Neal Smith Trail Saylorville lake -02
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Come and explore the treasures of Saylorville Lake and rejuvenate your spirit!
Part of an expansive trail network in the Greater Des Moines region, the 26-mile Neal Smith Trail rolls along the banks of the Des Moines River through the Ding Darling Greenway conservation area and makes its way through a variety of landscapes, including riverbanks, wildflower meadows, lakeshores, and dense forests. Plenty of benches offer ample opportunities for trail users to rest and enjoy the deer, rabbits, butterflies, and other critters active along the route.
The trail travels near several campsites and recreation areas with water fountains and restrooms, and parking is available at several points along the way. The trail also connects with several other trails, including the Oralabor Gateway Trail, the High Trestle Trail, and the Inter-Urban Trail. Portions of the trail are maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and the City of Des Moines for year-round access, but note that only the city-maintained portion is plowed during the winter.
From the southern endpoint at East University Avenue—also the northern endpoint for the 3.4-mile John Pat Dorrian Trail—the Neal Smith Trail flows into Birdland Park along the Des Moines River. Portions of this section of the trail are prone to flooding, and trail users are advised to check the trail’s website for closures and detours.
Just outside Birdland Park, the trail enters Riverview Park, where it intersects with the short Kiwanis Nature Island Trail and the McHenry Park Trail. At the north end of the park, you’ll come to the eastern endpoint of the 1.3-mile Inter-Urban Trail, which cuts right and then makes a U to cross the Des Moines River, where you can also pick up the 3.7-mile Trestle to Trestle Trail to your right. The Neal Smith Trail continues through wildlife-rich forest and wetlands habitat following the contours of the Des Moines River.
About halfway along the route, you’ll reach Saylorville Dam, holding back the eponymous lake on the Des Moines River. Saylorville Lake is host to a diverse range of recreational opportunities—including boating, fishing, camping, and more. The trail also passes a visitor center that offers public educational events, including guided rides along the Neal Smith Trail.
The trail continues along the lake’s eastern shore through neighboring forests and some incredible wildflower prairie meadows, after which it shares a roadway through the Cherry Glen Picnic Area. Parking is available here during park hours, and the facility has restrooms and water access. The trail continues off-road at the north end of the picnic area on the far side of a large parking lot. A short distance farther, the pathway continues through the Prairie Flower Recreation Area campgrounds on a shared roadway; here, you’ll have access to several restrooms and water fountains.
Nearing the end of your route, you’ll enter Big Creek State Park, which has several picnic and recreational areas with parking, restrooms, docks, and lake access points. The trail ends at Big Creek Marina, which boasts a large playground, a sandy beach along the lakeshore, and ample parking.
Parking and Trail Access
To reach parking at Birdland Park and Marina (near the southern endpoint of the trail) from I-235, take Exit 8B (E. Sixth St./Pennsylvania Ave.). Head north on Pennsylvania Ave. (left turn from northbound I-235, right turn from southbound I-235). In about 1.25 miles, the parking lot will be on your left. Enter from Pennsylvania Ave. or Birdland Drive. The endpoint is about 0.9 mile south along the trail at E. University Ave. Another parking lot is located by going 0.4 mile south on Pennsylvania Ave. and turning right (just before the intersection with Cleveland Ave.).
To reach the Big Creek Marina trailhead from downtown Des Moines, take I-235/I-35 northbound to Exit 96 (Elkhart/Polk City). Turn left onto NE 126th Ave., and follow for 1.6 miles. Turn right onto Ankeny Blvd., and go 2 miles. Turn left onto NE 142nd Ave. After around 7 miles, turn left onto NW Big Creek Drive, and then turn left at the intersection. The marina parking lot will be on your left.
7043 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, Iowa
Call me, Michael Current of Keller Williams Greater Des Moines, 515-202-3230 or email me at Michaelcurrentagent@gmail.com to set up your showing today! You'll be hard-pressed to find a better deal in Johnston than this 3BR, 2.5BA 4-level split. Priced to sell, it has approx. 2259 total finished SF--2034 on the three main levels plus another 225 in the basement. The main level features an updated living room and eat-in kitchen w/hardwood floors, pantry, and decorated in a rustic log cabin motif. The kitchen has a center island, tile backsplash, new countertops, new sink and faucet, oak cabinets and white appliances. A slider opens to the back patio and privacy fenced backyard. The second floor has three freshly painted bedrooms and two bathrooms. The master bedroom has walk in closet plus a full bath with shower and soaker tub. The third level features a large family room and 1/2 bath and laundry. In 2013 an approx. 500 sqft 2 level addition was built to increase the size of the master bedroom and family room. The basement has approx. 225 finished SF, ideal for a playroom or home office, plus storage. The home was updated with vinyl siding in 2014 and all new windows have been put in the home. A free standing shed was built in 2013 to increase the room for storage of tools, bikes, and outdoor equipment. Conveniently located close to Camp Dodge, Saylorville Lake, Pioneer, John Deere, 5 minutes from 80/35, and 5 minutes to Highway 141 and Grimes.
3204 NW 19th - Ankeny, Iowa
This 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, 2 story is priced to sell! There are very few places in Ankeny where you can buy a home that is less than 5 years old, and is priced under $165,000. This home features a large kitchen area, and sit up island. The family room has large windows, and plenty of space for your furniture. There are 3 bedrooms upstairs, and the master bedroom features vaulted ceilings, his and hers closets, separate master bath, and private balcony off of the master bedroom. This home is within walking distance of schools, day care, parks, high trestle bike trail, and recreation. Saylorville Lake is less than 5 minutes straight west of this home.
Listed By:
Aaron Moulton, REALTOR
Moulton & Associates, REALTORS
MoultonRealtors.com
(515) 249-8777