Story

Skunk River Greenbelt


Biking at Skunk River Greenbelt The Skunk River Greenbelt is open to pedestrians and off-road bicyclists only from Sopers Mill (170th) to Bear Creek. It is open to pedestrians, off-road bicyclists, and equestrians from the Anderson Canoe Access (150th) to the E18 Greenbelt Access. All trails in McFarland Park are open to pedestrians and most are open to off-road bicyclists. Watch for signs. We have posted No Bikes signs on some trails due to heavy pedestrian use and to protect extensive stairway systems. Trails in Peterson Park are open to pedestrians, off-road bicyclists, and equestrians.
Canoeing & Kayaking at Skunk River Greenbelt The water trail offers approximately 34 miles from Story City Park (below the dam in Story City) to C.J. Shreck Access (South of Cambridge). The Skunk River Paddlers provide excellent information about the water trail on their website and have provided much of the labor needed to create and maintain the trail. Skunk River Water Trail Access Points (listed from north to south): Story City Park #246 Not owned or managed by Story County Conservation Broad Street, Story City, 50248 Lekwa Access #242 56156 130th Street, Story City, 50248 (0.25 miles east of 560th on E-18) Anderson Access #239 56743 150th Street, Story City, 50248 (0.1 miles west of Pleasant Valley Road on 150th Street) Soper’s Mill Access #235 56364 170th Street, Ames, 50010 (Intersection of 170th and 563rd) Peterson Park Access #233 17952 Templeton Road, Ames, 50010 (1.5 miles east of Highway 69 on 180th) Sleepy Hollow Access #230 646 W. Riverside Road, Ames, 50010 (Intersection of Riverside Road and Highway 69) River Valley Park Access #227 Not owned or managed by Story County Conservation 725 East 13th Street, Ames, 50010 South 16th Street #224 Not owned or managed by Story County Conservation Ames 265th Street Access #220 56091 265th Street, Ames, 50010 (Near 560th Avenue) Askew Bridge Access #217 57887 290th Street, Cambridge, 50046 (Intersection of 580th Avenue (R70) and 290th Street) C.J. Shreck Access #212 59627 Highway 210, Cambridge, 50046 (South of Cambridge on Highway 210; north side of road) For up-to-date information on water levels, view the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's website: River Gauges. Best float periods: · April-July · September-October · When river is high Hazards:** · Log jams are usual between Story City and Soper’s Mill · There is a major log jam 0.5 miles below the Anderson Access which must be portaged · Sharp turns and other obstacles are present in many sections · Dam above Sleep Hollow/Riverside Road; portage on river right · Dam at River Valley Park must be portaged Water Trail - South Skunk River
Equestrian Activities at Skunk River Greenbelt The Skunk River Greenbelt is open to pedestrians, off-road bicyclists, and equestrians from the Anderson Canoe Access (150th) to the E18 Greenbelt Access. It is open to pedestrians and off-road bicyclists only from Sopers Mill (170th) to Bear Creek. Trail Etiquette - Trail users should respect the environment and their trails by following these user ethics: Educate yourself by reviewing trail maps and regulations and following signs. Respect the rights of others. When cyclists encounter hikers, slow down to their speed, or stop and pull over. If approaching from the rear, greet them or sound a handlebar bell; then pass slowly. If approaching equestrians from the front, ALWAYS stop, pull over and let them pass. If approaching from the rear, ask them which is the best way to proceed. Ride slowly or walk around the horse and rider. Use designated trails approved for your particular activity. Stay on the trail treadway. Enjoy the flora, fauna, geological, and archaeological wonders, and leave them for others to appreciate. Avoid excessively wet or muddy trails. Waiting 24 hours after a rain event is recommended. Ride in small groups, keeping them smaller than five if possible. Wear a helmet. Park staff appreciate your concern for your own safety, as well as for others.
Fishing at Skunk River Greenbelt Each water trail access is a public fishing area on the Skunk River featuring bullhead, buffalo, carp, channel catfish, & smallmouth bass. Iowa fishing regulations apply, for a listing of state rules/regulations please click here: Iowa DNR - Fishing Seek permission from landowners for access to private property. Although the water is public, some of the land along the river is private property.
Hunting at Skunk River Greenbelt 620 acres with deer, furbearers, and small game. Some greenbelt properties are posted "No Hunting." Other areas are easements and not available for public hunting. Observe boundary signs. Trapping is allowed in the public hunting areas. No target shooting is allowed. Only non-toxic ammunition is allowed. All state hunting laws apply. Hunters must possess the proper license(s). Please remember to get permission when hunting within 200 yards of any occupied building, even when hunting on public land. For a complete listing of all state hunting regulations, visit www. iowadnr.gov or contact the IDNR in Des Moines at 515-281-5918. Pets must be on leashes at all times. Pets shall be deemed as running at large unless the owner carries such animal or leads it by a leash or chain not exceeding six feet in length, or keeps it confined in or attached to a vehicle. Hunting dogs are permitted in designated hunting areas for training, exercise, or hunting, but must be kept on leashes from March 15 to July 15 to protect nesting birds and must be kept under control at all times.
Trails & Hiking at Skunk River Greenbelt The Skunk River Greenbelt is open to pedestrians and off-road bicyclists only from Sopers Mill (170th) to Bear Creek. It is open to pedestrians, off-road bicyclists, and equestrians from the Anderson Canoe Access (150th) to the E18 Greenbelt Access. All trails in McFarland Park are open to pedestrians and most are open to off-road bicyclists. Watch for signs. We have posted No Bikes signs on some trails due to heavy pedestrian use and to protect extensive stairway systems. Trails in Peterson Park are open to pedestrians, off-road bicyclists, and equestrians.

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