Tips
September 22, 2023
Road cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near High Trestle Trail
112km
05:15
470m
470m
Cycle the 69.8-mile High Trestle and Neal Smith Trail Loop, a difficult road cycling route featuring the iconic High Trestle Bridge.
5.0
(1)
115
riders
63.2km
03:11
160m
160m
Imagine gliding along a smooth, paved surface, the Iowa landscape unfolding around you as you cycle the High Trestle Trail. The route transitions from wide-open cornfields to more wooded areas, culminating in the stunning High Trestle Bridge, a 130-foot-tall former railway bridge. Its unique "From Here to There" art installation, with twisting, LED-lit steel ribs, creates a captivating experience, especially after dusk.
This moderate 39.3 miles (63.2 km) road cycling loop, with just 524 feet (160 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes to complete. Parking is readily available at the Staff Parking trailhead, and you'll find convenient amenities like restaurants and bars in nearby towns such as Madrid and Woodward, making it easy to refuel or relax.
The High Trestle Trail is a standout in central Iowa, offering a largely flat and accessible ride that connects to other trails for extended adventures. The bridge itself is a significant architectural and artistic landmark, paying homage to the region's coal-mining past. Cycling it at night, when the blue LED lights illuminate the structure, provides a truly memorable and distinct experience.
38
riders
58.0km
03:01
210m
210m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Details
Informations
Distance 3.68 km
Uphill 20 m
Downhill 0 m
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