October 2026 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
Fall Riding on the RRVT
Fall may be one of the best times of the year to experience the Raccoon River Valley Trail.
Cooler temperatures, changing leaves and Iowa's fall landscape provide a different experience from summer riding. Whether you're planning a 10-mile ride or spending most of the day exploring the trail, October can be a wonderful time to get outside.
Fall riding does require a little extra preparation. Days are getting shorter, temperatures can change quickly, and fallen leaves can sometimes hide cracks, sticks or other debris on the trail. Riders should consider dressing in layers, wearing bright or reflective clothing, and carrying front and rear lights—even if they expect to finish their ride before dark.
Fall is also a great time to slow down and explore the communities along the trail. Stop for breakfast or lunch, grab a cup of coffee, visit a local business or simply take a break in one of our trail towns.
And don't forget your camera. If you capture a great fall photo while riding, walking or running on the RRVT, we'd love to see it. Share your photos with the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association and help us show others just how beautiful the trail can be this time of year.
The riding season isn't over. In many ways, some of the best days on the RRVT may still be ahead.
America Discovery Trail Ride
Several Bicycle Riders, including RRVTA board members and RRVT Trail Town enthusiasts, celebrated the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the USA on Monday, September 28 by riding a portion of the American Discovery Trail that is on the RRVT. The participants began just north of Herndon and ended their ride in Adel. A copy of the Declaration of Independence was carried in 3 batons—differently colored and named: Life, Liberty, Pursuit of Happiness.
Participants celebrated this country’s founding and enjoyed a picture-perfect day of sunshine and temperatures in the 70’s. Stories were shared. Exercise was enjoyed. Friendships were made and renewed. Smiles were abundant. A GREAT day of renewal and refreshment on the RRVT!
Trail Survey Follow-Up
Last month, we asked RRVT users to complete our annual Trail User Survey. Thank you to everyone who has already responded.
If you haven't completed the survey yet, there's still time—and we'd like to hear from you.
The survey is more than an exercise in collecting numbers. Your responses help the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association understand who uses the trail, how often they use it, how far they travel, what communities they visit and what improvements they would like to see.
We use this information in our conversations with trail communities, county conservation departments, businesses, potential partners and others interested in the future of the RRVT.
Last year's survey gave us valuable insight into how people experience the trail. This year's responses will help us see what's changing and where opportunities for improvement may exist.
If you haven't participated yet, please take a few minutes to complete the survey. Every response helps us better understand—and advocate for—the people who use the Raccoon River Valley Trail.
Your trail. Your experience. Your voice matters.
Here is the link to do so: https://form.jotform.com/262453935445160
Trail Updates (from Dallas County Conservation)
Dallas County Conservation is considering 3 firms in completing a Dallas County Trails Master Plan. The Conservation office plans to interview them on October 7th. We will then provide the Conservation Board with a recommendation and hope to get started with the planning process in November and wrap up in late July/August.
Phase V of the current repaving plan for the Dallas County portion of the RRVT covers the City of Adel: DOT is reviewing plans and hopes to have them completed soon. We are now looking at January 2027 for bid letting.
The Repair and Patching of the portion of the trail from Adel to Redfield will begin and be completed this fall. RFQ’s went out yesterday and are due back October 1st. We will be trying to fix as many of the transverse and longitudinal cracks along that section. This will address the major safety issue area. The trail may be closed on certain days, but we plan to have it opened each Friday by 6pm and work cannot begin until the following Monday at 6am.
Funding Iowa's Trails
Iowa has spent decades developing an outstanding network of recreational trails. The Raccoon River Valley Trail is one example—89 miles of paved trail connecting communities and providing opportunities for recreation, tourism, economic development and healthy living.
But building a trail is only the beginning.
Every mile of paved trail eventually needs maintenance and repair. Pavement deteriorates. Bridges need attention. Drainage systems, signs, trailheads and other facilities need maintenance. Eventually, sections of trail require major rehabilitation or complete resurfacing. We are seeing that need today on portions of the RRVT, including the section from Yale toward Jefferson.
Where does the money come from?
