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Des Moines River – Neal Smith Trail loop from Des Moines International Airport

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Des Moines River – Neal Smith Trail loop from Des Moines International Airport

Moderate

2.8

(16)

riders

Des Moines River – Neal Smith Trail loop from Des Moines International Airport

04:29

76.0km

340m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: March 4, 2026

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.

After 0 m for 423 m

Customers only

After 75.6 km for 80 m

Customers only

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

6.78 km

Gray's Lake Park

Highlight • Lake

Gray's Lake Park has a total size of 166-acres and is located in the heart of Des Moines. The lake of the same name is the park's main feature and …

Tip by

19.6 km

Playground at Copper Creek Lake Park

Highlight • Rest Area

The lake is popular on weekends for fishing and boating. There is a large parking lot along with a picnic area and a grill pavilion. The nearby restaurants and a …

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23.1 km

Fourmile Creek Greenway

Nature Reserve

27.5 km

If you follow this stretch of the West Gay Lea Wilson Trail, you'll cross the Fourmile Creek Greenbelt, a 102-acre wildlife area located alongside the creek that inspires its name. The paved path is in great condition.

Tip by

38.4 km

Carney Marsh

Nature Reserve

41.7 km

Lake Future

Highlight • Lake

This is a beautiful little lake with a good quality paved trail around it. It may only be 1.2 miles in length but it is a gorgeous spot and it …

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43.1 km

Oralabor Gateway Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Oralabor Gateway Trail is a lovely 5.2 mile concrete-surfaced spur that branches off the Neal Smith Trail. It leaves it just south of Saylorville Lake and runs adjacent to …

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52.2 km

Des Moines River

Highlight • River

The Des Moines River is a tributary of the Mississippi River, as well as the largest river in Iowa. Historically, the river has a rich history of culture, tradition, recreation and adventure.

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58.4 km

Wakonsa Bridge

Highlight (Segment) • Bridge

At the bridge over the Des Moines River, where the Inter-Urban Trail crosses, you'll find a serene spot perfect for a rest and enjoying the view. Take a break here and soak in the tranquil atmosphere along the riverbank.

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58.8 km

Neal Smith Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Neal Smith Trail is a 26-mile trail through Des Moines along the Des Moines River. It is fully paved and traffic free, so it is a great way to move through the heavily populated city.

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76.0 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

65.8 km

5.96 km

4.13 km

184 m

Surfaces

48.7 km

26.2 km

975 m

184 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (290 m)

Lowest point (240 m)

Weather

Tuesday 19 May

18°C

8°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Des Moines River – Neal Smith Trail loop from Des Moines International Airport

Gray's Lake Park

Playground at Copper Creek Lake Park

Fourmile Creek Greenbelt

Lake Future

Oralabor Gateway Trail

Des Moines River

Wakonsa Bridge

Neal Smith Trail

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