Type: Rail Trail
Length: 26 miles
Surface: Paved
Condition
Awesome Shape
Grade - Gentle Grades
Amenities
Description
The High Trestle Trail is part of the 670-mile Central Iowa Trail System. The trail currently runs from through Woodward, Madrid, Slater, Sheldahl and Ankeny.
The centerpiece of the trail is the High Trestle Trail bride located between Madrid and Woodward. The Bridge is one of the largest trail bridges in the country. The bridge rises 13 stories and visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view from six overlooks.
"A nocturnal bridge crossing is an absolute must for any visit," writes Rails to Trails magazine editor-in-chief Karl Wirsing.
Location - Where is this Trail?
The trail is located in Central Iowa and extends through four counties (Polk, Story, Boone and Dallas).
The trail is easy to get to from either Interstate I80 or I35.
Trailheads
There are Trailheads at Ankeny, Slater, Madrid and Woodward. There is also a parking area near the bridge off QF Lane which is the first gravel road to the East of the Bridge off 334th Road (the highway that runs parallel to the trail on the North) MAP
Sites & Attractions
Whether you want to eat, drink, rest, shop, camp, look at historical sites, or get a hotel, there is plenty to do along the High Trestle Trail!
There are plenty of sites and attractions in each community. Be sure to stop and "smell the roses".
The bridge with it's lighted archways is as breathtaking at night as it is in the day.
produced by the city of ankeny
History of the Trail
Here are some Trail facts and history of the High Trestle Trail.
The trail opened on April 30th 2011.
Future Plans
Planned Mileage: 6 miles - The Ankeny Connector project aims to extend the High Trestle Trail another six miles from the center of Ankeny to the north side of Des Moines. The project received funding on Oct 14th 2014 for $782,500 along with 12 other State Recreational Trails Projects.
Contributors
The following members have contributed to the above Trail content.
This trail was last edited by bikeiowa on Apr 10, 2021.