Kewash Nature Trail

Trail facts:

Length: 13.8 miles
Surface: crushed limestone on converted railbed, asphalt within Washington
Hours: year-round, 4:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Fees: $2/day or $8/year for ages 16 and older; passes available at local businesses, Marr Park, County Courthouse, Washington Library, Washington Chamber of Commerce
Counties: Washington
Cities: Keota, West Chester, Washington
Connecting trails: none
Uses: hiking, nature viewing, biking, cross-country skiing, skating in Washington

Courtesy of: Washington County Conservation Board

Trail description:

The Kewash Nature Trail traverses rich woodland areas and native prairie openings, providing a scenic tour of Iowa’s southern valleys. From Keota to West Chester, the trail corridor contains some reconstructed prairie areas showing off such species as silver sage, rattlesnake master, gentian and blazing star. The West Chester to Washington segment is known for its beautiful woodlands, unique bridges and diverse wildlife species.

The trail name is a combination of the first syllables in Keota and Washington. The Kewash Trail follows the same route as the first railroad connecting the young prairie towns.

Trail overview:

• Trail overview map
• Local amenities

Trailhead maps on this site:

• None available at this time

Resources from other sites:

• Rails to Trails Conservancy
  The Kewash Nature Trail is part of the Rails to Trails Conservancy. Find out more about this organization at this link.
• Washington County
  This site provides two maps of the Kewash Nature Trail. The link at the bottom of the page leads to an order form to obtain a pass for the trail.

Trail managers
*Washington County Conservation Board: 319-657-2400, http://co.washington.ia.us/departments/conservation

Local tourism info
*Washington Chamber of Commerce: 319-653-3272, www.washingtoniowa.com