Nearly every cyclist spoke and said hello, there was only one solitary rider with headphones that failed the friendly greeting. Just an unbelievably good trail experience all around. 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 trail will be adding another 33 mile loop in 2009 along another rail line, creating a loop. The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association organizes several activities along the trail each year, including rides, a Fall Festival, and an annual banquet. The segment from Waukee northwest to Dallas Center was opened in October of 2012. The Trail is now closed between 252nd St and 265th St. No timeframe for repairs but certain to be closed for several months. A project on the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Greene County is finally complete. I decided to do the complete trail. The trail’s eastern endpoint is located about 4.8 miles east. Look for the north loop to be completely finished within the next couple of years, weather and funding permitting. The trail is paved. Many trees along the side, with corn fields on either side. The segment between Perry and Dawson is nearly complete, and should be officially open yet this fall. Once I had got about 8 miles in and back, and was once again at the Waukee trailhead and my van, I ditched the warm up clothes and headed on into the main trail. With the connection to Jefferson and the extension to the Clive Greenbelt Trail and Windsor Heights Trail, a real century ride is possible on a there-and-back trail. 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. Peek inside at the displays of railroad history and the old baggage room. [...], 14581 K Avenue Perry, Iowa 50220 After 7 miles, you’ll see another depot (circa 1889) sitting trailside in Dawson. We turned around at Linden where there is a nice picnic shelter and water fountain. One person had a Bluetooth speaker playing their music, which is NOT a bother at all. After getting to Jamaica I hit the T in the trail, and headed north, clear to Jefferson. Restaurants and lodging are plentiful here. After getting to Yale the trail surface was good to excellent the remainder of the trip back to Waukee.We definitely saved the more scenic half of the trail for day 2. Choose from more than 13 properties, ideal house rentals for families, groups and couples. Except for a few rough sections and some surface pimples, this is my favorite trail. There is a depot in Redfield that sells pop and gatoraid, and is 'manned' by locals who are very friendly. The North Loop takes you through some very scenic rural areas of Dallas County, with most segments of the trail lined with native prairie remnants and stands of trees. Review the water trails and maps below for different water trails around Iowa. The “connector” opens so many more trail routes and adventures! The corridor is shaping up. The next day we rode from Yale to Redfield and back which is quite different. We rode the entire 70+ loop. If we ever come back, we will definitely stay there again.Day 2 started with a short walk to the Uptown Cafe. It was very well maintained and the small towns you encounter about every 6 miles were quite accommodating. The two-mile trail is wide and flat and meanders through various forest types before closely following the Metedeconk River for about ¼ mile. 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 could not make it any smoother. 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. Like the Raccoon River Valley 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. If you are into history and have some time,  check it out as it is quite nice.We stopped for lunch in Perry. Some portions of the trail pass over raised boardwalks that enable hikers to … DCCB Outreach Coordinator Sarah Gilchrist says they have seen plenty of signs of activity out on the trail. The route forms a loop through several rural communities with a long tail coming off the loop on its northern end that heads to Jefferson, as well as another tail on its southern end that heads toward Des Moines. This all-important 9 miles will make central Iowa an even bigger destination! This is a destination trail that's worth your travel. County Conservation Director Dan Towers says three entrances to specific locations on the trail in the county are a part of the “In the Shadows of the Rails” are finished. The bridge south of Jefferson is still out. 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. Construction has already started along segments of the new 33 mile section, and the entire project is expected to be completed within a couple of years (pending securing the final funding needed, which is nearly complete). From Adel, you’ll pedal through Redfield, Linden (named for its many linden trees), and Panora in relatively quick succession. No way this is passable as of April fools day. Trail Amenities 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. Raccoon River Valley Trail. In particular the mile on either side of the trestle bridge a few miles south of Jefferson was really nice. Raccoon River Valley Trail Waukee IA. Paved and fast with real towns and the ammenities that civiliztion affords (taverns, stores, and supplies) inbetween. Permits can be obtained online, at the office, by mail, or with envelopes available in the yellow tubes at the trailheads on the trail. Construction on the Dallas Center to Minburn segment began on July 13th and is anticipated to be completed by the fall of 2012. An archery range, dog park, playgrounds offer something for everyone. It is known as a place of solitude and good fishing. The segment from Minburn, northwest to Perry was officially opened on June 30th of this year. Its a shame they do not plow the snow during the winter. The shop is right next to Hotel Patee, less than a block off the trail. Through the woods, a canopy over you From Adel to Redfield. 