Beaver Creek Trail – Neal Smith Trail loop from Beaver Creek Natural Resources Area

Bike touring routes & trails

Beaver Creek Trail – Neal Smith Trail loop from Beaver Creek Natural Resources Area

Moderate

3.2

(26)

riders

Beaver Creek Trail – Neal Smith Trail loop from Beaver Creek Natural Resources Area

03:23

53.9km

370m

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: September 26, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

3.25 km

Beaver Creek Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Beaver Creek Trail is an almost 3-mile long paved trail that follows the creek with the same name. It is fully, paved and flat, so it is not a difficult trail to ride.

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3.87 km

Beaver Creek Trail

Highlight • Trail

The trail is paved concrete and mostly shaded. You head through the woods along the edge of Beaver Creek for about a mile with a few nice lookout spots over the water.

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14.5 km

Saylorville Dam

Highlight • Monument

Pause your ride at Saylorville Dam for scenic views. This dam on the Des Moines River in Iowa is only 11 miles upstream from Des Moines, offering a great place to hop off your bike and take a break!

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25.7 km

Neal Smith Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The 26-mile Neal Smith Trail rolls along the banks of the Des Moines River through the Ding Darling Greenway conservation area and weaves its way through a variety of landscapes, …

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31.6 km

Big Creek Barrier Dam and views of Saylorville Lake

Highlight • Monument

Great views of the lake from the Neal Smith Trail as it passes over the Big Creek Barrier Dam. The dam was constructed to protect Polk City from flooding from Saylorville Lake.

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41.7 km

Saylorville Lake Visitor Center

Highlight • Rest Area

The Saylorville Lake Visitor Center is located at the southeast corner of the lake and offers a variety of scheduled events, a theater, several interactive displays, and a selection of maps. A butterfly garden is also a short walk away.

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51.4 km

Terra Lake

Highlight • Lake

While it appears small from the surface, Terra Lake actually boasts a surprising depth of up to 28 feet in its central area. This hidden depth creates a haven for larger fish species like catfish and carp, attracting experienced anglers.

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