INHF's role in trails

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INHF has helped create more than half of Iowa's rail trails.
Lisa Hein/INHF.

The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has been a leader in Iowa trails since 1980. In 2010 alone, we assisted partners on 24 Iowa trails — some in the early planning stages, some in process and some now complete. (See partial list below)

Unlike surrounding states, Iowa's multi-county trails are managed by local rather than statewide agencies. These local groups often rely on INHF for technical expertise and statewide perspective. Our first trail projects (the Heritage Trail and Cedar Valley Nature Trail) began 30 years ago. Since then, INHF has helped partners create nearly 600 of Iowa's 1,000 miles of rail-trails.

INHF's role on a given trail can range from minor (providing technical advice) to extensive (acquiring the trail corridor, marketing and promotion, education, and/or fundraising). We're also a partner in statewide trail planning and a lead promoter of Iowa trails, whether through our popular Iowa by Trail website or current efforts to position Iowa as "the world capital of trails."


Selected list of current/recent INHF trails projects

New and existing trails

  • High Trestle Trail: Recently completed trail in central Iowa, connecting Ankeny to Woodward (25 miles with iconic bridge). Still accepting donations to help local partners add trailheads, signage and other amenities.
  • Wabash Trace Nature Trail: Long-time trail from Council Bluffs to Blanchard (63 miles) in southwest Iowa. Still helping volunteers and local agencies with funding the summer mainenance crew and planning for trail improvements.


Acquiring corridor, helping partners fund & establish trail


Helping partners fund or establish trail

  • Raccoon River Valley Trail: Central Iowa. Proposed 17-mile segment connecting Perry, Whiterock Conservancy and Coon Rapids.
  • Summerset Trail: Planned link from end of trail in Carlisle to Des Moines via Easter Lake.


Regional and national trails through Iowa