Raccoon River Valley Trail Loop

The trail connects 14 central Iowa communities, offering numerous access points. Many towns along the route, such as Perry, Jefferson, and Panora, provide parking facilities. A notable trailhead is the Perry Trail Head.

Yes, there is a daily fee of $2 for individuals aged 18 and older. These proceeds directly support the maintenance and improvements of the trail. You can find more information on the Dallas County Iowa website.

The Raccoon River Valley Trail Loop 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 a pleasant experience for all trail users.

The trail is enjoyable throughout the warmer months. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with wildflowers in spring and changing leaves in autumn. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. Even in winter, when conditions permit (at least 4 inches of snow), parts of the trail are groomed for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

The trail is built on a former railroad right-of-way, making it remarkably flat with grades typically only 1% to 2%. It is fully paved with a mix of asphalt and concrete. While most of the trail is smooth, some older asphalt sections, particularly between Yale and Jefferson, might have minor cracks. The section from Waukee to Herndon is known for being particularly smooth and often concrete.

You'll experience a diverse and picturesque landscape, including agricultural fields, wildflower meadows, and remnants of prairies. There are also peaceful wooded areas providing shade. Along the eastern leg, brushy embankments are bustling with birds. The trail connects numerous small towns, offering glimpses into rural Iowa life.

The trail connects 14 central Iowa communities, many offering amenities. Towns like Perry, Jefferson, and Panora are great for overnight stays, dining, and restrooms. A highlight is the 600-foot-long trestle bridge over the North Raccoon River near Cooper. You'll also be cycling along the Raccoon River Valley Trail itself, which is a nationally recognized rail-to-trail conversion.

Due to its flat, paved surface, the trail is generally considered easy to moderate and suitable for most skill levels. While the elevation changes are minimal, the full loop is nearly 90 miles, with the interior loop over 72 miles. Tackling the entire distance requires good fitness, which is why longer rides are sometimes categorized as 'difficult'.

The full Raccoon River Valley Trail Loop is approximately 113 kilometers (70 miles) long. For touring cyclists, it typically takes around 6 hours and 20 minutes of active cycling time to complete, depending on your pace and stops. Many cyclists choose to break it into multi-day trips to explore the towns along the way.

Yes, the Raccoon River Valley Trail Loop offers excellent connectivity. It links to Des Moines' extensive trail system and has a new connector to the High Trestle Trail, allowing for even larger paved loops of over 100 miles. The route also passes through sections of the Original Raccoon River Valley Trail and the Raccoon River Valley Trail North Loop.

Many of the 14 communities connected by the trail are very cyclist-friendly. You'll find dining opportunities, restrooms, bed & breakfasts for overnight stays, and even self-service bicycle repair stations in towns like Perry. Restored depots in places like Dawson, Perry, and Jefferson also offer historical displays.