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Neal Smith Trail – Des Moines River loop from Drake University

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Neal Smith Trail – Des Moines River loop from Drake University

Moderate

4.6

(7052)

19,644

riders

Neal Smith Trail – Des Moines River loop from Drake University

02:35

42.9km

180m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: July 19, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 15.5 km for 154 m

After 16.1 km for 70 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

8.55 km

Bill Riley - Meredith Trail Open Space

Nature Reserve

15.5 km

Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens

Highlight • Monument

Nice change in the otherwise typical MidWest

Translated by Google •

Tip by

16.2 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

19.8 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

21.8 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

22.1 km

Wakonsa Bridge

Highlight (Segment) • 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

22.2 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

24.9 km

Neal Smith Trail Recreation Area

Nature Reserve

28.9 km

Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge

Highlight (Segment) • Bridge

This iconic bridge spans the Des Moines River, linking the east and west sides of the city at the northern edge of the riverwalk loop. This single-arch pedestrian bridge features …

Tip by

33.3 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 …

Tip by

42.9 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

39.3 km

3.17 km

254 m

163 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

24.0 km

18.1 km

747 m

< 100 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 21 July

28°C

17°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Neal Smith Trail – Des Moines River loop from Drake University

Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Neal Smith Trail

Des Moines River

Wakonsa Bridge

Bridge Over Des Moines

Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge

Gray's Lake Park

Nearby routes

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