Des Moines River – Neal Smith Trail loop from Johnston

Bike touring routes & trails

Des Moines River – Neal Smith Trail loop from Johnston

Easy

4.6

(2441)

6,030

riders

Des Moines River – Neal Smith Trail loop from Johnston

01:57

32.3km

100m

Cycling

Easy bike ride. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: November 4, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 9.21 km for 269 m

After 15.5 km for 70 m

After 16.1 km for 154 m

After 22.8 km for 269 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

5.51 km

Sycamore Wildlife Area

Nature Reserve

9.89 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

10.00 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.

Tip by

12.1 km

Neal Smith Trail Recreation Area

Nature Reserve

15.5 km

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Highlight • Structure

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is located in the center of Des Moines and has a size of about 17 acres. It includes a Café and multiple gardens where young and old can learn about endemic plants and flowers.

Tip by

16.2 km

Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens

Highlight • Monument

Nice change in the otherwise typical MidWest

Translated by Google •

Tip by

26.0 km

Trestle-to-Trestle Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Trestle to Trestle Trail goes from Des Moines to Johnston. It is a fairly short trail at 3.7 miles long but it is a very good connector trail. It …

Tip by

30.1 km

Johnston Interurban Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Johnston Interurban Trail is a short asphalt surfaced trail of 1.7 miles. Its southern end begins at Beaver Creek, where the Trestle to Trestle Trail access over the river …

Tip by

32.3 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types