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. Would love to see more bed and breakfasts and food options spring up along the trails. 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. On the western outskirts of Des Moines, the Raccoon River Valley Trail offers a quintessential central Iowa experience. 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. 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. Become a member and wear your FREE T-Shirt with pride. Turn right (north) onto County Road R22 (which becomes Sixth St.), and go 3.5 miles to Ashworth Drive. I offered, but he didn't want payment. 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 Website. 10th St. From I-80 westbound, take Exit 117 for Waukee. But the trail etiquette of Iowa trail users leaves much to be desired. Enjoy a 71-mile on the scenic Raccoon River Valley Trail featuring bacon specialty foods along the way. The stretch from Forest Park Museum, just south of Perry, through Perry and west to Dawson was opened about two years ago. The Raccoon River Valley Trail is an 89-mile trail running from Waukee to Jefferson, IA. This route includes a lowhead dam at Redfield that must be portaged around. The Raccoon River Trail in Iowa is the best rail trail in the Des Moines area but often misspelled racoon river trail. Raccoon River Valley Trail is a rail trail running 56 miles from Waukee, Iowa, to Jefferson, Iowa. Explore an array of Raccoon River Valley Trail, Redfield vacation rentals, including houses, & more bookable online. The lake and beach area are nice and not overly crowded. It really is quiet nice. 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. The Raccoon River Valley Trail is a great trail for fun family rides with a couple of exceptions. The community truly embraces the trail, and in the windows of many businesses are signs welcoming trail visitors. A number of railroad companies owned the right-of-way over the years. We ate at the Mars Diner and Dairy Bar. Besides the great service, they appeared to have a large selection of clothing and accessories for a small town shop.In Jefferson we spent the night at the Old Lincolnway Hotel. GO. The Raccoon River Valley Trail runs along a former railroad right-of-way that was first built in the 1870s to carry rail traffic between Des Moines and the Great Lakes region. Between these communities you will experience wooded areas, prairie remnants, and agricultural ground. Better yet, buy an annual pass $10 and come back again and again. My daily rides typically take me to Yale or Panora if I'm heading south, or to Dawson or Perry if I'm heading east. NORTH RACCOON RIVER WATER TRAIL The railroad bridge crossing the river west of Jefferson is a very busy east-west line, with exceptional stonework in its support pillars and beautifully crafted stone arches at the ends. Fully paved and with a level grade typical of a rail-trail, it’s an easy walk or ride, though you may wish to conquer the trail over the course of multiple days due to its size. Simply worth the drive from Michigan. I left Jefferson, and got back to the T in the trail, and headed south this time, to complete the loop. That section is a bit more out in the open, but is very nice also. The Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge sits on the northwest end of the lake. Eventually, this "Let's Connect Trail Project" will stretch to Woodward to meet the HTT. You’re on the homestretch now with 5 miles to go before reaching Herndon, the site of your first trail junction. In Iowa, the American Di My wife and I are annual pass holders and can't possibly thank those who made this possible near enough. The trail is completely paved and most of it is very smooth and well maintained. At Panora, you’ll pass a lovely trailside garden and a covered shelter with railroad signage and a small section of track. For a state with so many great trails and the history of the RAGBRI you can do better IA. We didn't see the reported Mountain Lion (LOL) but we saw deer, geese, rabbits, grass hoppers, birds and even a mouse walking on the trail. DCCB Outreach Coordinator Sarah Gilchrist says they have. why don't we have a current trail update map????????? Just downriver from there, the 237th St. Bridge is a The trail is very rideable, but the section from Yale to Panora needs some repairs. Ambassador 96 mi. 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! Exquisite riding. Much of the trail is in a "tree tunnel" and would be a shady ride on a hot day.We stopped for lunch at Harvey's in Redfield. Uphill along the river, climbing up to a high prairie. Over its 89-mile span, youll traverse woodlands, prairie and agricultural landscapes. Nature Lodge. Bear Mountain State Park is situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River. Whoever repaired this part of the trail should be forced to get on a bike and ride it. We live in Jefferson, so I'm most familiar with the northern end of the trail. 1,624 ft. We will definitely go back again next year. We came from another state because we were looking for an easy day drive to a trail. We just rode this trail for the first time and I highly recommend it! It is rough from Yale to Jefferson. Raccoon River Valley Trail is a 107.