The best road cycling routes in Madison County
5.0
(2)
192
riders
5
rides
Road cycling routes in Madison County, Iowa, primarily feature flat to gently rolling terrain, making them accessible for various skill levels. The landscape is characterized by river corridors, state parks, and dedicated multi-use trails, offering a mix of paved paths and quiet country roads. These routes often connect urban parks with natural areas, providing diverse scenery for road cyclists.
Best road cycling routes in Madison County
- The most popular road cycling route is Gray's Lake Park – Raccoon River loop…
Last updated: July 12, 2026
72
riders
39.7km
02:07
120m
120m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
35
riders
62.1km
03:05
230m
230m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
20
riders
76.7km
04:54
390m
390m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
15
riders
35.6km
01:44
130m
130m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
15
riders
38.6km
01:37
170m
170m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
8
riders
30.1km
01:33
120m
120m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
8
riders
19.8km
02:06
60m
60m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
9
riders
20.2km
01:02
60m
60m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
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7
riders
19.3km
01:05
60m
60m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
2
riders
20.0km
01:06
110m
110m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Popular around Madison County
Tips from the Community
This sandy beach at Gray’s Lake is a great spot to pause during or after your hike. Dip your feet in the water, relax on the sand, or even have a quick picnic before finishing the loop around the lake.
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The Bill Riley Trail is a 2.7-mile paved pathway that winds through wooded areas, including Ashworth Park, and crosses the Raccoon River via a rustic trestle bridge. The trail is named after Bill Riley, a member of the Des Moines Park Board who played a significant role in raising funds for the city's trail system. It is popular among cyclists, walkers, and runners, and although dogs are welcome, they must be kept on a leash. Parking is available near the Ashworth Memorial Pool in Ashworth Park, and in Gray's Lake Park.
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The Bill Riley Trail is a 2.7-mile paved pathway that winds through wooded areas, including Ashworth Park, and crosses the Raccoon River via a rustic trestle bridge. The trail is named after Bill Riley, a member of the Des Moines Park Board who played a significant role in raising funds for the city's trail system. It is popular among cyclists, walkers, and runners, and although dogs are welcome, they must be kept on a leash. Parking is available near the Ashworth Memorial Pool in Ashworth Park, and in Gray's Lake Park.
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The Walnut Creek Trail is a 3.2-mile, flat, paved multi-use trail that serves as a vital connector within the Des Moines metropolitan area's extensive trail network. Starting in Windsor Heights, the trail links to the Clive Greenbelt Trail at 73rd Street, providing access to the western suburbs. It extends southward, connecting to the Bill Riley Trail, which leads into Des Moines' broader trail system. The trail is popular for biking, inline skating, walking, and birding.
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City Campus Pond, located right behind the West Des Moines Library, is a fantastic place that offers visitors several amenities. The pond boasts a delightful and spacious picnic area, hiking trails perfect for exploring the outdoors, and many opportunities to indulge in shore fishing. It is home to the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater, the newest addition to the City/School Campus, which serves as a cultural hub for the community.
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Water Works Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and spans 1,500 acres. It is managed by Water Works, a publicly owned municipal water utility serving the greater Des Moines metropolitan area. It ranks among the largest urban parks in the United States, features a beer garden, and is dog-friendly.
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As you make your way over the bridge you will catch views of the Raccoon River, a tributary of the Des Moines River. Stretching over 30.8 miles, this river winds through an area of intense cultivation, including croplands and livestock farming. Since the 19th century, the Des Moines metropolitan area has relied on this river for drinking water, although it faced challenges during the Great Flood of 1993.
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Easter Lake Park is built on an old coal mine. The park has something for everyone: there is a 4 mile biking and walking trail that encircles the lake, picnic areas and a docks that allows visitors to fish for walleye, bass and catfish. The park is also home to Owens Covered Bridge, which is the only covered bridge in Polk County.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Madison County?
Road cycling routes in Madison County, Iowa, are characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain. You'll find a mix of dedicated multi-use trails, paved paths, and quiet country roads, making them accessible for various skill levels.
Are there routes suitable for beginners or those looking for an easy ride?
Yes, Madison County offers several easy road cycling routes. For instance, the Great Western Trail loop from Iowa National Guard Readiness Center is an easy 24.0-mile path utilizing a well-known rail-trail. Another easy option is the Walnut Creek Trail loop from Walnut Woods State Park, which is 21.4 miles long.
What are some of the longer road cycling routes available?
For a longer ride, consider the Gray's Lake Park – Raccoon River loop from Cumming, which spans 24.7 miles (39.7 km) and connects significant parks and river paths. The Great Western Trail loop from Iowa National Guard Readiness Center also offers a substantial 24.0-mile (38.6 km) ride.
Are there any scenic viewpoints or landmarks along the road cycling routes?
Many routes in Madison County feature scenic views as they traverse river corridors and state parks. For example, the Gray's Lake Park – Raccoon River loop from Cumming connects significant parks and follows river paths, offering diverse scenery. The Walnut Creek Trail loop from Walnut Woods State Park leads through the natural beauty of Walnut Woods State Park.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Madison County?
The road cycling routes in Madison County are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the accessible terrain, the well-maintained trails, and the peaceful atmosphere of the country roads and park areas.
Are there loop routes available for road cycling?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Madison County are designed as loops, providing convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the Gray's Lake Park – Raccoon River loop from Cumming, the Great Western Trail loop from Iowa National Guard Readiness Center, and the Walnut Woods State Park loop from Walnut Woods State Park.
Can I find routes that pass through state parks?
Absolutely. Road cycling in Madison County often incorporates state parks and natural areas. The Walnut Creek Trail loop from Walnut Woods State Park is a prime example, leading directly through Walnut Woods State Park. Other routes also connect to significant parks like Gray's Lake Park and Raccoon River Park.
Are the road cycling routes in Madison County suitable for families?
Given the predominantly flat to gently rolling terrain and the presence of dedicated multi-use trails, many routes in Madison County are suitable for families. The easy-rated trails, in particular, offer a comfortable experience for riders of varying ages and skill levels.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling in Madison County?
While specific seasonal details for Madison County, Iowa, are not provided, generally, spring and fall offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling with moderate temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be enjoyable, though it's advisable to ride in the mornings or evenings to avoid peak heat.
Are there any routes that are particularly good for moderate-level cyclists?
Yes, about half of the routes in Madison County are rated as moderate. The Gray's Lake Park – Raccoon River loop from Cumming is a popular moderate option, offering a good distance and varied scenery. Another moderate choice is the Water Works Park loop from West Des Moines.
How many road cycling routes are available in Madison County?
There are approximately 9 road cycling routes detailed for Madison County, offering a range of experiences from easy to moderate difficulty.
Are there options for parking at the trailheads?
While specific parking details for each trailhead are not provided, routes often start from locations like the Iowa National Guard Readiness Center or Walnut Woods State Park, which typically offer parking facilities for visitors. It's always a good idea to check the specific route details on komoot for more precise information on starting points and accessibility.
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