The 34-mile Iowa River's Edge Trail will run through Hardin and Marshall counties, providing more opportunities for Iowans to get outdoors and be active.
The former rail corridor has been secured, and construction has begun on both ends of the corridor. The segment connecting Eldora and Steamboat Rock is complete. Your gift now will help secure more public grants to continue the trail development over the next few years.
Why is this trail significant?
The Iowa River's Edge Trail will connect seven cities and two counties to the Iowa River Greenbelt and the Central Iowa Trail Network.
The proposed trail is located in an area known for its scenic qualities and diverse wildlife habitat, possessing scenic bluffs, wetlands and species usually only found in the northeast corner of Iowa.
Who will benefit?
More than 223,000 people live within a half-hour drive of the Iowa River's Edge Trail (IRT). The trail will provide ample opportunities to locals and visitors alike for recreation and exploration throughout the year.
For those looking for long-distance trails, the Iowa River's Edge Trail will link to a variety of local, county, regional and state trails, including: the Iowa River State Water Trail, Gunderson Trail in Eldora, Bates Trail in Union, Iowa River Scenic Drive, Linn Creek Greenbelt, the Iowa River Greenbelt, the Iowa 330 Trail and the Pine Lake State Park Trail. The Grimes Nature Center will also be accessible from the trail.
The Iowa River's Edge Trail will boost local businesses and economies through recreation tourism.
Recreation opportunities include:
- Wildlife viewing
- Walking
- Running
- Bicycling
- Geocaching
- Cross country skiing
- Snowmobiling