Des Moines: River Trail Loop
Escape the daily grind: This scenic loop links fields and forests, trails and some roads for a relaxing 6.5-mile tour around the Des Moines River. Caution: This loop crosses a bridge on I-80; plan trip during low traffic hours.
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Mapped by John Trilik
Trail Facts
- Distance: 10.4
Waypoints
DRL001
Location: 41.6800537109375, -93.6672821044922
Hike S on trail that winds gently into shady woodlands surrounding the Des Moines River Trail
DRL002
Location: 41.6714973449707, -93.6682586669922
Continue S
DRL003
Location: 41.6617813110352, -93.6660461425781
Stay S, crossing through a patchwork of fields and woods
DRL004
Location: 41.6508407592773, -93.6652526855469
Turn R @ T, leaving trail. Cautiously walk along the shoulder of the I-80, crossing over the Des Moines River (boaters cruise these waters)
DRL005
Location: 41.6517333984375, -93.6809768676758
Turn R onto NW Beaver Ave. for quick NW stretch. Cross Beaver Creek, a tributary of the Des Moines River
DRL006
Location: 41.6532516479492, -93.6818542480469
Turn R @ T onto recreational trail, heading E. Pass the deep blues of two large quarry lakes on L. Ahead, trail swings N, paralleling river. Scan hardwoods for resident bald eagles perched high above
DRL007
Location: 41.6642227172852, -93.6710662841797
Turn R @ T. Enter mature forest, and hike multi-use trail on the W-side of the Des Moines River
DRL008
Location: 41.6759376525879, -93.6687316894531
Continue N through Sycamore Park
DRL009
Location: 41.6802062988281, -93.6723098754883
Trail ends in W parking lot. Turn R and follow road back to trailhead
