The best MTB trails in Margo Frankel Woods State Park

The Sycamore Trail loop offers a delightful escape into nature, tracing the west bank of the Des Moines River through a surprisingly wild and scenic old-growth forest. You'll navigate fast, flowing singletrack, encountering natural bumps, curves, and occasional slick spots that add a fun challenge to this otherwise easy route. It's a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of the Des Moines metro area, feeling miles away from the city. The trail is also open to walkers, joggers, runners, and leashed dogs, making it a versatile outdoor destination.

This 6.9-mile (11.2 km) mountain biking loop is designed for beginning to intermediate cyclists, with a minimal 32 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 53 minutes. While it's popular for year-round riding, be aware that the ground can stay wet longer after rain, so plan accordingly. There are no restrooms or water facilities along the remote sections, so ensure you bring everything you need for your ride.

Beyond its own charms, the Sycamore Trail loop connects to other local routes like The Brickyard and the paved Saylorville Bike Trail, offering options for longer adventures. The relatively undeveloped nature of the area benefits local wildlife, providing a serene backdrop for your ride. You might even find optional pump track sections with fast ups and downs for an extra dose of excitement.

The High Trestle Trail offers a delightful mountain biking experience across central Iowa, primarily known for its smooth, paved surface and the breathtaking High Trestle Bridge. You'll pedal through a diverse landscape of classic Iowa farmland, with vast cornfields stretching to the horizon, interspersed with cool, forested sections. The route's centerpiece, the High Trestle Bridge, is an architectural marvel, nearly half a mile long and towering 130 feet above the Des Moines River, featuring unique diamond-shaped steel ribs that are illuminated at night.

This moderate 58.4-mile (94.0 km) trail, with a gentle 976 feet (298 metres) of elevation gain, is suitable for all skill levels and takes approximately 4 hours and 52 minutes to complete. Parking is readily available in towns like Ankeny, which the trail connects, offering convenient access points. Given its length, planning for water and snacks is advisable, especially on warmer days, though you'll find amenities in the towns along the way.

Beyond its accessibility, the High Trestle Trail is celebrated for its artistic and historical significance. The bridge's design, titled "From Here to There," pays homage to the region's coal-mining heritage and has garnered international recognition. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a long, scenic ride that combines natural beauty with an impressive man-made landmark, making it one of the most popular trails for mountain biking in Iowa.

The Sycamore and Owl Trail Loop offers a dynamic mountain biking experience through an old-growth forest along the Des Moines River. You'll find fast, flowing singletrack on the Sycamore Trail, complete with well-bermed turns and some bumpy roots. The Owl Trail section ups the ante with a "nasty rock garden" and numerous logs, providing a fun challenge for those looking to test their skills.

This 3.4-mile (5.5 km) loop is rated easy, with a minimal 22 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain, and can be completed in about 25 minutes. It's a multi-use trail, so be prepared to share the path with walkers and joggers. A portion of the Sycamore Trail runs through a campsite, so be mindful of noise, especially during early mornings and evenings.

While the Sycamore Trail is generally considered easy and family-friendly, the Owl Trail introduces intermediate obstacles like its prominent rock garden. This makes the loop a great option for riders who want a quick ride that offers both smooth sections and technical features, and it connects to a larger network if you wish to extend your adventure.

The Ankeny Welcome Sign – High Trestle Trail loop offers a fantastic opportunity to explore Iowa's rural landscape on two wheels. You'll cruise along a smooth, paved rails-to-trails path, passing through expansive cornfields and under tree canopies, with the journey culminating at the magnificent High Trestle Trail Bridge. This architectural marvel, spanning half a mile and rising 13 stories, provides sweeping views of the Des Moines River Valley and features a unique light display after dark. It's a moderate 40.4-mile (65.0 km) mountain biking route, but the easy terrain makes it more about enjoying the scenery than tackling technical challenges.

To plan your ride, start from Ankeny, where you can find parking and essential supplies. The route is well-supported with amenities in towns like Madrid and Woodward along the way, making it easy to refuel or take a break. While the 534 feet (163 metres) of elevation gain is spread out over the 3 hours and 20 minutes estimated duration, the trail's flat profile means it's accessible for most riders. Consider an evening visit to the High Trestle Trail Bridge to witness its iconic blue LED lights, which create a striking visual effect.

This trail is a prime example of a successful rails-to-trails conversion, transforming a decommissioned railroad into a recreational asset. The High Trestle Trail Bridge itself is recognized as one of the world's largest trail bridges and a significant art installation, paying homage to the region's coal mining heritage. It also serves as a crucial link in a broader network of proposed trail loops around Des Moines, connecting to other routes like the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail.