High Trestle Trail - Woodward to Ankeny

Couldn't wait to get out and try this new trail.  Even on a cloudy 48 degree day! 

This new bridge crosses the Des Moines River between Woodward and Madrid and finally completes the trail so that you can travel from Woodward to Ankeny (total of 25 miles).

Since it was the first day out, only 48 degrees, and rain was coming we decided to just ride the leg from Madrid to Woodward and back to check out the bridge. In Madrid the trail runs a couple blocks south of Hwy 210 and there is parking off of Hwy 17 on the east side of the highway. It looks like there will be some restroom facilities soon.

The trail follows an old railroad bed so is very level without much grade.  It's a cement trail and plenty wide for people to pass.   There were more people out walking while we were on the trail than biking.   Plenty of room for all.   There are several overlook spots on the bridge to stop and check out the Des Moines River.
When pedaling into Madrid be sure and stop at the stop sign!  Hwy 17 seems to approach rather quickly and there is a lot of traffic that runs through town.

There are a couple of other parking spots along the trail (QT Lane and O Avenue between Madrid and Woodward).  And they are working on facilities in Woodward where parking is available off of Hwy 210.

Check out additional information about the trail on the Polk County Conservation Board website http://www.conservationboard.org/Pages/hightrestle.aspx  or the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation website  http://www.inhf.org/trails/high_trestle_trail/hightrestletrail.htm