The High Trestle Trail

Posted Jul 31, 2009
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The High Trestle Trail formerly known as the 'Ankeny to Woodward Trail' needs your feedback. Find out more about the High Trestle Trail

Ankeny, Slater, Sheldahl, Madrid, Woodward WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK In the summer of 2008, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation received a Wellness Grant for $150,000 from the Wellmark Foundation. The intent of the funding was to enhance the High Trestle Trail with mile markers indicating 10,000 steps from each community, document the number of trail users, survey users for feedback on how to improve the trail experience and complete the trail. We would like to ask your help in providing us with feedback on how to improve the trail experience. Please take a few moments to complete the survey found at the link below. We appreciate all your input. TAKE THE SURVEY Thank you, Andrea Chase Trails Coordinator Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation

ANKENY TO WOODWARD TRAIL HAS A NEW NAME AND LOGO Officials announce that the trail from Ankeny to Woodward will be named the High Trestle Trail. The name and logo will honor the original trestle bridge and highlight the contemporary architecture. There is also a tagline, 'discover a new view' which is meant to excite people about the trail and all the scenery you will experience while on it and the 13-story half mile bridge that overlooks the Des Moines River Valley. A2WTRAIL.org The name and logo were approved by a partnership that has been fundraising and active in the trail's development. The group consists of five cities, four counties and the Iowa National Heritage Foundation.

TRAIL UPDATE The final three-mile segment has been scheduled for a fall of 2010 completion according to a press release. Work on the trail's bridge over the Des Moines River and final segments will begin soon thanks to a public fundraising campaign and recent construction bid approvals. This project started in 2003 and partners have raised about 14.7 million in public and private money including 20 public grants, three special appropriations and funding from 800 private donors. Fundraising is still taking place for related projects including trailheads, signage, and historic restorations. The Ankeny to Sheldal segment, which is 20 miles, and Slater to Madrid have already been open to the public. There is also a connection to the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail in Slater. The Ankeny to Woodward Trail, when completed, will span 25 miles, including the ½ mile, 13-story tall Des Moines River Valley Trail bridge with its dramatic vistas, series of overlooks, and an art immersion experience – reflective of the area’s coal mining history. TRAIL MAP The trail officially opened on October 5, 2008. Past BIKEIOWA News on this trail.

A GREAT FALL DESTINATION If you have not been on the High Trestle Trail yet, make a point to ride it this fall. The trail is smooth, and the communities are open and friendly towards cyclists! The RAGBRAI Reunion takes place on this trail on September 19th if you want to ride with others. See you on the trail!