Gay Lea Wilson Trail

Biking at Gay Lea Wilson Trail

The Gay Lea Wilson Trail, when completed, will extend for approximately 35 miles throughout the eastern and northern parts of Polk County. The trail will also make up the lower portion of a 110-mile Central Iowa Trail Loop that will connect existing parks, trails, and businesses in five counties. Polk County Conservation Board currently owns and manages the five mile trail segment between Pleasant Hill and Altoona and the recently constructed 2.5 mile trail segment between Ankeny and Des Moines. Parking and access to this new stretch of trail is available at Carney Marsh in Ankeny or Sargent Park in Des Moines. For more information on this newest 2.5 mile connection, please see this flyer.Recreation and nature enthusiasts will find this multi-use trail useful for a variety of activities including hiking, cycling, birding, in-line skating, and cross-country skiing.Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all trails within PCCB lands. The only exceptions are for maintenance, law enforcement, and emergency vehicles. This restriction does not apply to a manual-operated or power-driven device designed primarily for use by an individual with a mobility disability, e.g. wheel chair.