Trails: Summerset/Banner Lakes
The growing network of singletrack in Iowa’s newest State Park is built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers.
While there are only about 5 miles of singletrack in the park, the effort required to cover that distance is greater than most expect.
‘Riverside’ is a 1.5-mile, beginner-friendly trail along the Middle River on the south side of the park.
The balance of the trails on the north end are tight and technical. These intermediate and advanced segments are designed for one-way traffic headed east. Expect to find very narrow tread cut into steep side slopes as well as some advanced features encouraging speed and air time.
Enter from the tree line just east of the main parking lot at the park’s northwest entrance and you’ll cover the singletrack clockwise as shown in the map below.
Here are Garmin tracks of the trail as of 11/19/2011 (includes “Corner Pocket” addition)
Here’s video of most of these trails courtesy of Tobin Bennett…
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Typically the South end of Banner, also known as Riverside trail, would be suitable for a 9yr old but unfortunately it does not fair much better then Denman’s as far as drainage and is very overgrown at this point.
The North side trail does drain faster but is very technical after the very first section. I would recommend pre-riding before taking children to this location.
I was wondering if any part of the Banner Lakes trails might be suitable to take my 9-year-old on. At the Center Trails, she likes Denman’s but finds Hillside too, well, hilly.
How well do the Banner Lakes trails drain? I guessing that with the storm last night and the rain forcast between now and the weekend it will be too wet to ride Denman’s on Sunday, June 6. Any chance that Banner Lakes will be rideable?
As of today Banner is in good condition to ride but be aware of a couple “wash out” areas. I have posted signs to caution accordingly.
New Trail work to be sched. soon!
See you on the trails!
TP
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@ Dan… Thanks. Yes, we’re about half done out there… We’ve got an 8-mile concept for the park, and there are about 4 miles out there now.
Just wanted to leave a note commending you guys on some nice trail work. I got down to ride these last weekend, and had a blast. Not for the faint of heart. Any plans on expanding/ completing a loop? I’m planing on moving up to DM this summer, so I hope to be able to help out.
Hwy we are workin on a new map of bannerlakes @ summerset state park!! I hope to have it done in a few months.
Nov. 16 is a Banner date, Jeff. See you then!
Hello everyone,
I dropped by Banner this afternoon and finally the waters have receeded. They are trying to lower the water in the south lake by pumping it out into the washout between the lake and the river. It has gone down about 10 feet from parts of the road.
The trail system is messed up but still intact in most parts. It’s gonna take some love and effort to get it back together. The closer you get to the river it gets a little sandy.
Would love to help put this one back together soon, especially since I live in I-town.
Please let me know when you need some help for fall trail work down here, I’m game!!
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I put up a new map Melt. I hope that helps.
Cheers.
do you guys even have a preliminary map or something? Would love to ride these trails in about a week during a cross country road trip
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