Map of the Neal Smith Trail
Neal Smith Trail
Neal Smith Trail
LENGTH:
26 miles
SURFACE:
paved
COMMUNITIES:
Des Moines, Saylorville, Johnston, Polk City
HIGHLIGHTS:
Downtown Des Moines, local parks, natural areas along the Des Moines River, Saylorville Lake
NEARBY TRAILS:
John Pat Dorrian Trail
River Walk
Des Moines River Trail
Oralabor Gateway Trail
Inter-Urban Trail
Trestle to Trestle Trail
RELATED LINKS:
The Neal Smith Trail is a 26-mile long paved pathway that spans between Downtown Des Moines and the Big Creek Marina in Central Iowa. The trail starts on the north side of Downtown Des Moines and heads north along the Des Moines River. The route of the trail includes several local parks and miles of the woodlands and riparian habitat alongside the meandering river.
The south end of the trail allows a connection to many of the other recreational trails in the Des Moines area, such as the Trestle to Trestle Trail, the River Walk, the multi-use path alongside MLK Parkway, the Oralabor Gateway Trail, the Des Moines River Trail and the Merideth Trail.
Conditions
The Neal Smith Trail is paved the entire route. There are relatively few road crossings and the route is well away from roads and traffic. The trail is open for non-motorized use such as bike riding, running and walking.
Communities
The Neal Smith Trail goes past the following communities: Downtown Des Moines, Saylorville, Johnston and Polk City.
Points of Interest
The Neal Smith Trail goes past the following points of interest:
| Downtown Des Moines |
| Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden |
| Birdland Marina |
| Birdland Pool |
| North High School |
| Riverview Park |
| Pedestrian bridge for the Inter-Urban Trail |
| Cottonwood Recreation Area |
| Dam for Saylorville Lake |
| Cherry Glen Playground |
| Prairie Flower Recreation Area |
| Saylorville Marina |
| Sandpiper Playground |
| Polk City Sports Complex |
| Leonard Park |
| Picnic areas along Saylorville Lake |
| Big Creek Marina |
Nearby Trails
John Pat Dorrian Trail, River Walk & Des Moines River Trail: the south end of the Neal Smith Trail connects to the John Pat Dorrian Trail which allows a connection to the River Walk in Downtown Des Moines, which in turn connects to the Des Moines River Trail.
Inter-Urban Trail & Trestle to Trestle Trail: the pedestrian bridge over the Des Moines River for the Inter-Urban Trail is located to the south of Euclid Avenue. This bridge also allows a connection to the Trestle to Trestle Trail.
Oralabor Gateway Trail: the two trails meet to the north of NW 66th Avenue in Saylorville.
High Trestle Trail: the High Trestle Trail is located 2-miles to the east of the north end of the Neal Smith Trail.
End Points
The south end of the Neal Smith Trail is located at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gradens, just north of the bridge for Interstate 235.
The north end of the rail is located at the Big Creek Marina at NW 142nd Avenue in Polk City.
Resources
Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about Neal Smith Trail & John Pat Dorrian Trail, Iowa.
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