Hike & Bike Trails
Chichaqua Valley Recreation Trail
The Chichaqua Valley Recreation Trail is an abandoned railroad right-of-way that has been converted to a recreation all trail beginning in Baxter and ending in Bondurant, in Polk County. The black topped trail crosses the forested banks of the Skunk River. Young trees lining the trail are punctuated by vistas of rich farmland left by Iowa's last ice age glaciers. The Chichaqua Valley Trail is perfect for walking, jogging, bicycling, rollerblading, and cross country skiing in the winter. Rest stops and picnic shelters are found in Baxter, Ira, Mingo, and Bondurant. These areas, as well as Valeria, offer parking for trail access.
Rock Creek Recreation Bike Trail
The Rock Creek Recreation Bike Trail is a black-topped bike trail that was constructed in 2004. The trail begins at Rock Creek State Park and ends in Grinnell, in Poweshiek County. The 4 mile trail consists of challenging terrain nestled in the scenic beauty of the Rock Creek Lake watershed. In the spring, summer and fall it is used primarily for biking, jogging and walking; and cross country skiing in the winter.
Red Rock Prairie Trail
The inital 9.35 miles of this concrete trail was opened in September 2022, beginning in Monroe, to Prairie City, to the entrance of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. This second phase of this project will construct an additional 7 miles of trail that will extend the route to Mitchellville. Construction work for this project includes concrete trail paving on the former railroad grade beginning at Hwy 117 at the west end of Praire City near Commerce Drive to the west edge of Mitchellville at NE 116th Street. Construction of Phase 2 will begin in 2026. This corridor is just one segment in a larger trail network proposed between Pella, Red Rock, Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, and into the Des Moines Metro.
Other Natural Trails
Many other natural trails are available in Jasper County Parks. Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve and Clear Creek Wildlife Area have mowed trails that may be used for hiking, running, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. In addition, Mariposa Park and Ashton Wildwood Park have interpretive hiking trails that provide users with a valuable learning experience.
