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Road cycling routes

Neal Smith Trail – Saylorville Dam loop from Granger

Road cycling routes

Neal Smith Trail – Saylorville Dam loop from Granger

Moderate

4.7

(9914)

15,527

riders

Neal Smith Trail – Saylorville Dam loop from Granger

02:53

47.4km

310m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: September 10, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

1

9.64 km

Neal Smith Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The 26-mile Neal Smith Trail rolls along the banks of the Des Moines River through the Ding Darling Greenway conservation area and weaves its way through a variety of landscapes, …

Tip by

2

12.8 km

Big Creek Barrier Dam and views of Saylorville Lake

Highlight • Monument

Great views of the lake from the Neal Smith Trail as it passes over the Big Creek Barrier Dam. The dam was constructed to protect Polk City from flooding from Saylorville Lake.

Tip by

3

22.9 km

Saylorville Lake Visitor Center

Highlight • Rest Area

The Saylorville Lake Visitor Center is located at the southeast corner of the lake and offers a variety of scheduled events, a theater, several interactive displays, and a selection of maps. A butterfly garden is also a short walk away.

Tip by

4

23.1 km

Saylorville Dam

Highlight • Monument

Pause your ride at Saylorville Dam for scenic views. This dam on the Des Moines River in Iowa is only 11 miles upstream from Des Moines, offering a great place to hop off your bike and take a break!

Tip by

B

47.4 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

24.5 km

15.5 km

4.51 km

3.03 km

Surfaces

25.0 km

19.6 km

2.88 km

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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)

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Weather

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Monday 9 November

22°C

1°C

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