August 2024 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter

Raccoon River Valley Trail and High Trestle Trail Now Connected: Opening Aug. 17!

We are happy to report that the extension of the High Trestle Trail to connect with the Raccoon River Valley Trail will now be completed on time. Last month it appeared that the opening of the connection between the two trails would be delayed.  However, the contractor has informed Dallas County Conservation that the extension will be done on time, August 15.

After a decade of anticipation, these two iconic and nationally recognized trails will be connected. What better way to celebrate than with a scenic bike ride.  Below are the details:

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, August 17, 2024

• Time: Ride begins at 11:00 AM

• Location: Trailhead in Perry, near the iconic Big Bike

• Route: Perry → Bouton → Woodward → Return to Bouton for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1:00 PM

Hosted By:

Luke Hoffman, Executive Director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, will lead the ride.

Cost:

Participation is free. However, we encourage riders to register in advance to assist with our planning efforts.

Additional Information:

• This is a leisurely ride, not a race. Feel free to ride at your own pace.

• Food and beverages are available at various businesses along the trail in Perry, Bouton, and Woodward.

• Helmets are strongly recommended for everyone's safety.

Join us in celebrating this milestone with a day of fun and community spirit on the trails!

Here’s an overview of these trails and what the new connection means for users:

Overview of the Trails

Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT):

• Length: Approximately 89 miles, featuring a 73-mile loop, the longest paved loop trail in the United States.

• Route: The trail forms a loop connecting 14 towns, including Perry, Waukee, Adel, Panora, Jefferson, and Dallas Center.

• Surface: Paved.

• Highlights: The trail offers scenic landscapes, historic towns, and public artwork, such as a 350-foot-long trailhead gateway in Waukee and a lighted bridge in Adel.

High Trestle Trail (HTT):

• Length: Approximately 34 miles.

• Route: The trail extends from Ankeny to Perry, passing through Sheldahl, Slater, Madrid, Woodward, and Bouton.

• Surface: Paved.

• Highlights: Users can enjoy beautiful scenery ranging from Iowa farmland and wooded areas to suburban landscapes with tunnels along the route. The trail's centerpiece is the iconic High Trestle Bridge, standing 13 stories high and featuring six overlooks with interpretive panels detailing the area's cultural and natural history.

Linking the Trails

The connection between the RRVT and HTT, commonly referred to as the “connector,” but officially is now the HTT. It has been a decade in the making and expands Iowa's trail network and enhances recreational opportunities for users. Here’s how the two trails are connected:

• Route: The connection starts in Perry on the RRVT and extends to Woodward, with Bouton located roughly halfway between the two.

• Length: Approximately 9 miles.

• Surface: Paved.

• Key Points: This section is characterized by more hills and curves than a typical rail-to-trail conversion.

• Extended Exploration: The new connection enables longer rides and diverse experiences, ranging from urban outskirts to rural landscapes.

Future Prospects

Connecting the RRVT and HTT is part of a broader vision to create an interconnected trail system across Iowa, eventually spanning from Davenport to Council Bluffs. Over 54% of this vision has been realized, but several gaps remain, totaling more than 200 miles.

2024 Trail Repairs Update

Maintaining an 89-mile trail like the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) is an ongoing endeavor. We are excited to announce that the section between Redfield and Linden has been successfully repaired and is now open for use. This marks a significant milestone in efforts to keep the trail in top condition.

Starting this month, attention will shift to the lighted bridge in Adel. Maintenance work on the bridge is scheduled to begin in late July and will take two to three months to complete. While this may cause some temporary inconvenience, it is essential for ensuring the safety and longevity of the trail infrastructure.

In addition, Greene and Guthrie counties have applied for funding to resurface parts of the trail within their jurisdictions. They aim to secure enough resources to repair the section between Jefferson and Yale. Maintaining and developing such trails requires substantial investments of both public and private funds and considerable time, as evidenced by the efforts to connect the RRVT with the High Trestle Trail. We appreciate your patience as the counties involved continue to work diligently to sustain and enhance one of the nation's premier trails.

Mike Wallace, Dallas County Conservation Director, to Retire in July

After decades of dedication and service, Mike Wallace, a pivotal figure in the development and expansion of the RRVT, will retire at the end of July. Mike's journey with the RRVT began in the 1980s when he served as the county conservation director in Guthrie County. He was instrumental in the opening of the first section of the trail between Panora and Yale on July 4, 1989.

Under his leadership, the trail expanded significantly, initially stretching from Waukee to Yale and eventually reaching Jefferson. Although Mike temporarily left Central Iowa to work in other counties, he returned to Dallas County, where he has served as the conservation department director for 24 years. During his tenure, he oversaw the creation of the "North Loop," making the RRVT the longest paved loop trail in the United States. Not one to rest on his laurels, Mike then focused on connecting the RRVT to the High Trestle Trail, a project set to be completed in September.

Mike's leadership has brought numerous accolades to the RRVT. In 2015, the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs designated the RRVT as one of Iowa's Great Places. In 2021, the trail received national recognition when it was inducted into the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Hall of Fame, becoming the 35th trail in the U.S. to receive this honor.

While Mike credits many hands for the trail's success, his vision, leadership, and persistence have been instrumental throughout its history. In tribute to his enduring contributions, the Dallas County Conservation Board will name the bridge on the High Trestle Trail between Woodward and Bouton in his honor, with commemorative plaques to be installed soon—a well-deserved acknowledgment of his impact.

Reflecting on his career, Mike humorously notes that none of his courses at Iowa State University in the 1980s covered trail development; he learned everything on the job. Congratulations, Mike, on a remarkable career, and thank you for your unparalleled contributions to the RRVT.

Gems Along the RRVT

With its 89-mile length, the Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) offers many intriguing sites and amenities for trail users. One such gem is the Forest Park Museum in Perry, accessible via a paved spur off the RRVT.

Forest Park Museum Highlights

• Facilities: The museum features Hastie Hall, Baldwin Hall, and the Wagner Gallery.

• Park Area: Spanning 5 acres, the park boasts over 100 species of primarily native trees and shrubs.

• Historic Structures: Explore the Alton Schoolhouse, the last one-room schoolhouse in Dallas County; the 1860 Grabenhorst log cabin; and the Bill Wagner Scale House.

• Prairie and Wildflowers: Enjoy 12 acres of re-established prairie and wildflowers, with a mowed path around the perimeter for easy exploration.

Visitor Amenities

• Bike Maintenance Station

• Modern Restrooms

• Water Fountain

• Beverage Vending Machine

Hours of Operation

• Year-Round: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

• May-October: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

A visit to Forest Park Museum offers a blend of nature and history, making it well worth the short ride or hike. Enjoy a closer look at native flora, or step back in time with a tour of the historic schoolhouse and log cabin.

---

DONATE TO RACCOON RIVER VALLEY TRAIL ASSOCIATION

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

---

PURCHASE RRVT APPAREL

100% of proceeds support RRVT