INHF: High Trestle Trail

This page was updated July 2010

INHF photo file

Monoliths at end of High Trestle Trail high bridge under construction, summer 2010.

Central Iowa will soon have its premier destination trail. The last two miles of the Ankeny to Woodward trail and its scenic bridge will be completed by late fall 2010.

NEW: View a slideshow of construction progress on the High Trestle Trail bridge.

At this time, construction is progressing on the 1/2 mile long, 13-story tall bridge that will soon span the Des Moines River Valley and complete the 25-mile long High Trestle Trail (previously referred to as the Ankeny to Woodward Trail).
View more great pictures of bridge construction, thanks to Snyder and Associates of Ankeny.

NOTE: Most of the trail is complete. However, work continues on the last trail stretch and the high bridge. We ask trail users to please respect construction zone signs. The bridge will not be open for use until construction is complete. Trespassers risk accidents and can cause construction delays!

Party!

NEW: Trail partners are starting to plan a major celebration of the trail's official opening, April 30, 2011. You are invited!
Read the news release (7-2010).

The event will feature activities in each of the trail towns: Ankeny, Sheldahl, Slater, Madrid and Woodward. If you’d like to help with this major event, you can contact Lisa Hein at INHF, phone 515-288-1846.

Watch this page for updates.

You can still Pledge or Donate

Trail partners are grateful to more than 800 donors and to the major public grants that have brought this $14.7 million project to life. Congratulations and thanks to the five trail communities, four trail counties and INHF, who have worked consistently on this project for nearly eight years.

High Trestle Trail Connects

The High Trestle Trail's 25 miles run through the 5 towns — Ankeny, Madrid, Sheldahl, Slater and Woodward — in Polk, Story, Boone and Dallas counties (see map). The trail will also connect two 100-mile trail loops planned for the Central Iowa Trail Network,with links to the Heart of Iowa Trail, Neal Smith Trail & 4-Mile Creek Greenway Trail. More on trail connections.

News and links

Ankeny to Woodward trail maps: small size or large size
Conceptual models of bridge
Central Iowa Trails home page
View more photos and news about the trail and bridge progress
List of major donors to Ankeny to Woodward Trail project (12-24-08).

For more news and views, see High Trestle Trail Archive

For more information, e-mail Lisa Hein or Ann Robinson at INHF, or call (515) 288-1846.

High Trestle Trail in home stretch: Partners plan spring opening

High Trestle Trail in home stretch:
Partners plan spring opening