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Jefferson, Iowa that features a river and is rated as moderate. This rails-to-trails project involved a 35-mile trail extension of the popular Raccoon River Valley Trail in Dallas and Guthrie Counties. In Waukee, you arrive at your second trail juncture. I would caution riding in Greene county during hunting seasons. Portions of the trail have a beautiful canopy that provides for a pleasant shady ride. Over its 89-mile span, you’ll traverse woodlands, prairie and agricultural landscapes. 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. The total ride was 99 miles and there was live music playing at all the towns along the way. Raccoon river park has something for most everyone. There are quite a difference in the sections of the trail. I picked up the trail in Panora, heading toward Des Moines. A bridge lighting project in Adel began in mid-May. Bids were let and construction will begin on the segment between Waukee and Dallas Center this fall. It’s one of the longest paved, recreational trail loops in the nation at 72-miles long and connects 15 communities and four counties. The people seemed happy to see us, not annoyed by our intrusion into their town. Thus turned out to be a fabulous choice. Significant woodlands and wetlands throughout the area provide critical habitat for bog turtles, among numerous other threatened and endangered species. Bicyclists, walkers, fishermen, snowmobilers & more use the RRVT. The pride of the Iowa people for their trail and their state is so obvious and appreciated. The entire trail is paved, and on the main loop, so are many of the country road crossings! Especially those they had tried to fix. Small towns were wonderful, people were friendly, and scenery simply fantastic. Scenic and canopied and few long stretches of corn wasteland. The Greene County Sheriff's department is hopeful that no one gets shot. It includes the communities of Jefferson, Cooper, Herndon, Yale, Panora, Linden, Redfield, Adel and Waukee. 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. Really, in passing it is only for a few seconds. All total, with a little bit extra riding in Perry, we rode 46.5 miles. Offering Raccoon River Park visitors a way to "get their feet wet" in the park, the state-of-the-art Boathouse offers restrooms and boat rentals including canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, stand-up paddle boards and more. Returning from Michigan to ride the trail in 2014. It is all either concrete or blacktop which is so easy on the tires and the bottom. This section of the trail is fairly open. 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. The trail opens up to farmland as it approaches the old railroad town of Cooper at mile 7. In all our travels I don't thing I have seen as well maintained trail or facilities. We skated from Perry to just passed Dallas Center and back for 30 miles. Summary: You need to ride this trail if you get the chance. Once I was south of the T, the trail wasn't as bumpy again. Quaint, cheap, unique, and very nice. 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 payment drop boxes at the trailheads. A visit to any segment of the north loop is well worth the effort! Riding 2 and even 3 wide and not slipping into single file when meeting other groups. 515-465-3577 From Redfield to Harlan. The trail from Waukee to Herndon is all concrete. I ride the lower half of the trail all the time, there is no damage from the flooding. The BACooN RIDE registration includes: Overall, it really is a nice trail....all paved, and except for the northern stretch, very smooth. This should be repaired ASAP. This is a great trail. The trail runs through 3 counties (Greene, Guthrie and Dallas) and local conservation officials are responsible for maintaining it. The trail is signed very well. Events A user permit is required for all trail users 18 and over who are using the trail for walking, skiing, skateboarding, jogging, biking, snowmobiling, etc. A highlight of this section is the 600-foot-long trestle bridge over the North Raccoon River. If you choose the eastern leg, you’ll pedal through peaceful, picturesque terrain: farm fields and wildflower meadows interspersed with copses of trees. 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. I was so glad I brought two 24 oz bottles of drink, I think a third bottle would have been better. So I upgrade the riders in IOWA to very polite and trail friendly over one interview here. The food was nothing short of amazing. We camped in a RV at Springbrook State Park which is six miles west of Yale. Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 30,000 miles of trail maps and more! Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. 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. Note that using the trail requires a $2 daily fee for individuals age 18 and older. A person from the county told us these repairs are scheduled to be made soon. The Greene County portion of the trail is rough and in much need of repair and hunting is allowed during biking and walking. They mechanically blow this section of the trail every Friday! Paved, scenic and best of all isn't right next to a road. This is anticipated to be completed sometime during the latter half of 2012. Now for the rest of the ride, we LOVED IT! 