Raccoon River Valley Trail
The
Raccoon River Valley Trail is a paved, multi-use recreation trail that uses the former railroad right of way to connect 14 communities in three counties.
Popular with cyclists, joggers, walkers, skiers, roller-bladers and snowmobilers, the RRVT is quickly becoming a hot spot to hold events, ranging from the BaCoon Ride to the Market to Market Relay.
Trail map
Location
Length: 89 miles through Dallas, Greene and Guthrie Counties.
Surface: Asphalt and Concrete
Grade: Mostly flat, max. 1% to 2% grade.
Fees: Permit required for those 18 +.
Daily permit: $2.00 per trail user.
Annual permit: $10.00 per calendar year.
Permit envelopes are in the yellow tubes at the trailheads or you may purchase one by sending a check to Dallas County Conservation Board
Loop -North/East Route
- Jamaica: Corner of South Main & Van Nest - Shelter
- Dawson: Restored depot at 307 Railroad Ave. - water, restrooms, vending
- Perry: Restored depot at corner of 1st St. (Hwy 144) & Willis Ave. - water, restrooms, bike storage, picnic tables
- Forest Park Museum: south of 144 on K Ave. - water, restrooms, vending, picnic area, museum
- Minburn: Restored depot on corner of Hwy 169 & Chestnut St. - water, restrooms, shelter
- Dallas Center: On Walnut St. across from library - water, picnic tables
- Waukee: Corner of Hwy. 6 & R22 - water, restrooms, picnic tables
Features
Trailheads:
North Leg:
- Jefferson: Restored railroad depot at Co. Rd. E53 (old Hwy 30) - restrooms, water, vending, shelter house, historic interpretive displays.
- Cooper: Center of town, in scale house of former elevator, just off Co. Rd. E57 - water, restrooms, shelter house.
- Herndon: Center of town, park on street - Portable toilet.
Loop - South/West Route
- Yale: SE edge of town on Co. Rd. F25 - restrooms, water,shelter house.
- Panora: SE 6th St. just off Hwy. 44 - water, portable toilet, shelter house.
- Linden: Jct. of Co. Rd. P30 & city park-- water, portable toilet, shelter house.
- Redfield: Redfield Depot parking lot, north of Hwy. 6 - restrooms, water, shelter house, seasonal concessions.
- Adel: 18th St. parking lot just north of Old Hwy. 6 - water, portable toilet, shelter house.
- Ortonville: Jct. of Hwy.6 and Co. Rd. R16 - trail passes.
- Waukee: Corner of Hwy. 6 R22 - water, restrooms, picnic table
