Head west about 41 miles to Jefferson, and turn left onto SR 4 (N. Elm St.). All-in-all the ride was absolutely phenomenal, and we highly recommend this trail! Just downriver from there, the 237th St. Bridge is a The trail from Herndon to Jefferson is a bit rough the first couple miles, but then gets better the remaining ten miles.While the trail is not overly scenic, there are spots that are quite nice. From Perry, your trajectory turns southeast as you roll through the small farming town of Minburn and then Dallas Center a few miles later. If you're in from out of town, buy a day pass for $2 and help support the trail. Once I was south of the T, the trail wasn't as bumpy again. The Trail is now closed between 252nd St and 265th St. No timeframe for repairs but certain to be closed for several months. North Raccoon River Water Trail. Raccoon River Valley Trail Waukee IA. Paddlers can start their float as far upstream in Guthrie County as: Lenon Mill Park in Panora on the Middle Raccoon River - just over 17 miles to confluence. Dallas Center and Perry both have several services (restaurants, beds and breakfasts, retail, convenience stores, etc) for trail users to take advantage of and plans are in the works in some of the other smaller communities to add trail amenities. The trail crosses many gravel/dirt roads and the transition from the pavement to dirt is frequently very rocky or has deep soft dirt which could be a problem with a road bike traveling at high speeds. Over its 89-mile span, youll traverse woodlands, prairie and agricultural landscapes. We camped in a RV at Springbrook State Park which is six miles west of Yale. With a 9-mile “connector” trail now planned between the RRVT and the popular High Trestle Trail, the number of users on both trails is expected to mushroom in the years ahead. [...], 14581 K Avenue Perry, Iowa 50220 Overall, it really is a nice trail....all paved, and except for the northern stretch, very smooth. At its upper navigable reaches in Sac County, the river flows through a heavily glaciated area with unique scenery. The 1.5-mile connector begins in Perry. The Raccoon River Valley Trail makes a great destination for bicyclists looking for a leisurely ride through a diverse cross section of Iowa, including the growing suburb of Waukee, to the picturesque county seat communities of Adel and Jefferson, to small towns such as Redfield, Linden, Panora, Yale, and Cooper. From the depot, you’ll head south past country homes for a few blocks until the trail dives under a shady tree canopy. The trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride around the lake. Besides the great service, they appeared to have a large selection of clothing and accessories for a small town shop.In Jefferson we spent the night at the Old Lincolnway Hotel. The RRVT is a great trail and we highly recommend it. I picked up the trail in Panora, heading toward Des Moines. We came from another state because we were looking for an easy day drive to a trail. The trail is quite popular with cyclists in the Des Moines metro area and sees heavy use as weather permits year round. Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. We often kayak on the lake, a quiet spot right next to the city. The community truly embraces the trail, and in the windows of many businesses are signs welcoming trail visitors. County Conservation Director Dan Towers says three entrances to specific locations on the trail in the county are a part of the “In the Shadows of the Rails” are finished. I offered, but he didn't want payment. Daily - $2 Annual - $10 From Redfield to Harlan. From downtown Des Moines, take I-35 north for about 28 miles to Exit 111B for US 30 W (toward Ames). We stopped in the town of Dallas Center and ate ice cream at the Korner Kone Ice Cream and Deli, which is right off the trail about 150 ft away. It’s one of the longest paved, recreational trail loops in the nation at 72-miles long and connects 15 communities and four counties. A visit to any segment of the north loop is well worth the effort! Finally, construction from Dawson west to Herndon (where it will connect up with the existing trail) is slated to begin this summer or fall with completion in the spring of 2013. Check or FAQs for more common login questions. Some portions of the trail pass over raised boardwalks that enable hikers to … Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 30,000 miles of trail maps and more! The guy working was quite pleasant and helped us with a minor issue. Better yet, buy an annual pass $10 and come back again and again. This trail is well maintained and is in very good shape. Really, in passing it is only for a few seconds. Nature Lodge. GO. why don't we have a current trail update map????????? Even though the weather outside is cold this time of year, the Dallas County Conservation Board (DCCB) says the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) is getting plenty of use. Through the woods, a canopy over you From Adel to Redfield. Small towns were wonderful, people were friendly, and scenery simply fantastic. Thus turned out to be a fabulous choice. 