Neal Smith Trail
Easy
26 miles
Paved
A 26-mile paved trail connecting Des Moines to the town of Colfax, following the old Chicago Rock Island and Pacific Railroad corridor through scenic Iowa countryside.
Activities
biking
running
Trail Highlights
Passes through Big Creek State Park and connects to downtown Des Moines. Great for long-distance rides with rolling Iowa landscapes.
Before you go
- From downtown
- The Birdland Park trailhead is about 4 miles and 10 minutes north of downtown.
- Parking
- Free at Birdland Park, at several Saylorville access points and at Big Creek. Big Creek's beach lot is the one that fills.
- Where to start
- Birdland Park if you want the full run north. The Saylorville visitor center lot if you want the lake section without the city miles.
- Dogs
- Leashed dogs are welcome. Big Creek at the north end has water access, which is worth knowing on an August ride.
- In winter
- Open, not plowed, and exposed along the lake. Wind off Saylorville is the deciding factor most winter days.
- Cost
- Free.
Written