Trail is closed. See below for more information.
This scenic recreational trail begins just east of Bondurant and extends for 20 miles to the Jasper County town of Baxter. This trail is paved from beginning to end, making it popular with rollerbladers as well as cyclists and hikers. Along the trail, one will spot mile markers showing the distance to Kansas City for this former railroad route. The trail also crosses stone bridges dating from the Wisconsin, Iowa & Nebraska Railroad that built this rail line in 1885.
In later years, the line was used by the Chicago, St. Paul, & Kansas City Railroad (1886-1892), Chicago Great Western Company (1892-1968), and finally the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company (1968-1984). The line was abandoned in 1984, and reopened as a recreational trail in 1987. It includes a scenic crossing of the Skunk River.
Location
The Polk County trailhead and parking area is on Northeast 88th Street, south of Highway 65 and one mile east of Bondurant.
Operating Hours & Seasons
During day light savings time 6:30 a.m. -10:30 p.m.
Sunrise to sunset the rest of the year.
Closures
THE TRAIL IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO SEVERE FLOOD DAMAGE.
Due to FEMA constraints the opening of the trail has been delayed. We
anticipate that work will be completed Fall 2012 or Spring 2013.