95% of this ride is smooth riding. Eventually, this "Let's Connect Trail Project" will stretch to Woodward to meet the HTT. The Raccoon River Snow Chasers is a snowmobile club that grooms a trail for snowmobilers and cross country skiers to use during the winter. Become a member and wear your FREE T-Shirt with pride. Raccoon River Valley Trail is a 107.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Jefferson, Iowa that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail winds its way between the lake and the Raccoon River providing a natural experience that can rarely be found in an urban environment. It looks like blacktop, not concrete there, and its the blacktop that is suffering some. From Waukee to Ortonville, flat, open corn fields From Ortonville to Adel. Significant woodlands and wetlands throughout the area provide critical habitat for bog turtles, among numerous other threatened and endangered species. A delightful find as was this trail. We stayed on Perry Iowa and we able to bike right to the trail and continue riding the whole loop. At Panora, you’ll pass a lovely trailside garden and a covered shelter with railroad signage and a small section of track. In 2018, the first section of an exciting new project to connect the Raccoon River Valley Trail to the stunning High Trestle Trail opened. There is a depot in Redfield that sells pop and gatoraid, and is 'manned' by locals who are very friendly. QUite beautiful and varying. The Raccoon River Valley Trail is a 89-mile-long paved trail along the branches of the beautiful Raccoon River through Greene, Guthrie and Dallas Counties in west central Iowa. This is anticipated to be completed sometime during the latter half of 2012. This section of the trail is fairly open. If you’re not done riding yet, pass under US 6 to seamlessly pick up the Clive Greenbelt Trail, which will take you through the West Des Moines suburbs. The Raccoon River Valley Trail is a great trail for fun family rides with a couple of exceptions. The RRVT trestle two miles south of Jefferson continues to be closed after a portion of it collapsed during the March 2019 high water event, A number of improvement projects are taking place this year along the Raccoon River Valley Trail. “Even with the necessary trail closures, Dallas County offers dozens of miles of paved path along the north loop of the Raccoon River Valley Trail and High Trestle Trail.” Trail repairs are … The North Raccoon River is a mostly freeflowing river surrounded by rural areas in a wooded valley. It really is quiet nice. Contact, CHECK OUT OUR DIRECTORY TO HELP PLAN YOUR VISIT, “In the Shadow of the Rails” Greene County Installations Complete, Major Trail Maintenance is Taking Place Along Raccoon River Valley Trail. Association Board This route includes a lowhead dam at Redfield that must be portaged around. AC was great. Once I had got about 8 miles in and back, and was once again at the Waukee trailhead and my van, I ditched the warm up clothes and headed on into the main trail. Snow across pass approximately 1 mile north of Panora on April fools day, 2019. We rode from Waukee to Jefferson going through Perry on Day 1. Raccoon river park has something for most everyone. The trail’s eastern endpoint is located about 4.8 miles east. raccoonrivervalleytrailassociation@dallascountyiowa.gov, Trail Map We skated from Perry to just passed Dallas Center and back for 30 miles. I cannot recall any town along the trail that didn't have at least some kind of rest stop. Note that using the trail requires a $2 daily fee for individuals age 18 and older. In Waukee, you arrive at your second trail juncture. Reviews. For a state with so many great trails and the history of the RAGBRI you can do better IA. The segment from Waukee northwest to Dallas Center was opened in October of 2012. I do, too. The “connector” opens so many more trail routes and adventures! The food was nothing short of amazing. Look for the payment drop boxes at the trailheads. Went out and got to the first bridge from Jefferson that crosses the river and it was still down, the detour kind of sucked but other than that the trail was nice. A number of railroad companies owned the right-of-way over the years. To either side of the trail, the brushy embankments are also bustling with birds. On the western outskirts of Des Moines, the Raccoon River Valley Trail offers a quintessential central Iowa experience. Love the Midwest. While most of the surface is fine, the intermittent cracks were rough. Before you know it you are passing