Des Moines River – Riverview Lake & Park loop from Neal Smith Trail Recreation Area

Hiking trails & Routes

Polk County

Des Moines

Des Moines River – Riverview Lake & Park loop from Neal Smith Trail Recreation Area

Easy

hikers

Des Moines River – Riverview Lake & Park loop from Neal Smith Trail Recreation Area

01:06

4.31km

10m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 19, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

729 m

Neal Smith Trail at Riverview Lake

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This section of the Neal Smith Trail skirts right along the river. It's very quiet and a nice ride. With no traffic to worry about, it's an ideal place to escape the city!

Tip by

2.08 km

Des Moines River

Highlight • River

Along the Des Moines River, Iowa's largest river, you'll find a wealth of culture, tradition, and recreational opportunities. Here, and along most of the trail, you'll enjoy stunning views, making it perfect for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Tip by

3.57 km

Riverview Lake & Park

Highlight • Lake

Check out the revamped Riverview Park. Once an amusement park, it's now a municipal park with a playground and permanent bandstand. Despite delays due to COVID-19, the project was completed in fall 2020.

Tip by

4.31 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.99 km

302 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

2.32 km

1.09 km