High Trestle Trail
4.4(18)yelp
HikingOutdoorScenic Lookout
Overview
High Trestle Trail is a rail trail running from Ankeny to Woodward in central Iowa. The recreation trail opened on April 30, 2011. It is a paved recreational trail that runs through the Polk, Story, Boone, and Dallas counties.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-6 hours
Best TimeEarly summer (May to June) and peak autumn foliage (October) offer the most pleasant cycling and hiking conditions. Commencing your ride between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM is highly recommended; at this early hour, the air along this 25-mile continuous paved rail-trail is crisp, and morning sunbeams filter through the heavy oak canopy, creating a peaceful, crowd-free nature escape.
Getting ThereThis continuous multi-use trail loops through 5 gateway towns, stretching from Ankeny to Woodward. Drivers are highly advised to utilize the Madrid Trailhead at the historic depot park (301 S Water St), which offers an expansive, fully complimentary asphalt parking lot with direct ramp access to the trail. No public rapid transit rail exists along this rural trail network.
Travel Tips
- This 25-mile paved multi-use rail-trail spans four counties with zero trail fees; all major town trailheads provide high-capacity, unheight-restricted free parking lots suitable for daytime RV staging.
- The trail enforces a strict 15 mph speed limit for all users; standard Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted, but high-output e-bikes over 750W or lacking functional pedals (Class 3+) are legally banned.
- Large trail sectors cut through wide-open agricultural fields with zero shade canopy, pushing summer radiant heat to extremes; water hydration stations are spaced 5 miles apart, necessitating self-sufficiency.
Reviews
Positive
- A 25-mile fully paved rail-trail lined with mature shade trees, offering exceptional scenic riding scenery that matches the hype.
- Entirely free with flawless, crack-free asphalt and ultra-flat grades; awards top marks for smooth wheelchair and bike transit.
- Town trailheads along the way provide spacious free parking, fresh water fountains, and well-maintained flush restrooms.
- Despite high cyclist use, the massive 25-mile span makes it easy to find absolute rustic quiet along deep timber segments.
Heads up
- Popular segments near the main bridge get overly crowded on weekends; speeding racers and slow seniors clash without clear speed limits.
- Outside of specific town hubs, long mid-trail stretches lack shade pavilions; sudden summer thunder storms leave hikers stranded soggy.
- Open agricultural sections lack canopy cover, roasting heavily under midday summer sun while breeding biting flies from adjacent crops.
- Zero public transit intersections exist; if you run out of energy at a distant mile marker, summoning a rideshare is nearly impossible.