FOOD
DRINK
TRAILS/RUNNING
LEDGES STATE PARK (15 miles west of Ames off US Hwy 30, near the town of Madrid, ph. 515/432-1852)
With its sandstone cliffs, native plant communities and deep wooded river valley, Ledges is a truly unique place. The winding road along Pea's Creek offers motorists breathtaking views of the "canyon" and the Des Moines River Valley. The sandstone "Ledges" rise nearly 100 feet above the floor of the streambed. Thirteen miles of hiking trails lead up and down steep slopes to scenic overlooks and provide access to spectacular views of Pea's Creek "canyon". While most of the trails include steep portions, a fully accessible interpretive trail around Lost Lake is located at the southern part of the park.
BRUSHY CREEK STATE PARK (northwest of Ames about 40 miles, between Lehigh and Fort Dodge)
With approximately 35 miles of multi_use trails, there are trail activities for everyone including horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and mountain biking. Mountain biking was introduced recently on a trial basis. Mountain bikers are asked to ride the 20 miles of trails north of the lake project area. A map of these trails is on display at the information kiosk located in the northern equine campground. When using the multi_use trail system: 1) Always call ahead (515)543_8298 for current trail conditions 2) Stay on designated trails only 3) Respect others' trail rights, 4) Report any trail problems to park staff, and 5) Enjoy!
GREAT WESTERN TRAIL __ The trail runs from southwest Des Moines in Polk County to Martensdale in Warren County. The Great Western Trails is a popular rail trail route that runs 17 miles from a suburban setting in Des Moines into some of Iowa's classic rural landscape of rolling hills, small fields and farms, and wooded river valleys. The smooth, crushed_limestone surface with periodic rest shelters and numerous access points allows for some easy out_and _back rides of various lengths. The original railroad bed dates back almost 100 years to the Chicago, St. Paul and Kansas City railroad. A bit of the history of the area can be seen at a rest stop along the trail where you can read about the life of the now defunct town of Lida. The northern end of the trail shows the growth of modern Des Moines as it meanders past suburban homes and through a golf course. At the North River crossing, the trail passes through a heavily wooded corridor that is a haven for wildlife.
CHICHAQUA VALLEY RECREATION TRAIL __ The trail runs from near Bondurant, about 5 miles outside of Des Moines, to Baxter, in Jasper County. This classic 20 _mile railroad_grade trail crosses through a forested river valley and some open farm country in central Iowa's rich agricultural setting. The trail opened in 1987 and was built with a finely crushed limestone surface on the abandoned roadbed of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway. The railroad whistle_stop towns, Valeria, Mingo, Ira, and Baxter, provide trailside services for hikers and bikers. The proximity to Des Moines and the presence of good trail facilities make this a popular bicycling route in the summer months, good for family outings and easy touring.
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Geoff Thurner
Assistant Director/Publications Coordinator
University of Oregon Media Services - Athletics
Len Casanova Center
2727 Leo Harris Parkway
Eugene, OR 97401
Phone: (541) 346-2250
Fax: (541) 346-5449
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
GO DUCKS!! - GO DUCKS!! - GO DUCKS!!
