Great Western Trail
Moderate
17 miles
Gravel
A 17-mile crushed limestone trail running from Martensdale to Des Moines, offering a quieter alternative with rolling hills and farmland scenery.
Activities
biking
hiking
running
Trail Highlights
Rolling terrain through Warren County farmland, wildflower meadows in spring and summer, fall foliage. Less crowded than paved trails.
Before you go
- From downtown
- The north trailhead off Park Avenue is about 5 miles and 12 minutes south. The Martensdale end is roughly 20 miles and 25 minutes.
- Parking
- Free lots at the north trailhead, Cumming and Martensdale.
- Where to start
- Park Avenue for the city end, Cumming if you want to shorten the ride and still have somewhere to stop.
- Dogs
- Leashed dogs are allowed and this is the easiest trail on the list to bring one on, because the traffic is light and the surface is forgiving.
- In winter
- Open, not plowed, and very quiet. Expect to break your own track after snow.
- Cost
- Free.
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