New website links Iowans to trails

Posted Jul 31, 2006
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A new site has been launched that allows users to search for Iowa trails by name and location, amenities etc.

Iowa’s hikers, bikers, in-line skaters and walkers can hit a helpful, new website before they hit the trails. The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has launched a comprehensive Iowa by Trail website, the electronic version of its book by the same name. The Iowa Department of Transportation helped fund the new website. The two organizations are leaders in creating and promoting Iowa’s growing trail network. Located at www.inhf.org/iowatrails, the new website is a user-friendly guide to 42 recreational trails in Iowa. Site visitors can find specific trails by name or location and then get trail information and maps--plus links to related websites and local tourism information. There is no fee for viewing, downloading or printing anything from the website. “Iowa is one of the nation’s best trail states, so we’re trying to create one of the best trail websites as well,” said Cathy Engstrom, the Foundation’s communications director. “It’s designed to help residents and tourists plan their ideal Iowa trail adventure, whether it’s a short walk or a week-long biking vacation.” According to Engstrom, Iowa boasts over 1,200 miles worth of multi-use recreational trails and is a leading state in the number of miles of rail bed converted to trails. The Iowa DOT is the state’s major trail funder and planner. The Foundation, a nonprofit conservation group, has worked with local partners to create and promote many of those trails, including the Heritage Trail, Cedar Valley Nature Trail and Central Iowa Trail Network. “If you haven’t seen Iowa by trail, you haven’t really seen Iowa,” Engstrom added. “Trails are the perfect way to explore our state’s beautiful scenery and friendly communities--while enjoying time with friends and family, getting healthy exercise and having fun.”

www.inhf.org/iowatrails

Des Moines Register Editorial August 1 2006 For those with a lot of time and energy, it's fine to catch a recreational trail and start running or pedaling and not care where they end up. But most people want to know how far and where they're going when they're relying on their legs to get them there. Thanks to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and a grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation, it's easier to find out. The foundation has launched a Web site that allows users to search for Iowa trails by name and location. Visitors to the site can find the length, conditions, amenities and some history about specific trails. It's a great resource. It promotes tourism and recreational opportunities for cities that might not have the money to create a Web site. Compared to print versions, it also allows for faster updates as new trails are constructed. "We've been investing in the trails, and now it's time to invest in the promotion of the trails," said Cathy Engstrom of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. And now that more information about Iowa's trail system is out there in cyberspace, it may entice people from others states to come take a ride in Iowa. Source: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006608010356