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Neal Smith Trail – Des Moines River loop from Ankeny

Neal Smith Trail – Des Moines River loop from Ankeny

Moderate

5.0

(2788)

13,144

riders

Neal Smith Trail – Des Moines River loop from Ankeny

03:21

66.9km

220m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 21, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

65 m

Ankeny

Highlight • Settlement

Ankeny sits near the beginning (or end depending on direction) of the High Trestle Trail. It's a great stop for lunch or bike supplies.

Tip by

14.8 km

Four Mile Creek Greenbelt

Nature Reserve

20.0 km

Fourmile Creek Greenway

Nature Reserve

23.7 km

Copper Creek Lake

Highlight • Lake

The lake is popular on weekends for fishing and boating. There is a large parking lot along with a picnic area and a grill pavilion. The nearby restaurants and a …

Tip by

34.3 km

The Principal Riverwalk is a smooth, scenic pathway along the Des Moines River, perfect if you're looking to explore downtown. Its well-paved paths and pedestrian bridges connect key districts, making …

Tip by

35.3 km

Neal Smith Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Neal Smith Trail is a 26-mile trail through Des Moines along the Des Moines River. It is fully paved and traffic free, so it is a great way to move through the heavily populated city.

Tip by

40.6 km

Neal Smith Trail at Riverview Lake

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This section of the Neal Smith Trail skirts right along the river. It's very quiet and a nice ride. With no traffic to worry about, it's an ideal place to escape the city!

Tip by

42.0 km

Des Moines River

Highlight • River

Along the Des Moines River, Iowa's largest river, you'll find a wealth of culture, tradition, and recreational opportunities. Here, and along most of the trail, you'll enjoy stunning views, making it perfect for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Tip by

42.3 km

Bridge Over Des Moines

Highlight • Bridge

At the Bridge over the Des Moines River, where the Inter Urban Trail crosses, you'll find a serene spot perfect for a rest and enjoying the view. Take a break here and soak in the tranquil atmosphere along the riverbank.

Tip by

43.5 km

Trestle to Trestle Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Trestle to Trestle Trail goes from Des Moines to Johnston. It is a fairly short trail at 3.7 miles long but it is a very good connector trail. It …

Tip by

66.9 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

52.9 km

11.0 km

2.97 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

40.8 km

24.9 km

1.07 km

101 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (300 m)

Lowest point (240 m)

Weather

Today

Tuesday 2 June

28°C

16°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Neal Smith Trail – Des Moines River loop from Ankeny

Ankeny

Copper Creek Lake

Principal Riverwalk

Neal Smith Trail

Neal Smith Trail at Riverview Lake

Des Moines River

Bridge Over Des Moines

Trestle to Trestle Trail

Nearby routes

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