Trails: Sycamore
CITA and Polk County Conservation Board cooperatively manage the 6.5-mile Sycamore Trail along the west bank of the Des Moines River. It’s a wide, flat dirt trail open to bicycling, hiking and cross-country skiing.
Note that this trail suffers abuse from motorized vehicles, so pay attention when traveling this corridor. Also, asphalt now covers more than two miles of the trail from the I-80/35 underpass to the eastern edge of the Tai Dam village.
That said, it still feels fairly remote given the encroaching urban development, and it has its charms — following the river’s edge in many places, lots of wildlife, etc.
CITA plans to expand the trail during winter 2011/2012, adding some additional loops on the north end; drop a comment if you’d like to be involved.
The County provides a map here, and we are capturing GPS routing for this expanding trail.
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I just signed up for the Sycamore 8 Trail Run, does anyone know where it starts? Is it at the south trail head parking lot?
Thanks,
Hey Glennb. The trail head on the north side is located off of NW 66th Ave.,Just to the west of the bridge that goes over the DSM river.
@Brandon: PCCB (county) manages the land you are riding on illegally. They do not authorize atvs on or off the trails. Just because atvs made trails in the area, does not mean they have the right to continue that type of use. Two wrongs doesn’t make it right! I suggest you take Ryan’s advice and petition PCC (and other leaders) for trails suitable for atvs. The DNR (state) does use atv registration fees for public riding areas–check out their website.
I live in ankeny, and wonder where on the north side of this trail can I park and ride? I see it crosses the road near caseys in johnston.
@ Brandon: Keep your myths and suppositions to yourself please. If you really want to attack folks in a position of authority, write to Polk County. They’ll love it
this trail was maid my atv riders , and you people think your the only ones with the right to enjoy what you love to do.
atv riders deserve to ride those trails. we pay registration every year. mt bikers dont pay crap
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how do I get signed up for the Sycamore TT?
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Is sad to see the damage of the trail by illegal ATV and SUV use. Without the help of the Polk County Conservation Board enforcement units our efforts to curb such use is very difficult. It has always been an uphill battle, since ATV and SUV use often occurs during the night and ant high speed we lack strategies to identify the culprits. Report illegal use of motorized vehicles to the PCCB by calling (515)286-3306
Should be somewhat better by now. Tomorrow night might be your best chance for a while as the weather is starting to turn into typical “fall” weather around here.
Anyone know if Sycamore Trail is dried up yet? I tried riding last weekend from the Sycamore park trailhead, and it was very muddy.
Thanks
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