Raccoon River Valley Trail – Jefferson, IA - Rails to Trails on Waymarking.com

The traffic on the Raccoon River Valley recreational trail is much quieter than the original Milwaukee Railroad railroad line that used to pass through Jefferson, IA. It currently measures 57 miles in length starting at Jefferson and following the Raccon River Valley all the way to Clive. Plans are already in the works to add 33 more miles for a “North Loop” to be completed in the next few years; the 89 mile trail would include the largest paved loop trail in the United States.

The first several miles of the trail is concrete and then turns to asphalt as it meanders through 11 towns and four counties. Scenic views include farms, forests and native prairie with wildflowers and grasses. Bicyclists should be alert for wildlife along the way and take time to envision what might have been seen by railroad passengers in the past.

The trail is open from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. year round. A $2.00 daily fee is charged and yearly trail passes are available. In addition to bicycling, the trail is used for walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, running, and birdwatching.

Country: USA State/Province/etc.: IA Trail Start (town): Jefferson Trail Finish (town): Clive Trail Length: 57 Trail Surface: Paved Pack Animals Allowed: no Fees: yes Rail-to-Trail Sign: Raccoon River Valley Trail: Dallas, Guthrie, Greene County Conservation Board Internet Link(s): http://www.inhf.org/iowatrails/rrvt-intro.htm

Visit Instructions:
A Trail Review
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Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   09/03/2016 siff visited it