Neal Smith Trail to Birdland Park

This specific route, the Neal Smith Trail to Birdland Park, is approximately 7.6 kilometers (4.7 miles) long. It typically takes around 1 hour and 57 minutes to complete as a hike, depending on your pace and stops.

Yes, this section of the Neal Smith Trail is generally considered easy for hiking. While the broader Neal Smith Trail has some rolling hills further north, this particular segment offers a gentle experience, making it suitable for beginners and casual hikers.

The trail primarily features a paved asphalt or concrete surface, making it accessible for various users. You'll experience a mix of natural landscapes, including riverbanks along the Des Moines River, shaded forests, and wildflower meadows, particularly as it passes through the Ding Darling Greenway.

The trail has numerous access points. For this specific route ending at Birdland Park, you would typically look for parking near its southern endpoint around East University Avenue or within Birdland Park itself. The broader Neal Smith Trail also offers various parking options along its length.

Yes, the Neal Smith Trail, including this section, is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash and practice Leave No Trace principles by cleaning up after your pet.

The trail offers scenic beauty throughout the year. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage or blooming wildflowers. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. Even in winter, parts of the trail can be used for activities like cross-country skiing, though only city-maintained portions are plowed.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to access and hike the Neal Smith Trail or this specific section leading to Birdland Park. It's part of the public trail network.

The trail traverses wildlife-rich forest and wetland habitats. Hikers often spot deer, rabbits, various bird species, butterflies, muskrat, and beaver, especially in the quieter, wooded sections along the Des Moines River.

This route offers continuous scenic views along the Des Moines River. The trail itself is a landmark, being one of the oldest in the Central Iowa Trail Network. Further north on the full Neal Smith Trail, you'd find attractions like the butterfly garden at Saylorville Lake, but this specific segment focuses on riverine and wooded scenery.

Yes, this route is a crucial link in the expansive Greater Des Moines trail network. It directly follows the Neal Smith Trail (100% of the route) and also incorporates sections of the Dragoon Trail - Through Des Moines (66%), the John Pat Dorrian Trail (23%), and Birdland Drive Bicycle Lanes (26%). It's also part of the American Discovery Trail.

The Neal Smith Trail, including areas near this segment, offers various amenities. You can find benches for resting, and it passes near recreation areas that may have water fountains and restrooms. It also wanders through Army Corps-managed campgrounds and picnic areas along the Des Moines River.