Raccoon River Valley Trail

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Urbandale, IA, US

Route Overview

Iowa Bikeways

From the Iowa Bicycle Coalition

96 mi.

1,624 ft.

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Route Details

The [Raccoon River Valley Trail](http://raccoonrivervalleytrail.org/) is one of Iowa's premier trails that has earned national recognition. Built on old rail lines, this trail is flat and fun.

The trail hosts the [Market to Market Relay](http://iowa.markettomarketrelay.com), [The Bacoon Ride](http://www.bacoonride.com), and [Tour De Raccoon](http://www.dmcycleclub.com/tour-the-raccoon/).  New this year is the [Pedaler's Jamboree](http://www.pedalersjamboreeiowa.com/).

The Raccoon River Valley Trail is an 89 mile trail with 72-mile interior loop, and a surface of concrete and asphalt.  The original trail was from Clive to Jefferson, passing through Waukee, Adel, Redfield, Lindon, Panora, Yale, Herndon, and Cooper.

There are several ways to ride the trail. You can ride the whole trail with a total distance over 100 miles.  You could divide that ride among several days and overnight in Perry, Jefferson, or Panora.  Another option would be to skip the northern loop going to Jefferson and Cooper for 72 miles. Finally, many people choose to ride out and back.  Jefferson is halfway and could be a great S24O (sub 24 hour overnight) experience.

You can start riding at any of the trailheads, but for this route, we will begin in Waukee in a clockwise direction on the trail. This section is more tree covered and older pavement.  Expect a narrower trail with some cracks, but it has been very well maintained.

# Adel 
[www.adeliowa.org](http://adeliowa.org/)

The trail is a few blocks south of the courthouse square and a few blocks north of several convenince stores.  Visit the @poi[Rendezvous Lounge](f1e8924b6c65772fb9120000) for some cold suds or @poi[Al Dente Toffee](f2e8924b6c65772fb9130000) for sweet treats. The @poi[public library](efe8924b6c65772fb9110000) is near the trail and has water and restrooms.

## Redfield

[www.redfieldia.com](http://www.redfieldia.com/)

The trailhead is on the south end of town.  Be sure to go a few extra blocks north to the @poi[Dexfield Diner](f6e8924b6c65772fb9160000). Hidden behind the building is an outdoor patio covered by ivy with its own bar and tvs.  Great spot to enjoy.

## Panora
[www.panora.org](http://www.panora.org/)

Right near the trail is @poi[PJ's Drive-In](f9e8924b6c65772fb9190000). This restaurant is perfect for trailside dining or a cold beer.  The malts are fantastic.

## Linden 
[Wikipedia entry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linden,_Iowa)

This is a small stop along the trail with a nice park and shade to enjoy.

## Yale
[www.yaleiowa.com](http://www.yaleiowa.com/)

This town has a trailhead on the south end of town. Visit Just Ethel's a few blocks in town or the Bell Street Deli in town.

## Herndon
[Wikipedia entry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Iowa)

@poi[Herndon](ae72bd4b72617360d81b0000) is a very small community of 25 people.  This is the decision point on the trail.  Going north will take you to @poi[Cooper](af72bd4b72617360d81c0000) and @poi[Jefferson](b172bd4b72617360d81e0000).  Turning East will take you to @poi[Jamaica](b372bd4b72617360d8200000) and @poi[Perry](b772bd4b72617360d8240000).

## Cooper
[Wikipedia entry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooper,_Iowa)

Super @poi[Cooper](af72bd4b72617360d81c0000) is a tiny place with a trailhead parking lot.

## Jefferson
[www.cityofjeffersoniowa.org](http://www.cityofjeffersoniowa.org/)

This town has a lot to offer.  Home of the Bell Tower, you can hear ringing bells throughout the community.  RVP 1875 is a period furniture maker that uses techiques from the year 1875. There is a @poi[small campgrounds](b172bd4b72617360d81e0000) along the trail near the depot trailhead.  For "modern" accommodations, reserve a room at [www.trailsidebeds.com](http://www.trailsidebeds.com/). The service operates two places in town with fantastic rooms.

## Jamaica
[Wikipedia entry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaica,_Iowa)

There is a downtown bar called @poi[ToJos](b372bd4b72617360d8200000), named afte the owner Tommy Jo. Good food and drink found here.

## Dawson
[Wikipedia entry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawson,_Iowa)

Dawson has a @poi[trailhead](b572bd4b72617360d8220000) depot.

## Perry
[www.perryia.org](http://www.perryia.org/)

This is a gem of a town. At the center is the @poi[Hotel Pattee](b672bd4b72617360d8230000).  This is a full service hotel with themed rooms. Inside, you will find a craftsmen style decor.  This place caters to bicyclists, so expect your waterbottle to be full.  Next door is the @poi[Raccoon River Bicycle Company](bb72bd4b72617360d8280000) - the only bike shop on the trail.

## Minburn
[www.minburn.org](http://www.minburn.org/)

@poi[The Crossings](d965bd8b6c65775970030000) is a new restaurant in a restored depot. There are bathrooms and water fountains inside.  The Crossings has a great trailside patio.

## Dallas Center
[www.dallascenter.com](http://www.dallascenter.com/)

Stop at the @poi[Longest Yard](b972bd4b72617360d8260000) for great food and checkout the patio in the back of the joint.  If you have a craving for sweet, visit the @poi[Korner Cone](b872bd4b72617360d8250000) right off the trail.

## Waukee
[www.waukee.org](http://www.waukee.org/)

A great way to finish your ride is at @poi[Mickey's Irish Pub](ba72bd4b72617360d8270000) just off the trail on Laurel.  There is even a bike fix-it station right outside.

## Trail fees:

Daily: $2.00/person per day | Annual: Jan-Dec $10.00 Free: Age 17 and under | Free second weekend of: June, August & October.

Raccoon River Valley Trail

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