Riverside Trail and Long Creek Trail

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Guthrie County, IA, US

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Iowa Bikeways

From the Iowa Bicycle Coalition

9 km

160 m

Trail riding in the Whiterock Conservancy

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The [Whiterock Conservancy](http://whiterockconservancy.org) is a 5,500 acre land trust and recreation area located near Coon Rapids, Iowa. The area boasts 30 miles of singletrack and doubletrack trail combined. In addition, the resort has[ hiking, camping, water trails, and equestrian trails](http://whiterockconservancy.org/?page_id=11530).  It is a perfect weekend getaway for the outdoor adventurer.

The land the[ Whiterock Conservancy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whiterock_Conservancy) is on was the edge of the glacier progression, so much of the area is hilly, with steep bluffs and challenging climbs.  The topography is optimized for the mountain bike enthusiast. There have been 16 miles of singletrack trail constructed on the property with an additional 12 miles of shared use trails.

The area is historically significant.  The [Garst Farms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roswell_and_Elizabeth_Garst_Farmstead_Historic_District) hosted [Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikita_Khrushchev) on his first visit to the United States.  Visitors can tour and stay in the farmhouse where Krushchev stopped over on the visit.  Other [overnight accommodations](http://whiterockconservancy.org/?page_id=11528) are available including primitive camping, cabins, and a farmhouse.

The area is simply beautiful and lush with nature and scenery. And the bicycling is just as fantastic.  The bench-cut trails are flowy but punctuated by steep climbs and switchbacks.  Most of the trail is covered by a wooded canopy, but the peaks open up to a view of the Middle Raccoon River Valley. The trail surface is a combination of thick black soil and pockets of sand. There are a few technically tricky areas, but mostly expect an undulating trail that is enjoyable to ride.

If you wish to make a weekend of the experience, the nearby [Raccoon River Valley Trail](http://raccoonrivervalleytrail.org/) can be a great ride.  [Perry, Iowa](http://www.perryia.org/) is 30 minutes from [Coon Rapids, Iowa](http://www.coonrapidsiowa.com/) and is a hub on the RRVT.  Be sure to visit the historic [Hotel Pattee](http://www.hotelpattee.com/) if you are looking for luxury accommodations or a great meal.  [Woodward, Iowa](http://www.woodwardia.org/) is 15 minutes further and is a hub for the [High Trestle Trail](http://www.inhf.org/high-trestle-trail-intro.cfm).  [Ankeny, Iowa](http://www.ankenyiowa.gov/) is on the southern end of the High Trestle Trail and connects to the [Chichaqua Valley Trail](https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/parks-trails/5-chichaqua-valley-trail/). Finally, the Des Moines area is a huge draw for trail fans.

Other trails at Whiterock:
* [Shooting Star Trail](http://ridewithgps.com/routes/9764678)
* [Little Dipper Trail](http://ridewithgps.com/routes/9764680)
* [Big Dipper Trail](http://ridewithgps.com/routes/9764682)

The Whiterock Conservancy routes are one of a number of rides listed on the Iowa Bikeways website, a project from the [Iowa Bicycle Coalition](http://www.iowabicyclecoalition.org). For more information visit [www.iowabikeways.com](http://www.iowabikeways.com).

Riverside Trail and Long Creek Trail

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