Des Moines, Iowa's Great Western Trail

 The Great Western Trail spans 16.5 miles from just outside of urban Des Moines southward to Martensdale. The trail follows the route of an abandoned line of the Chicago, St. Paul, and Kansas City Railroad constructed in 1899, but it is named after the Chicago Great Western Railway which operated trains over this segment from 1892 until 1668. The Great Western Trail opened in 1992.

You can begin your journey in the southern section of Water Works Park, just north of George Flagg Parkway, where you’ll find parking and restrooms.The route then becomes completely rural, with open fields quickly transitioning to shady woodlands that feel extremely remote—particularly during the work week. Highlights along this stretch include a historic railcar and panoramic views of the North River. The trail finishes at a large trailhead in Martensdale, where restrooms and parking are available.

This unpaved section is a one mile link from the Bill Riley Trail to the Great Western Trail.

The forest is beautiful and shields you from the heat of the day...

Underpasses help avoid some street crossings...

On the outskirts of Des Moines, you’ll come across a major street crossing at State Route 28, and then cut through the Willow Creek Golf Course. Take care here because golf carts cross the trail at several points...

 

...and they don't necessarily look both ways before crossing the bike trail!