community
Greater Des Moines Offers 800+ Miles of Connected Trails and Parks
Greater Des Moines provides more than 800 miles of connected trails along with multiple parks and lakes for outdoor activities.
How we reported this
Greater Des Moines has over 800 miles of connected recreational trails for biking, walking, and running, including the longest paved loop trail in the nation, the Raccoon River Valley Trail. This network supports a range of outdoor pursuits throughout the metro area.
Connected Trail Systems
The extensive trail system links various parts of the region and allows users to travel long distances on paved paths. The Raccoon River Valley Trail stands out as the longest paved loop trail in the nation, providing a continuous route for cyclists and runners.
Popular Park Destinations
Jester Park offers hiking, kayaking, and bison viewing opportunities. Gray’s Lake Park features a 2-mile paved loop with canoe and kayak rentals available downtown. Walnut Woods State Park contains wooded trails located 15 minutes southwest of downtown. State parks near the metro include Lake Ahquabi State Park with its 770 acres and 115-acre lake, Big Creek State Park which has the largest beach in Iowa’s state park system, and Brown’s Woods as Iowa’s largest urban forest preserve.
New Additions and Water Activities
Brenton Slough in Grimes officially opened in June 2026 and adds nature trails plus water access as one of the area’s newest attractions. Water sports take place on Gray’s Lake with downtown rentals for kayaks, paddleboards, and sailboats. Additional options exist at Big Creek, Saylorville Lake, and Lake Red Rock located 30 miles away where sea kayaking is available.
These locations provide options for residents and visitors seeking outdoor recreation close to the city. The combination of trails, parks, and water access creates multiple entry points for different activity levels. Individuals can start with short segments of the trail network or visit a single park for a focused outing. Equipment rentals at Gray’s Lake support water-based plans without requiring personal gear. Newer sites such as Brenton Slough expand choices for those exploring recent additions to the outdoor landscape.