Raccoon River Valley Trail
Trail facts:
Length: 56 miles
Surface: asphalt, concrete 4 miles south of Jefferson
Hours: year-round, 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Fees: $2.00/day or $10.00/year for ages 18 and up; trail passes are available at county conservation boards or trailheads.
Counties: Polk, Dallas, Guthrie and Greene
Cities: Waukee, Ortonville, Adel, Redfield, Linden, Panora, Yale, Herndon, Cooper and Jefferson
Connecting trails: Clive Greenbelt Trail
Uses: hiking, nature viewing, biking, cross-country skiing, skating, snowmobiling (minimum of four inches of snow) allowed in Guthrie County only (to Herndon), hunting in some areas
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Courtesy of: Mimi Habhab/INHF
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| Trail description:
This extensive trail runs for 56 miles through 10 cities and three counties. The prairie remnants and bottomland timber along the trail offer glimpses of what early Iowans might have seen here when they built and then rode the railroad that followed this route.
Much of the trail is lined with trees, giving trail users the feeling of walking under a shady canopy or tunnel. Open areas offer expansive views of the Iowa countryside—from agricultural fields to patches of native wildflowers and grasses. Many wildlife species can also be seen around the trail.
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Trailhead maps on this site:
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Resources from other sites:
- Dallas County Conservation Board
This site site covers four facets of the trail: accessibility, facts and features, history and a narrative tour. No maps are provided.
- Guthrie County Conservation Board
This site contains many trail photos, a small map, trail attractions, rules, safety tips, trail length, fees, management and contact information. The site has a pleasant design and is easy to navigate.
- Trails from Rails
This site has lots of pictures and a map displaying the towns the trail runs through. There is also a brief description and a list of each of the town’s amenities, such as hotels, restaurants and campgrounds.
- Raccoon River Valley Trail Association
This very informative site provides extensive information about the trail. Maps, fee information, trail events, news, history and other recreational activities are expanded upon. An overview of surrounding communities is also provided, as well as other links you can visit.
- Greater Dallas County Development Alliance
Here you can find things to do and places to see in Dallas County. The trail is included in the outdoor recreation section of the site.
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For local information:
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