We camped in a RV at Springbrook State Park which is six miles west of Yale. Events Overall, it really is a nice trail....all paved, and except for the northern stretch, very smooth. Uphill along the river, climbing up to a high prairie. We didn't see the reported Mountain Lion (LOL) but we saw deer, geese, rabbits, grass hoppers, birds and even a mouse walking on the trail. The food was good, the service great, prices fair and most of all ... Air Conditioning. The trail’s eastern endpoint is located about 4.8 miles east. The RRVT trestle two miles south of Jefferson continues to be closed after a portion of it collapsed during the March 2019 high water event, A number of improvement projects are taking place this year along the Raccoon River Valley Trail. We hear they are going to connect the high trestle trail with this 89 mile trail which will make it even better! Went out and got to the first bridge from Jefferson that crosses the river and it was still down, the detour kind of sucked but other than that the trail was nice. It never gets old. The BACooN RIDE registration includes: At the northern end of the trail in Jefferson, parking is available at the restored depot. It looks like blacktop, not concrete there, and its the blacktop that is suffering some. I like the Raccoon River Valley Trail so much that I moved to Iowa and bought a house just a few blocks from it so that I can ride it every day. The 1.5-mile connector begins in Perry. The route forms a loop through several rural communities with a long tail coming off the loop on its northern end that heads to Jefferson, as well as another tail on its southern end that heads toward Des Moines. The total ride was 99 miles and there was live music playing at all the towns along the way. This is a great trail. Significant woodlands and wetlands throughout the area provide critical habitat for bog turtles, among numerous other threatened and endangered species. The trail runs through 3 counties (Greene, Guthrie and Dallas) and local conservation officials are responsible for maintaining it. A bridge lighting project in Adel began in mid-May. Especially those they had tried to fix. From Perry, your trajectory turns southeast as you roll through the small farming town of Minburn and then Dallas Center a few miles later. Now for the rest of the ride, we LOVED IT! All-in-all the ride was absolutely phenomenal, and we highly recommend this trail! Summary: You need to ride this trail if you get the chance. I would caution riding in Greene county during hunting seasons. why don't we have a current trail update map????????? In particular the mile on either side of the trestle bridge a few miles south of Jefferson was really nice. Snow across pass approximately 1 mile north of Panora on April fools day, 2019. Reviews. The Waukee Trailhead is located on the north side of Hickman Road near 10th Street. Some of the trails have been made by humans and some of them by their furry friends. After passing Woodlands Pkwy., the trail heads south underneath US 6/Hickman Road to its starting point just west of NW 128th St. and just north of Pineview Drive. The trail is OK for hard-riding enthusiasts who want to crank out the miles, but for comfort cruisers like ourselves it lacks the scenery and amenities that the best trails in the midwest provide. Every trip on the RRVT should include a stop at Harvey's. AC was great. Raccoon River Valley Trail Getting Plenty Of Use. Before you know it you are passing through gorgeous farm land with good shade. There are restrooms and water frequently, and numerous benches. We have ridden a bunch of trails in a bunch states and we seek them out as we travel. Had a great ride today. Even though the weather outside is cold this time of year, the Dallas County Conservation Board (DCCB) says the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) is getting plenty of use. At its upper navigable reaches in Sac County, the river flows through a heavily glaciated area with unique scenery. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Bicyclists, joggers, walkers, skaters, campers, cross-country skiers, birdwatchers, hunters, fishermen, naturalists and snowmobilers all use the RRVT, or at least those portions of the trail that are opened to specific uses. It really is quiet nice. The trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride around the lake. We had great sandwiches and super ice cream. My wife and I started on the Clive Greenbelt at 100th street, and rode west to the Raccoon River Trail. Nature Lodge. Its a shame they do not plow the snow during the winter. North Raccoon River Water Trail. 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