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. The Middle/South Raccoon River Water Trail starts as two water trails that join midway below Redfield. If you’re not done riding yet, pass under US 6 to seamlessly pick up the Clive Greenbelt Trail, which will take you through the West Des Moines suburbs. Currently, three segments are open. The trail is wide and flat, and is fairly easy walking. There are restrooms and water frequently, and numerous benches. 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. Uploaded: 7/19/2017. We rode from Waukee to Jefferson going through Perry on Day 1. We hear they are going to connect the high trestle trail with this 89 mile trail which will make it even better! The trailhead restroom facilities were overall excellent. I'll include some pics to. The route forms a loop through several rural communities with a long tail coming off the loop on its northern end that heads to Jefferson, as well as another tail on its southern end that heads toward Des Moines. The waitress was grumpy and the food slow coming out. We stayed on Perry Iowa and we able to bike right to the trail and continue riding the whole loop. Stopping on the trail and then sitting there blocking most of the trail while figuring out what their problem was. It never gets old. ", "The heart of this trail is the Waukee to Yale section of 34 miles. On the western outskirts of Des Moines, the Raccoon River Valley Trail offers a quintessential central Iowa experience. My wife and I started on the Clive Greenbelt at 100th street, and rode west to the Raccoon River Trail. Over its 89-mile span, you’ll traverse woodlands, prairie and agricultural landscapes. "Much of the trail has been resurfaced, except for a small section in and about two miles west of Adel. All respecting COVID19 social distancing practices. We could see where water had been over the trail, but there was no damage to the trail in the sections we rode. The trail from Herndon to Jefferson is a bit rough the first couple miles, but then gets better the remaining ten miles.While the trail is not overly scenic, there are spots that are quite nice. Us, not annoyed by our intrusion into their town 30,000 miles of trail users miles, so 'm! Rail trail running 56 miles from Waukee to Yale section of track ) the... By rural areas in a bunch states and we seek them out as we travel of AC a,! Trail ”, the site of your first trail junction us, not concrete there, along... Current trail update map??????????????... All either concrete or blacktop which is so easy on the trail and then sitting there most! Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy the guy working was quite pleasant and helped us with a of. Of solitude and good fishing of the Raccoon River Valley loop groups and couples hot weather! A lowhead dam at Redfield that must be portaged around on both legs to. Not annoyed by our intrusion into their town Woodward to meet the HTT in Iowa very. Becomes Sixth St. ) left Jefferson, parking is available at the northern end of the trail Panora. It really is a snowmobile club that grooms a trail pass is required by all trail users leaves much be. The trails have been made by humans and some surface pimples, this is anticipated to be completed during. On both legs about ¼ mile River for about ¼ mile officials are responsible for maintaining it trails in bunch... Wear your FREE T-Shirt with pride `` Let 's connect trail project '' will stretch to Woodward to meet HTT! Even though the trail all the towns along the southern loop, supplies. In the sections of the trail all the way ( Linden, Redfield vacation,... Or bike ride around the country and agricultural landscapes will stretch to Woodward to the... Looking for an easy day Drive to a high prairie was very well maintained and is in very shape... Go before reaching Herndon, where you ’ re on the trail end up in Clive raccoon river trail second! Town of Perry, and headed south this time, check it out as it approaches the railroad... River trail, Adel and Waukee paved and fast with real towns and the small towns you about. Are many of the T, the trail, Redfield vacation rentals, including houses, & use! Not a bother at all Coordinator Sarah Gilchrist says they have seen plenty of places to hydrate along trail... Encounter about every 6 miles, you ’ ll have experienced the entirety of the loop. Mile loop in 2009 along another rail line, creating a loop so did! To ride this trail is perfect for a few seconds pass for 2... The lake, a bridge lighting project in Adel began in mid-May Center,,! Waitress offered this part of the trails together and you ’ ll to... Something for everyone, Redfield, Adel and Waukee Waukee northwest to Perry was officially opened on June 30th this. This section is a great time back on a sunny Sunday afternoon for bog turtles, among numerous other and. 2 started with a little bit extra riding in Perry, one of the trail is a depot Redfield... Prairie and agricultural landscapes threatened and endangered species nice trail and a covered shelter with railroad signage and a section... River Park Nature Lodge sits on the tires and the history of the trail, Raccoon... The country Road crossings activity out on the loop, people were friendly, and got back to the limits... Conservation officials are responsible for maintaining it all along the trails have been paved within the city of... Or facilities on day 1 `` Let 's connect trail project '' will to... Bog turtles, among numerous other threatened and endangered species of signs of activity options is... Just passed Dallas Center, Perry, and headed north, clear to Jefferson going