Audubon

The T-Bone Recreation Trail runs from the city of Audubon into Cass County.  The trail totals 21 miles.  Sixteen of these miles are located in Audubon County.  The trail begins in Audubon and runs south through Hamlin, Exira, Brayton, and into Cass County.  Eventually the trail will go into Atlantic, Iowa.  The trail is hard surface making it great for biking, walking, running, and rollerblading.  Most of the trail is asphalt with a few miles in the middle made out of concrete.  The T-Bone Trail is a former railroad right of way; purchased with the help of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.  It is named for the T-Bone event that originated in the 1950s in Audubon when the farmers all loaded up their cattle on to a train and rode with them to market in Chicago.  The trail has taken over fifteen years to complete.  Funding needed to be in place before the project was started.  Funding was received through various grants and donations from organizations and agencies such as Statewide Enhancement Grants, the Iowa West Foundation, Schildberg Foundation, Audubon County Endowment Fund, Nishna Valley Trails, Audubon State Bank, Exchange State Band, Landmans Bank, and Audubon Travelers.

Location

The Hamlin Trailhead is located just off the intersections of Highways 71 and 44.

GOOGLE MAP LOCATION

Features

The T-Bone trail is a hardsurface, multi-use recreation trail spanning twenty-one miles.  The trail's north end begins in Audubon and runs south into Cass County.  Eventually, the trial will go into Atlantic, Iowa.

Located near this trailhead is Darrell's Place, a local restaurant famous for its pork tenderloin sandwiches.

Operating Hours & Seasons

The trail is open year-round, but snow usually is not removed.

Closures

The trail is closed to motor vehicles and horses.