GET IN
THE LOOP!
72-mile loop within 89 miles of paved trail
14 Iowa communities
Naturally unique experiences
Sign up to receive the latest news to your email!
89
MILES OF PAVED TRAIL
14
IOWA COMMUNITIES
45
RESTAURANTS
350K
VISITORS / YEAR
Two September Rides to Support the Raccoon River Valley Trail
Upcoming Events
This September, the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association (RRVTA) invites cyclists and trail supporters to join us for two special fundraising bike rides. Both events will raise money for critical trail infrastructure projects while giving riders the chance to enjoy some of the most scenic stretches of the trail as Iowa’s fall colors begin to emerge.
🚴♂️ Ride 1 – Bridge Us Back
Saturday, September 20
Route: Redfield Depot to Adel (roundtrip)
Start Time: 9:30 a.m. from Redfield
We’re excited to welcome WHO-TV Meteorologist Jason Parkin as the celebrity host for this ride!
This event supports the repair of Adel’s beloved Lighted Bridge, which was damaged by fire in May. Riders can fuel up with breakfast at the Redfield American Legion Hall or enjoy a meal in Adel. Both towns have been impacted by the bridge closure, and this ride is a great way to support them while helping fund the bridge restoration.
🚴♀️ Ride 2 – Pave the Way
Saturday, September 27
Route: Jefferson to Cooper (roundtrip)
Start Time: 9:30 a.m. from Jefferson
Proceeds from this ride will go toward resurfacing the trail between Yale and Winkleman Switch, a 14-mile section first paved in 1998 that is now due for repair. Riders can find plenty of food and drink options in Jefferson before or after the ride. While there are no services in Cooper, the restored depot provides public restrooms.
Registration & Extras
Registration is $25 per ride and includes your choice of an RRVTA koozieor a Bike World water bottle.
Both rides are more than just fun days on the trail—they’re a chance to give back, strengthen our trail communities, and help ensure the Raccoon River Valley Trail stays in top condition for years to come.
We hope you’ll join us!
Summer is the perfect
time to explore the Raccoon River Valley Trail!
IOWA'S CLAIM TO TRAIL FAME
Nationally recognized as an exceptional rails-to-trails conversion, the Raccoon River Valley Trail features a 72-mile loop within 89 miles of multi-use recreational trail. As the longest paved loop trail in the nation, it connects 14 central Iowa communities to offer outdoor recreationists a unique experience with every visit.
TRAIL CLOSURE
DETAILS
-
Affected Section: Three miles from Ortonville to Adel, near the Dallas Center exit off Highway 6.
-
Timeline: Work is ongoing throughout the summer, with tentative completion originally planned for late August or early September. However, due to the fire on the Lighted Bridge in Adel, this section will remain closed until at least May 2026.
-
Closure: The trail is closed at both ends of the affected section.
-
Detour: No official detour is currently available.
-
Access to Adel from Redfield remains open.
IT'S TIME TO GET IN THE LOOP!
Whether you're a biking or running enthusiast, or you're looking for new ways to enjoy Iowa's beautiful landscapes with your family, the Raccoon River Valley Trail invites you to get in the loop of Iowa's most unique trail experience!
STAY IN THE LOOP!
Sign up to receive the latest news to your email!