Neal Smith Trail

The trail is primarily paved and features rolling mild hills, swoopy turns, and significant elevation changes, especially along Saylorville Lake. While some sections are smooth, others, particularly from Sycamore Access to Birdland, can have cracks, holes, crumbled edges, and tree root ridges. This makes it a moderate ride, offering a physical challenge without being overly strenuous for most touring cyclists.

Due to varying pavement conditions, with some sections having cracks and rough surfaces, a hybrid, mountain, or fat bike is generally more suitable. While road bikes can navigate some parts, they might struggle with the rougher sections, especially between Sycamore Access and Birdland.

The trail offers continuously changing landscapes, winding through the Des Moines River valley with mature forests, rolling prairies, and oak savannas. You'll enjoy panoramic views of Saylorville Lake, pass by riverbanks, wildflower meadows, and dense wooded areas like the Ding Darling Greenway. A notable highlight is the Big Creek Barrier Dam and views of Saylorville Lake. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as deer, muskrat, and beaver.

Yes, it's a crucial part of the Central Iowa Trail Network. It connects to other trails like the John Pat Dorrian Trail in Des Moines and the InterUrban Trail. It also forms a central Iowa connection for the American Discovery Trail (ADT - Iowa - K - Seg 4 and ADT - Iowa - K - Seg 5). Other official trails along the route include the Dragoon Trail, Low Line Trail, and Birdland Drive Bicycle Lanes.

The trail offers numerous access points along its length, connecting downtown Des Moines to Big Creek State Park. Many of these access points include parking facilities, making it convenient to start your ride from various locations.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash and ensure you clean up after them to maintain the trail's cleanliness and respect other users.

The trail offers a rewarding experience throughout the year. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. In winter, the trail is used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, offering a different kind of outdoor experience.

No, there are generally no specific permits or fees required to access and use the Neal Smith Trail itself, as it is a public recreational trail.

While the Neal Smith Trail passes through areas near Saylorville Lake, there are typically no entrance fees for the trail sections within or adjacent to the park. However, specific amenities or campgrounds within Saylorville Lake Park might have their own fees or regulations. It's advisable to check with the Saylorville Lake Corps of Engineers for details on specific park facilities.

The trail is well-equipped for cyclists, offering numerous amenities. You'll find restrooms, picnic areas, and even opportunities for camping directly on the trail. Some areas may also provide bike rentals, making it convenient for longer rides or multi-day tours.

Yes, the trail can be suitable for families, especially those with some cycling experience. While it's not a flat rail-trail and includes rolling hills, many families enjoy its varied scenery and amenities. Consider starting with shorter sections or using hybrid bikes for younger riders due to the varying pavement conditions.