Iowa Trails FAQ

ABOUT IOWA TRAILS

How many trails and trail miles does Iowa have?

Iowa has an estimated 1,200 miles of multi-use trails such as rail-trails and city trails used for bicycling, walking, in-line skating, etc. In addition, there are many more miles of hiking trails within state and county parks as well as equestrian trails and water trails along our rivers.

How can I get the latest information about a given Iowa trail—such as its current condition, expansion plans or the like? Similarly, where can I find out about the best places to stop or stay along the trail—eating spots, lodging, other things to do while in the area, etc.?

For information about specific trails, check the “intro” page for that trail and contact the agency(s) listed as “trail manager.”

For information about local services and amenities available to trail users, check the “intro” page for that trail and contact the organizations listed under “local tourism info.”

Do not contact this website’s creators or sponsors for this kind of local information as we don’t have it.

Who builds, owns and manages Iowa trails?

Trails are generally built, owned and maintained by the local governing agency. This is usually the City or County Conservation Board. Even with the long distance rail-trails that pass through several counties, each county will own and maintain its section. There are several cases where trails are owned and maintained by private non-profit organizations or multiple partners, such as the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, Grant Wood Trail and the Old Creamery Trail.

How are Iowa trails funded?

Funding for trails in Iowa has come from Federal and State agencies (through legislation). The Iowa Department of Transportation administers the majority of the grants available for trail development. Visit www.iowabikes.com for funding info.

Meanwhile, most Iowa trails require significant private funding and volunteer support. Check our Support Trails page for more information.

Where can I learn about new trails and trail construction?

It is best to contact the managing agency for the trail to obtain current information on trail construction.

Where can I learn about trail regulations?

The trail you are on may have its rules posted. However, here are some basic rules that apply to all trails.

Wheels yield to heels: if you are on “wheels” (bicycle, skates) you must yield to those on “heels” (pedestrians, horses). Pedestrians must yield to horses (if allowed on that particular trail).
Ride or walk to the right and pass left (just like when you drive on the road).
Slow down when passing others. Alert them to your passing by saying “passing” or ringing a bike bell.
Do not wander off onto private property. Stay on the trail.
Be safe. But in case you are injured, know your location, bring a cell phone or travel with a buddy (just like when swimming).

Find a complete list of trail regulations at http://www.bikeiowa.com//asp/Trails/Trails.asp?action=trailrules

What are the health benefits of trails?

Trails provide a diversity of opportunities for increased physical activity. From the gifted athlete seeking a convenient place to train to individuals wanting an aesthetically pleasing place for an after-dinner walk to a family walking to spend time together, trails can be a part of healthy living which is essential for reducing common diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Learn more at http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/trails.htm.

ABOUT THIS WEBSITE

Who is responsible for this website?

The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation created and maintains this website. INHF is a statewide, private nonprofit organization focused on conserving and promoting Iowa’s natural resources—which include Iowa trails. Meanwhile, the Iowa Department of Transportation, a key funder of Iowa trails, helped fund work on this site. INHF also contributed significant staff and intern time to making this site possible.

How do I report errors or omissions on this website—and/or send kudos?

If you find an error on this website, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation’s Communications Director. For best results, please copy/paste the URL of the page with the error and then describe the problem and how it should be fixed. It’s also helpful to hear what you LIKE about the site so we can keep doing it!

Can I link my site to this website?

Yes! We strongly encourage local trail managers, tourism groups, local attractions, biking groups, hiking groups and other trails enthusiasts to link to this site as a whole or to your local trail(s).

Will you link this website to MY website?

We have tried to link our site to general Iowa trail sites plus all local trail managers, tourism agencies and related trail websites. If you know of such a site that we’ve omitted, please send us that link (noting the URL of the site and the URL of which of our site pages you think it should be linked to). Note that we do not link to commercial sites—but rather help our site users find commercial businesses and attractions through general tourism links.

Who chose which trails to include on this website? How can I add MY trail?

The trails included on this website are the same 42 included in the most recent edition of Iowa by Trail, INHF’s printed trail guidebook. To be included in that book, trails must support multiple uses (including bikes), be at least 3 miles long and 8 feet wide, and have a hard surface (asphalt, concrete or compacted rock). In addition, all or significant sections of the trail must be within natural corridors—but not within just one state or county park.

We realize that additional Iowa trails now meet those criteria. We are now raising funds to expand this website, so—while we can’t add new trails immediately—we are collecting names, maps and information about eligible trails for later addition. For more information, contact Cathy Engstrom, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation’s Communications Director.

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