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Gray's Lake Park – Neal Smith Trail loop from Staff Parking

Gray's Lake Park – Neal Smith Trail loop from Staff Parking

Hard

3.3

(19)

riders

Gray's Lake Park – Neal Smith Trail loop from Staff Parking

05:12

78.7km

330m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: March 16, 2026

Tips

The surface for a segment of your route may not be suitable

Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.

After 68.4 km for 213 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

15.5 km

Principal Riverwalk

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Principal Riverwalk is a smooth, scenic pathway along the Des Moines River, perfect if you're looking to explore downtown. Its well-paved paths and pedestrian bridges connect key districts, making …

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16.8 km

Raccoon River

Highlight • River

As you make your way over the bridge you will catch views of the Raccoon River, a tributary of the Des Moines River. Stretching over 30.8 miles, this river winds …

Tip by

19.2 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 …

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59.4 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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63.3 km

Neal Smith Trail Recreation Area

Nature Reserve

64.2 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

64.7 km

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

66.3 km

Bridge Over Des Moines

Highlight • 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.

Tip by

66.6 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

78.7 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

35.7 km

31.2 km

8.35 km

3.42 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

44.5 km

26.9 km

7.08 km

198 m

155 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (300 m)

Lowest point (240 m)

Weather

Today

Tuesday 26 May

30°C

16°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 13.0 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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Gray's Lake Park – Neal Smith Trail loop from Staff Parking

Principal Riverwalk

Raccoon River

Gray's Lake Park

Neal Smith Trail

Riverview Lake & Park

Neal Smith Trail at Riverview Lake

Bridge Over Des Moines

Des Moines River

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