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United States
Iowa
Polk County

Grimes

Easy hikes and walks around Grimes

5.0

(2)

17

hikers

16

hikes

Easy hiking trails around Grimes offer access to diverse landscapes, including well-maintained city parks, greenways, and natural areas. The region features a mix of suburban trails, open fields, and proximity to larger conservation areas like Grimes Farm, which provides access to forests, wetlands, and reconstructed prairies. Rolling hills and varied ecosystems characterize the terrain, shaped by glacial activity.

Best easy hiking trails around Grimes

  • The most popular easy hiking route is Cottonwood Recreation Area via Neal Smith Trail, a…

Last updated: May 5, 2026

3

hikers

#1.

Cottonwood Recreation Area via Neal Smith Trail

4.60km

01:10

10m

10m

Embark on an easy hike along the Cottonwood Recreation Area via Neal Smith Trail, a pleasant route that winds for 2.9 miles (4.6 km). You will experience diverse landscapes, from…

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Easy

1

hikers

5.67km

01:26

20m

10m

Hike the easy 3.5-mile Colby Woods Trail in Walker Johnston Park, a paved route through woods and alongside a creek, perfect for families.

Easy
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1.60km

00:25

20m

10m

Embark on a pleasant hike along the Cherry Glen Trail, where you'll find yourself strolling through a peaceful 13-acre wooded ridge. As you follow the paved path, which is part…

Easy

Explore the easy 0.5-mile Two Dam Pond Loop in Jester Park, a short hike with minimal elevation gain perfect for a quick outdoor escape.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Tips from the Community

Jack
June 5, 2024, Jester Park Nature Center Sculpture

Very interesting and interactive displays.

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Scott
January 19, 2024, Walker Johnston Park

Discover hidden sculptures and murals throughout the park. Follow a storybook trail around the pond, enjoying pages displayed along the path. There's even a community garden where residents can grow their own food.

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Sue
December 22, 2023, Colby Woods

Colby Woods is a peaceful and scenic residential area with lush greenery, a charming small park, a small playground, and a well-maintained golf course. The Colby Woods Trail multiuse pathway runs along the beautiful North Walnut Creek, providing a perfect setting for an enjoyable bike ride.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are available around Grimes?

There are 11 easy hiking trails around Grimes, offering a variety of experiences from city parks to natural areas. In total, the region features 16 hiking routes for various skill levels.

What makes the easy hiking trails around Grimes unique?

The easy hiking trails around Grimes are unique for their diverse landscapes, which include well-maintained city parks, extensive greenways, and natural areas featuring forests, wetlands, and reconstructed prairies. The terrain, shaped by glacial activity, offers rolling hills and varied ecosystems, providing a rich natural experience close to urban amenities.

Are there family-friendly easy hiking trails in Grimes?

Yes, many of the easy trails around Grimes are suitable for families. For example, the Cherry Glen Trail is a short 1.0-mile path through a natural park setting, perfect for a quick family outing. The well-maintained paths in parks like Waterworks Park and Beaverbrooke South Park also offer pleasant experiences for all ages.

Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails around Grimes?

While specific regulations can vary by park or trail, many outdoor areas in Grimes and the surrounding region are dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's always best to check local signage or park websites for the most current rules before heading out with your furry friend. Trails like the Cottonwood Recreation Area via Neal Smith Trail are generally welcoming to leashed dogs.

Are there any easy loop walks around Grimes?

Yes, you can find easy loop walks around Grimes. The Two Dam Pond Loop is a short and easy option, perfect for a quick stroll. Additionally, many city parks like Waterworks Park and Glenstone Park offer interconnected trail systems that can be walked as loops.

Can I find trails with scenic viewpoints near Grimes?

Yes, for scenic viewpoints, consider visiting Grimes Farm in Marshall County, a short drive from Grimes. It features a 30-foot observation tower on one of the highest elevation points, offering expansive views of the Marshalltown skyline, the Linn Creek Corridor, and the rolling hills of the Southern Iowa Drift Plain. On clear days, views can extend for miles into Story County.

What kind of natural landscapes can I expect on easy hikes around Grimes?

Easy hikes around Grimes offer a variety of natural landscapes. You can expect to traverse through forests, wetlands, and reconstructed prairies, especially at places like Grimes Farm. The region also features open fields, greenways alongside Beaver Creek, and the picturesque settings of city parks with lush greenery and well-maintained paths.

Where can I find parking for easy hiking trails in Grimes?

Most city parks in Grimes, such as Waterworks Park, Beaverbrooke South Park, and Glenstone Park, offer dedicated parking facilities for visitors. For trails that are part of larger systems like the Ashawa Greenway or those near Beaver Creek, parking is often available at designated trailheads or nearby public access points.

What is the best time of year for easy hiking around Grimes?

Grimes benefits from a temperate climate, making it suitable for outdoor activities throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with wildflowers in spring and vibrant foliage in fall. Summer is also great, though it can be warmer, while winter provides opportunities for invigorating hikes, especially on well-maintained or paved paths.

What interesting places can I see near the easy hiking trails in Grimes?

Near the easy hiking trails in Grimes, you can explore several points of interest. The Neal Smith Trail is an extensive trail system offering scenic views. You can also visit the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center for information on the area's natural history, or check out the Trestle to Trestle Trail for another unique experience.

Are there accessible walking trails in Grimes suitable for strollers or wheelchairs?

Yes, many of the city parks in Grimes, such as Waterworks Park, Beaverbrooke South Park, and Glenstone Park, feature well-maintained and often paved or smoothly surfaced trails that are suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. The Ashawa Greenway Trail and sections of the Linn Creek Recreational Trail also offer accessible options for easy, flat walks.

What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Grimes?

The easy hiking trails around Grimes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of the trails, the peaceful natural settings within close proximity to the city, and the variety of landscapes, from wooded sections to open prairies, that make each outing enjoyable.

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