Rolling Prairie Bike Trail
The Rolling Prairie Trail is a
non-motorized hiking and biking trail. Currently 21 miles of former railroad
right-of-way have been paved and transformed into the bike trail within Butler
County, and extensions of that paving are planned in the future as funding
permits. The Rolling Prairie Bike Trail boasts minimum elevation change along
the route, and it will lead you through a variety of scenic backdrops. You will
ride through woodlands like those at Heery Woods State Park, pass prairie like
that at Wolter’s Prairie Preserve, cross over the Shell Rock River on beautiful
wood bridges, and pass the agricultural fields that Iowa is known for as well. This
diverse habitat offers the chance to also see a variety of wildlife such as birds,
deer, rabbits, turtles, frogs and more. When winter hits and snow falls, this
trail transforms to become a beautiful and peaceful place for cross-country
skiing and snowshoeing.
Location
Trail Heads and Amenities
Shell Rock
- Trail head located 1/3 mile north of Highway 3 on T-63
- Parking available
- Kiosk with maps and information
Clarksville
- Trail head at Volunteer Park (one block east of Highway 188, south edge of town)
- Parking and restrooms available
- Trail head at Heery Woods State Park
- Parking and restrooms available
- Kiosk with maps and information
Allison
- Trail head near downtown on Elm Street (one block east of Main Street)
- Parking available
- Kiosk with maps and information
Bristow
- Trail head located in southeast area of town on Grand Avenue
- Parking available
- Ice cream stand (summer) and restrooms located in city park
Operating Hours & Seasons
Butler County Parks are open from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily.
Access to restrooms and water are seasonal.
