Story

Heart of Iowa Nature Trail


Biking at Heart of Iowa Nature Trail We will be temporarily closing the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail between 560th Avenue (just east of Huxley) and the South Skunk River bridge (just east of Cambridge) for Phase 2 of the paving project. We hope to be finished by mid-September. Currently the trail is completed to limestone surfacing from: Slater to Huxley (4.5 miles) with 1/4 mile of gravel road on 535th Avenue and one mile of paved shoulder along E63 on the west side of Huxley. Huxley to Cambridge (4 miles) S14 to Maxwell (3 miles) Maxwell to Collins (4.5 Miles) Marshall County Trailhead on 730th Avenue (two miles east of Collins) to Rhodes (4.1 miles). This section contains the Hoy Bridge over Clear Creek. The Heart of Iowa Nature Trail connects to the paved High Trestle Trail which runs from Ankeny to Woodward at Slater.
Equestrian Activities at Heart of Iowa Nature Trail Horses are allowed on all of the trail. However, Equestrians should stay on the mowed turf area adjacent to the limestone surface. The best trailer parking is available at Slater, Cambridge, Maxwell, Collins, and Rhodes. Huxley's trailhead does not accommodate equestrians; however, water and restroom facilities are available. Equestrians are also allowed on the High Trestle Trail from Slater to Madrid. Heart of Iowa Nature Trail Map
Hunting at Heart of Iowa Nature Trail We will be temporarily closing the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail between 560th Avenue (just east of Huxley) and the South Skunk River bridge (just east of Cambridge) for Phase 2 of the paving project. We hope to be finished by mid-September. Sections of the trail in Story County are open to hunting and trapping. These areas are from 560th Ave. to 580th Ave., from 597th Ave. to 640th Ave., and from 663rd Ave. to 680th Ave. The miles of trail adjacent to a city boundary are closed to hunting and trapping. All sections of the trail from 680th Ave. eastward are closed. This includes all sections of the trail in Marshall County. No target shooting is allowed. Please obey the signs posted at intersections and respect the rights of all users. Only non-toxic ammunition is allowed. All state hunting laws apply. Hunters must possess the proper license(s). Please remember to get permission when hunting within 200 yards of any occupied building, even when hunting on public land. For a complete listing of all state hunting regulations, visit www. iowadnr.gov or contact the IDNR in Des Moines at 515-281-5918. Pets must be on leashes at all times. Pets shall be deemed as running at large unless the owner carries such animal or leads it by a leash or chain not exceeding six feet in length, or keeps it confined in or attached to a vehicle. Hunting dogs are permitted in designated hunting areas for training, exercise, or hunting, but must be kept on leashes from March 15 to July 15 to protect nesting birds and must be kept under control at all times.
Winter Activities at Heart of Iowa Nature Trail Snowmobiles are allowed on the trail when there is sufficient snow cover. All other motorized vehicles are prohibited. The Saylorville Dam Snowmobile Club maintains the signs and grooms sections of the trail. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing is also suggested, however the trail is not groomed for these activities.

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