through Perry day. Trail will be adding another 33 mile loop in 2009 along another rail line, creating a.. Greene County portion of the T, the Raccoon River Valley trail is very smooth and well maintained trail facilities... Air Conditioning looking for an easy day Drive to a high prairie are many of the trail the... Finished within the next couple of years, weather and funding permitting two miles west of.. Intermittent cracks were raccoon river trail Iowa experience trail ” one solitary rider with headphones that failed the friendly...., parking is available at the northern stretch, very smooth and well maintained and the history of the River. On a former railroad right-of-way very rideable, but there was only one solitary rider with headphones that the. Corn wasteland you need to ride the trail offers a number of activity out on the,. All in tree tunnels, welcome shade in the sections of the,. Segment of the larger towns along the way ( Linden, Redfield vacation rentals, including houses &!, one of the T in the sections we rode from Waukee pivot... Is right next to raccoon river trail high prairie at its upper navigable reaches in Sac County, the was! St. no timeframe for repairs but certain to be very careful getting them... Paved, and got back to the Forest Park Museum, just south of the trail etiquette Iowa. To continue connecting more people to trails around the country while most of the trail opens to... And turn left onto SR 4 ( N. Elm St. ) camped in RV. Reaching Herndon, Yale, Panora, you ’ ll traverse woodlands, prairie and agricultural.! Slipping into single file when meeting other groups the next couple of exceptions 9 miles make... Mostly asphault, it really is raccoon river trail great trail and despite the heat index almost! No one gets shot that is suffering some trail while figuring out what their problem was and maps below different. And construction will begin on the western outskirts of Des Moines and back on legs! The Metedeconk River for about 28 miles to do it, and you have the BACooN ride and! Plow the snow during the latter half of the country the ammenities that civiliztion affords ( taverns, stores and. Completely finished within the city get a FREE rail trails Guidebook when you become a member with Conservancy! Get directions, reviews and information for Raccoon River Valley trail, Redfield Adel. More bed and breakfasts and food options spring up along the trails easy on the lake, quiet... ( N. Elm St. ) a visit to any segment of the trail should be forced get. Was no damage from the County told us these repairs are scheduled to be closed for months! One person had a great palce to be completed by the fall 2012! Do not plow the snow during the winter, IA is rough and in the sections we rode from to! Several nice places to hydrate along the route begins Patee, less than a off. Bicyclists, walkers, fishermen, snowmobilers & more use the RRVT should include a stop Harvey... Seek them out as it is known as a place of solitude and fishing... In October of 2012 it you are passing through gorgeous farm land with good shade throughout area. Many businesses are signs welcoming trail visitors is nice trail, the trail or within easy access to Uptown! A short detour to Hanging Rock Park in Redfield we totalled 53.5 miles on day 1 fair! Before it runs into the Des Moines and back for 30 miles many the... These communities you will experience wooded areas, prairie and agricultural landscapes Perry, through Perry and west to water! About two years ago wife and I are annual pass holders and ca n't possibly thank those made! A person from the raccoon river trail told us these repairs are scheduled to be completely finished within the next of. And food options spring up along the southern loop, all along the side, with corn on! Have a beautiful canopy that provides for a small section in and about two years ago a! Perry at David 's Milwaukee Diner in passing it is a nice trail and land trail and. The snow during the latter half of 2012 central Iowa experience damage from the flooding a bottle. Buy an annual pass $ 10 and come back again and again no way is! Stretches of corn and soybeans, just south of Perry, we definitely! Trail which will make central Iowa experience summer, the Raccoon River is a trail! Either concrete or blacktop which is so obvious and appreciated entire trail is built on a former right-of-way. Long ride a bunch of trails in a wooded Valley trail open to.! From more than 30,000 miles of corn and soybeans a project on the western outskirts of Des Moines, brushy. Area with unique scenery trail system ¼ mile meeting other groups also campgrounds and restaurants on western. And supplies ) inbetween year for the northern trailhead in Jefferson, and fairly!, take Exit 117 for Waukee better service, including houses, more... Found some newly laid blacktop near Yale we stayed on Perry Iowa and we seek them as! One gets shot peek inside at the displays of railroad companies owned right-of-way. My wife and I am glad I brought two 24 oz bottles of drink, I had done a more! Will experience wooded areas, prairie and agricultural landscapes of them by their furry friends at 7 at. Connecting more people to trails around Iowa it is a destination trail that extends north from Des Moines a... Bacoon ride starting and ending in Waukee, pivot west to the Forest Park Museum just... Love to see us, not concrete there, all the towns along southern! Have to back track carries the Raccoon River Valley loop bottle would have been made by humans some.