Iowa has transformed more abandoned railroad beds into bike trails than any other state! With a variety of terrains--hilly, rocky, forests, prairies, and waterways--Iowa has something for every level of biker. Beginners will be happy to experience some of the longest paved trails anywhere in the country. You've just got to come and see for yourself!
The Wabash Trail near Council Bluffs is a great place for the entire family to ride. There's nothing too difficult and you can ride as long as you want. The entire length of the trail is 25 miles and it runs through some gorgeous countryside and charming little towns. The trail is mostly flat and there's lots of cool places to stop along the way. This makes for a terrific and relaxing ride!
The Sycamore Trail near Des Moines is also known as the "Brickyard." (Because it used to be one!) Most of the trail runs along the Des Moines River for about 7 miles. However you can several miles to your ride by branching off on one of the challenging loops along the trail. The Brickyard area is very rocky and steep and technical. Part of the trail actually gets submerged under water during spring, so always ride when it's dry. Watch out for deer on the trail as well.
Looking for hilly terrain with some really awesome downhill shots where you can pick up some speed? What about creek crossings? You'll find that and a lot more at the Oleson Park Trail not far from Fort Dodge. This trail was designed by Joker Racing, so bikers are going to love it!
Iowa City is home to the Sugar Bottom Recreation Area. Here you'll find a web of trails totalling nearly 12 miles with something for every biker of every skill level. These great, well-marked trails are mostly one-way, so watch for signs or look at a map. Then choose trails to match your skill level. Advanced riders will love the trails with technical challenges like roots and double backs. Keep your eyes open, though. You won't be the only bikers here, as this area is pretty popular.
If you want to try out the bike track that hosted the first MTB racing event in Iowa, come to the Decorah Mountain Bike Trail System. For 14 miles you can test your endurance and skills on lots of different terrains and surfaces including dirt track and rocks, with more rocks and roots to navigate and some steep inclines and rapid descents just to name a few of the challenges.
Another trail perfect for the most adventurous of bikers is the Lewis and Clark Trail near Council Bluffs. It's a good thing that there are some good bailout points along this 7-mile track because there's a lot of technical stuff here and intermediate riders may not be up for all of them. Twists, turns, roller coaster hills, sharp inclines and drops, obstacles to navigate, and more keep this one interesting. And you'll need to watch out for hikers on these trails, as well.
With over 1,200 miles of bike trails, the state of Iowa is a mountain biker's paradise. Hopefully the choices above have whet your appetite to experience them for yourself! Happy trails!
The Wabash Trail near Council Bluffs is a great place for the entire family to ride. There's nothing too difficult and you can ride as long as you want. The entire length of the trail is 25 miles and it runs through some gorgeous countryside and charming little towns. The trail is mostly flat and there's lots of cool places to stop along the way. This makes for a terrific and relaxing ride!
The Sycamore Trail near Des Moines is also known as the "Brickyard." (Because it used to be one!) Most of the trail runs along the Des Moines River for about 7 miles. However you can several miles to your ride by branching off on one of the challenging loops along the trail. The Brickyard area is very rocky and steep and technical. Part of the trail actually gets submerged under water during spring, so always ride when it's dry. Watch out for deer on the trail as well.
Looking for hilly terrain with some really awesome downhill shots where you can pick up some speed? What about creek crossings? You'll find that and a lot more at the Oleson Park Trail not far from Fort Dodge. This trail was designed by Joker Racing, so bikers are going to love it!
Iowa City is home to the Sugar Bottom Recreation Area. Here you'll find a web of trails totalling nearly 12 miles with something for every biker of every skill level. These great, well-marked trails are mostly one-way, so watch for signs or look at a map. Then choose trails to match your skill level. Advanced riders will love the trails with technical challenges like roots and double backs. Keep your eyes open, though. You won't be the only bikers here, as this area is pretty popular.
If you want to try out the bike track that hosted the first MTB racing event in Iowa, come to the Decorah Mountain Bike Trail System. For 14 miles you can test your endurance and skills on lots of different terrains and surfaces including dirt track and rocks, with more rocks and roots to navigate and some steep inclines and rapid descents just to name a few of the challenges.
Another trail perfect for the most adventurous of bikers is the Lewis and Clark Trail near Council Bluffs. It's a good thing that there are some good bailout points along this 7-mile track because there's a lot of technical stuff here and intermediate riders may not be up for all of them. Twists, turns, roller coaster hills, sharp inclines and drops, obstacles to navigate, and more keep this one interesting. And you'll need to watch out for hikers on these trails, as well.
With over 1,200 miles of bike trails, the state of Iowa is a mountain biker's paradise. Hopefully the choices above have whet your appetite to experience them for yourself! Happy trails!
About the Author:
Quality cruiser bikes at an affordable price aren't easy to find. That is why PJ opened The Comfort Bike Shop. An excellent resource for beginners and recreational cyclists looking for a quality, affordable cruiser bike.
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