Map of the High Trestle Trail
High Trestle Trail
High Trestle Trail
LENGTH:
25.5 miles
SURFACE:
paved
COMMUNITIES:
Woodward, Madrid, Slater, Sheldahl, Ankeny
NEARBY TRAILS:
Heart of Iowa Nature Trail
Neal Smith Trail
HIGHLIGHTS:
rail trail, local parks, commercial areas, residential neighborhoods, farm land, rural communities, railroad trestle bridge over the Des Moines River
RELATED LINKS:
The High Trestle Trail is a 25.5-mile long paved pathway that spans between Woodward, Slater and Ankeny in Central Iowa. These communities are located to the north of the Des Moines Metro Area. The trail was constructed along abandoned railroad right-of-ways and takes a fairly straight route through Ankeny to Slater. In Slater the trail takes a sharp turn to the east and heads to Woodward. The High Trestle Trail goes past a number of local parks, residential neighborhoods, wide open farmland and rural communities.
The outstanding feature of the trail is the half-mile long railroad trestle that sits 13-stories high over the Des Moines River between Madrid and Woodward. The trestle has geometric shapes along the way that form interesting patterns as you travel along the bridge. The shapes are lit at night which is a big attraction for the area.
Conditions
The High Trestle Trail is paved for the entire route. The trail is open for bike riding, running and walking.
Communities
The High Trestle Trail goes past the following communities: Woodward, Madrid, Slater, Sheldahl and Ankeny.
Points of Interest
The High Trestle Trail goes past the following points of interest:
| Southview Middle School |
| Ankeny High School |
| Hawkeye Park |
| Ankeny Miracle Park |
| Prairie Ridge Middle School |
| Prairie Ridge Aquatic Center |
| Prairie Ridge Sports Complex |
| Greentree Park |
| Earl Grimm Park |
| Madrid Public Library |
| High Trestle Trail Bridge over the Des Moines River |
Nearby Trails
Heart of Iowa Nature Trail: the two trails meet up in the community of Slater.
Neal Smith Trail: a connection between the two trails can be made by using local streets in Ankeny and Polk City.
End Points
The High Trestle Trail takes a route to the north then takes a sharp turn to the west in Slater.
The south end of the High Trestle Trail is located along SW Ordnance Road and SW Railroad Avenue in Ankeny.
The northeast end of the trail is located on the north side of Earl Grimm Park in Slater.
The northwest end of the trail is located along N. Main Street just north of Railroad Street in Woodward.
Resources
Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the High Trestle Trail in Central Iowa.
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