Where can you find hundreds of miles of biking trails-many constructed on old former railroad beds? Iowa! This state has converted more old railroad beds into trails for bikers than any of the other 49 states. This is great for beginning bikers because it makes for miles and miles of paved easy-to-traverse biking trails. Biking trails throughout this state follow and cross waterways and venture into prairies, forests, and hilly or rocky terrain. There's something for every biker to enjoy!
Not far from Council Bluffs, families will enjoy journeying along the Wabash Trail, a 25- mile run that is pretty easy to travel and great for beginners. Along with fantastic scenic views, this route includes lots of opportunities to stop and check out the little towns and stopping points all along this trail. This is a fun, relaxing ride with lots of great interesting attractions as an added benefit.
Sometimes called the "Brickyard," a 7-mile route of biking trail officially named the Sycamore Trail includes lots of challenging loops with the main trail running beside the Des Moines River. Because of the close proximity to the river, in the springtime some of the trail can be underwater, so don't ride here when the weather is still wet. You'll enjoy steep, rocky climbs and drops plus some great technical obstacles to navigate-including deer on their way to drink at the river.
Joker Racing designed the Oleson Park Trail not far from Fort Dodge, and they also provide improvements to this biking trail. Riders of all experience levels will enjoy hilly terrain and creek crossings-some wet, some dry. There is also an extremely speedy downhill area, so use caution there if you aren't an experienced rider.
The Sugar Bottom Recreation Area near Iowa City is a network of multiple trails equaling about 10 to 12 miles. There are trails for all skill levels. They are well-marked, but most are one way so be sure to pay attention to a map or signs. The advanced trails have lots of double backs, roots, and other technical stuff. The trails are well maintained and can get pretty crowded, so be aware of those around you.
The Decorah Mountain Bike trail system is a great blend of intermediate to extremely advanced skilled trails. Steep climbs, fast descents, roots, rocks, dirt track, a variety of surfaces and terrains--you can expect to find all this and more here. This is also the site for the first MTB racing in Iowa. The approximate 14 miles of trails here will wear you out!
More challenges await experienced riders near Council Bluffs at the Lewis and Clark Trail. With 7 miles of trails-and some great bailout spots along the way for anyone who decides they've had enough of a challenge for one day-advanced riders will enjoy obstacles, turns and twists, sharp inclines, roller coaster hills, and even more variety to test all of their skills. While these trails are obviously less populated by bikers (since only advanced bikers dare to try it), hikers also use these trails, so keep an eye out for folks enjoying the trails on foot.
Iowa boasts more than 1,200 miles of trails for biking. Wow! This is one state avid bikers have got to visit. So put this state on your map of destinations to visit and plan to have fun biking!
Not far from Council Bluffs, families will enjoy journeying along the Wabash Trail, a 25- mile run that is pretty easy to travel and great for beginners. Along with fantastic scenic views, this route includes lots of opportunities to stop and check out the little towns and stopping points all along this trail. This is a fun, relaxing ride with lots of great interesting attractions as an added benefit.
Sometimes called the "Brickyard," a 7-mile route of biking trail officially named the Sycamore Trail includes lots of challenging loops with the main trail running beside the Des Moines River. Because of the close proximity to the river, in the springtime some of the trail can be underwater, so don't ride here when the weather is still wet. You'll enjoy steep, rocky climbs and drops plus some great technical obstacles to navigate-including deer on their way to drink at the river.
Joker Racing designed the Oleson Park Trail not far from Fort Dodge, and they also provide improvements to this biking trail. Riders of all experience levels will enjoy hilly terrain and creek crossings-some wet, some dry. There is also an extremely speedy downhill area, so use caution there if you aren't an experienced rider.
The Sugar Bottom Recreation Area near Iowa City is a network of multiple trails equaling about 10 to 12 miles. There are trails for all skill levels. They are well-marked, but most are one way so be sure to pay attention to a map or signs. The advanced trails have lots of double backs, roots, and other technical stuff. The trails are well maintained and can get pretty crowded, so be aware of those around you.
The Decorah Mountain Bike trail system is a great blend of intermediate to extremely advanced skilled trails. Steep climbs, fast descents, roots, rocks, dirt track, a variety of surfaces and terrains--you can expect to find all this and more here. This is also the site for the first MTB racing in Iowa. The approximate 14 miles of trails here will wear you out!
More challenges await experienced riders near Council Bluffs at the Lewis and Clark Trail. With 7 miles of trails-and some great bailout spots along the way for anyone who decides they've had enough of a challenge for one day-advanced riders will enjoy obstacles, turns and twists, sharp inclines, roller coaster hills, and even more variety to test all of their skills. While these trails are obviously less populated by bikers (since only advanced bikers dare to try it), hikers also use these trails, so keep an eye out for folks enjoying the trails on foot.
Iowa boasts more than 1,200 miles of trails for biking. Wow! This is one state avid bikers have got to visit. So put this state on your map of destinations to visit and plan to have fun biking!
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Are you looking for the perfect bike to get started? We recommend trying comfort bikes or cruiser bikes from The Comfort Bike Shop.
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