through gorgeous farm land with good shade. Pheasant hunters can be found pursuing their interests on the portions of the trail open to hunting. You could not make it any smoother. Send to Device Advanced Export View Standard Route (with cuesheet) Route Details It's unfortunate, because the TH facilities, depot and campground in Jefferson are quite nice and it seems the locals are not getting the bike traffic and traveler money that other communities are. Many trees along the side, with corn fields on either side. A user permit is required for all trail users 18 and over who are using the trail for walking, skiing, skateboarding, jogging, biking, snowmobiling, etc. The route forms a loop through several rural communities with a long tail coming off the loop on its northern end that heads to Jefferson, as well as another tail on its southern end that heads toward Des Moines. The trailhead restroom facilities were overall excellent. A person from the county told us these repairs are scheduled to be made soon. So I upgrade the riders in IOWA to very polite and trail friendly over one interview here. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. We highly recommend it. Events Once I hit the Waukee trailhead, I had done a bit over 103 miles, so it is a long ride. We also stopped at the Raccoon River Valley Bike Shop. Bids were let and construction will begin on the segment between Waukee and Dallas Center this fall. Be careful to you don’t miss your turn on Waukee and end up in Clive! In recent years, the Conservation Board directors, citing the reports from electrical counters along the trail, have estimated that more than 350,000 people per year are using the RRVT. The trail is very rideable, but the section from Yale to Panora needs some repairs. We didn't ask for that, the waitress offered. Like the Raccoon River Valley Trail? The total ride was 99 miles and there was live music playing at all the towns along the way. The bridge south of Jefferson is still out. Hunting Season Dates; Hunting and Habitat Public Meetings ... North Raccoon River Dallas County, Iowa Lizard Creek Webster County, Iowa Lower Des Moines River Eldon to Farmington, Iowa Maquoketa River Jones County, Iowa We just finished a 2 day event on this trail and despite the heat and wind, had a great time. Paved and fast with real towns and the ammenities that civiliztion affords (taverns, stores, and supplies) inbetween. Home + Hunting. Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . I ride the lower half of the trail all the time, there is no damage from the flooding. It is all either concrete or blacktop which is so easy on the tires and the bottom. DCCB Outreach Coordinator Sarah Gilchrist says they have seen plenty of signs of activity out on the trail. Upon arrival, you’ll have experienced the entirety of the Raccoon River Valley Trail. The waitress was grumpy and the food slow coming out. Some is concrete and found some newly laid blacktop near Yale. You’ll pass a self-service bicycle- repair station as you enter the town, which also has a refurbished depot with restrooms, drinking water, and a covered picnic table. We hear they are going to connect the high trestle trail with this 89 mile trail which will make it even better! The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association organizes several activities along the trail each year, including rides, a Fall Festival, and an annual banquet. “The safety of trail users is our highest priority,” Wallace said. Over its 89-mile span, you’ll traverse woodlands, prairie and agricultural landscapes. The people seemed happy to see us, not annoyed by our intrusion into their town. DCCB Outreach Coordinator Sarah Gilchrist says they have. We ate at the Mars Diner and Dairy Bar. Exquisite riding. Rent a whole home for your next weekend or holiday. Although the building is open only for special occasions, ample parking is available here, and a drinking fountain can be found outside to fill up your water bottles for the journey. An archery range, dog park, playgrounds offer something for everyone. It includes the communities of Jefferson, Cooper, Herndon, Yale, Panora, Linden, Redfield, Adel and Waukee. Paved, scenic and best of all isn't right next to a road. Riding 2 and even 3 wide and not slipping into single file when meeting other groups. Portions of the trail have a beautiful canopy that provides for a pleasant shady ride. Next time, I will probably just ride the main loop, and not include the northern part above Jamaica, simply due to the number of miles, and the bumps. Uphill along the river, climbing up to a high prairie. Had a great ride today. In all our travels I don't thing I have seen as well maintained trail or facilities. Several nice places to stop for food and beverage breaks. 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