Raccoon River Valley Trail

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LocationThe Greene County portion of the RRVT begins in Jefferson and runs 12 miles south to where it continues into Guthrie and Dallas Counties, ending up in Des Moines. At the trailhead in Jefferson there is a renovated Milwaukee Road Depot that is on the National Register of Historic Places. There is also a trailside campground with a shower house for tent campers. Next to this the Greene County Fairgrounds has over 20 RV hookups.

Operating Hours & Seasons The RRVT is open 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. Being a multiuse recreational trail there are several groups of trail users depending on the season. Bicycling is the most popular use and bikers may be found any time of year the trail is snow free. The Raccoon River Snow Chasers is a snowmobile club that grooms a trail for snowmobilers and cross country skiers to use during the winter. Pheasant hunters can be found pursuing their interests on the portions of the trail open to hunting.
A trail pass is no longer required to use the RRVT.

Discover Raccoon River Valley Trail in Jefferson

The Raccoon River Valley Trail is an 89-mile-long paved trail along the branches of the Raccoon River through Greene, Guthrie, and Dallas Counties. This includes a 72 mile loop, making it the longest hard surfaced loop trail in the nation. You will experience the communities of Jefferson, Cooper, Herndon, Yale, Panora, Linden, Redfield, Adel, Waukee, Dallas Center, Minburn, Perry, Dawson, and Jamaica. Going east the RRVT connects with the extensive trail system in Iowa's capital city of Des Moines. Your trail experience will take you from a very vibrant metropolitan area out into some great small towns located in one of the most productive agricultural regions of the world. Along the way you will find the food, beverages, entertainment, scenery, accommodations and ambience that will make every visit to the RRVT a memorable one.

12 mile hard surfaced trail, continues through Guthrie and Dallas County with a total length of 89 miles.
Trailhead includes restored Milwaukee Road depot.
Campgrounds and shower house in Jefferson and restroom in Cooper.
Trail on former RR R-O-W with flat 1 - 2% grade.
600 foot long tressel over North Raccoon River.