Locations

Length
The Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) is a 88 mile long multi-use recreational trail.  It includes a 71 mile loop that passes through the towns of Waukee, Adel, Redfield, Linden, Panora, Yale, Herndon, Jamaica, Dawson, Perry, Minburn and Dallas Center. Most segments of the trail average 6 miles between towns.
A 12 mile north extension runs from Herndon, through Cooper and up to Jefferson. Another 5 mile leg connects Waukee to Clive and the Greenbelt Trail. . 

Surface: Asphalt and Concrete

Grade: The Raccoon River Valley Trail is mostly flat, with only 1% to 2% grade.

Features

Trailheads:
•Waukee: Jct. of Hwy.6 & Co. Rd. R22 -- Restrooms, trail passes, maps, information
•Ortonville: Jct. of Hwy.6 and Co. Rd. R16 -- trail passes, maps, information, camping
•Adel: 18th St. parking lot -- restrooms, trail passes
•Redfield: Redfield Depot parking lot, north of Hwy. 6 -- restrooms, water, picnic tables, trail passes, maps, information, concessions
•Linden: Jct. of Co. Rd. P30 & city park -- restrooms, water, trail passes, concessions
•Panora: SE 6th St. just off Hwy. 44 -- picnic tables, restrooms (at nearby restaurant), water, trail passes
•Yale: SE edge of town on Co. Rd. F25 -- restrooms, picnic tables, water, trail passes, maps, information
•Herndon: Center of town, park on street. No city facilities.
•Cooper: Center of town, in scalehouse of former elevator, just off Co. Rd. E57 -- water, restrooms.
•Jefferson: Restored railroad depot at Co. Rd. E53 (old Hwy. 30) -- restrooms, water, historic interpretive displays.
•Dawson Depot: Restored railroad depot at 307 Railroad Ave -- restrooms
•Perry Depot: Restored railroad depot at the corner of 1st St. (Hwy 144) and Willis Ave: electronic kiosk and messenger board, brochures, maps, info about the Perry community
•Forest Park Museum: south of Perry on K Avenue -- museum, restrooms, water, picnic tables, trail passes, maps, brochures, Dallas County information

Hours

Open year round. 

The RRVT is open for snowmobiling from the parking lot in Waukee all the way to Jefferson on the south route.  On the North route it is also open for snowmobiling from the Waukee parking lot to Dallas Center but the city of Dallas Center does not allow snowmobiles to go through the city on the trail.  The city of Minburn does allow snowmobiles, the city of Perry does not allow snowmobiles (but has an alternate route marked), the city of Dawson does allow snowmobiles, the city of Jamaica does allow snowmobiles.  

Here are the rules regarding snowmobiling on the RRVT, the rules apply to Guthrie and Greene counties also:  
1)      There must be 4” of snow cover on the trail before snowmobiles can use the trail.  
2)      Snowmobiles must remain on the hard surface trail within the county owned right-of way and respect no trespassing wishes of adjacent landowners.  
3)      Snowmobile users are subject to the RRVT user permit requirements - $2 per day or $10 per year for each user 18 years and older.  
4)      No studs are allowed on the snowmobile track on snowmobiles that use the RRVT.  
5)      The Dallas County Conservation Board reserves the right to modify, alter, or repeal the provisions of this policy at any time.   

Fees

Fees
A permit is required by anyone 18 years and older. Permit envelopes are available in the yellow tube located at each trailhead on the trail or you may purchase one through the mail by sending a check to:
Dallas County Conservation Board
14581 K Ave.
Perry, Iowa 50220

Daily permit: $2.00 per trail user.
Annual permit: $10.00 per calendar year.