukee and Dallas Center this fall. The guy working was quite pleasant and helped us with a minor issue. The Raccoon River Snow Chasers is a snowmobile club that grooms a trail for snowmobilers and cross country skiers to use during the winter. ", "The heart of this trail is the Waukee to Yale section of 34 miles. I had an y time finding a Casey's gas station just a few blocks west of the Jefferson trailhead, and took my food back to the Jefferson trailhead to eat. The Greene County portion of the trail is rough and in much need of repair and hunting is allowed during biking and walking. Note that using the trail requires a $2 daily fee for individuals age 18 and older. Paddlers can start their float as far upstream in Guthrie County as: Lenon Mill Park in Panora on the Middle Raccoon River - just over 17 miles to confluence. Although the building is open only for special occasions, ample parking is available here, and a drinking fountain can be found outside to fill up your water bottles for the journey. Reviews. Wed 06/07 (70.2 miles) Raccoon River Trail Fri 06/02 (37.3 miles) Lincoln Trail System Thu 06/01 (39.7 miles) Hwy 2 Mon 05/29 (38.9 miles) Lincoln Trail System If you choose the eastern leg, you’ll pedal through peaceful, picturesque terrain: farm fields and wildflower meadows interspersed with copses of trees. We made the 0.4 ride to the Forest Park Museum. Website. A highlight of this section is the 600-foot-long trestle bridge over the North Raccoon River. The trail is OK for hard-riding enthusiasts who want to crank out the miles, but for comfort cruisers like ourselves it lacks the scenery and amenities that the best trails in the midwest provide. The people seemed happy to see us, not annoyed by our intrusion into their town. We ate lunch in the town of Perry at David's Milwaukee Diner. There are also campgrounds and restaurants on the trail or within easy access. Daily - $2 Annual - $10 Currently, three segments are open. The RRVT is a great trail and we highly recommend it. Before you know it you are passing through gorgeous farm land with good shade. Its a shame they do not plow the snow during the winter. It was a free day so we didn't even have too pay the paltry $2 trail fee which I put in the box anyway. We skated from Perry to just passed Dallas Center and back for 30 miles. Construction on the "north loop" of the Raccoon River Valley Trail is continuing over the summer of 2012 with a projected completion in the spring of 2013. From Panora to Redfield is almost all in tree tunnels, welcome shade in the hot August weather.

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