Today, trail projects in Iowa are funded through a combination of local, state and federal sources. Counties and cities provide funding, while competitive grant programs help pay for larger projects. Among the major programs are Iowa's State Recreational Trails Program, the federal Recreational Trails Program and federal Transportation Alternatives funding.
Those programs have helped Iowa build and improve an impressive trail system. But the available dollars are limited and trail projects across the state compete for them.
For example, the Iowa Transportation Commission awarded approximately $3.1 million to nine projects through the State Recreational Trails Program in late 2025. In January 2026, another $1.35 million was awarded to four projects through the federal Recreational Trails Program.
As Iowa's trail network gets older, the question is increasingly not just, "Where should we build the next trail?" It is also, "How will we maintain the trails we already have?"
A Potential Future Funding Source
Iowa voters addressed part of this question in 2010 when they approved a constitutional amendment creating the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund.
The Trust Fund was designed to provide long-term funding for water quality, parks, trails, wildlife habitat and other natural-resource and outdoor-recreation priorities.
However, the Trust Fund has never received funding.
Under the constitutional amendment, funding begins when the state increases its sales tax. An amount equal to three-eighths of one percent of the sales tax would then be directed to the Trust Fund.
Under current Iowa law, 10 percent of Trust Fund revenue would be placed in a trails account that could support the design, development, maintenance, improvement and expansion of trails.
Iowa DOT's current statewide trails planning document estimates that activating the Trust Fund could provide approximately $15 million annually for trails.
Whether Iowa ultimately chooses this approach or another one is a decision for policymakers and Iowans. But the underlying issue isn't going away.
Iowa has made a significant investment in recreational trails. Protecting that investment will require dependable funding not only for new connections and expansions, but also for maintaining and rebuilding the trails that thousands of Iowans already use.
For the Raccoon River Valley Trail—and trails throughout Iowa—planning for long-term maintenance may be every bit as important as planning the next mile of trail.
100% of proceeds support RRVT
PURCHASE RRVT APPAREL
Show Your Trail Pride with RRVT Apparel
The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association is excited to offer a growing lineup of RRVT apparel—perfect for riding, relaxing, and showing your trail pride wherever you go.
Our custom RRVT cycling jerseys are now available through Bike World locations across the Des Moines metro. Designed for both comfort and performance, these jerseys are a great way to stand out on the trail while supporting the ongoing promotion and enhancement of the RRVT.
In addition, long-sleeve RRVT shirts are available and have quickly become a favorite among trail users—perfect for cooler rides or casual wear.
RRVT Apparel Options
Cycling Jerseys
Available at Bike World locations (Des Moines metro)
Long-Sleeve RRVT Shirts
Available at select trail-town locations, including:
• Minburn Convenience Store
• B&B Marketplace in Panora
• Kyle’s Bike Shop in Waukee
NEW Short-Sleeve RRVTA Shirts (COMING SOON!)
Please look for them at:
Dallas County Conservation in Perry
Erik’s Bikes in Waukee
Minburn’s Convenience Store
B&B Marketplace in Panora
We’re continuing to explore new ways to make RRVT merchandise more accessible by partnering with local businesses along the trail.
Every purchase helps support the work of the RRVTA—from maintaining and promoting the trail to enhancing the experience for the thousands of people who use it each year.
So whether you’re riding the full loop or just enjoying a short trip between towns, gear up, show your support, and wear the trail with pride!
Trails and Iowa's Cancer Challenge
Iowa has a cancer problem. According to the Iowa Cancer Registry, Iowa has the second-highest rate of new cancers in the nation.
The Iowa Cancer Registry estimates that approximately 21,700 Iowans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2026 and about 6,400 will die from the disease.
There is no single explanation for Iowa's cancer burden, and no single solution. Cancer has many causes and risk factors.
But research tells us something important: regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of several types of cancer.
The National Cancer Institute reports strong evidence linking higher levels of physical activity with lower risks of several cancers, including breast, colon, bladder, endometrial, kidney, esophageal and stomach cancers.
That's where places like the Raccoon River Valley Trail can play a role.
Trails make physical activity accessible. They provide places where people can bicycle, walk and run without needing a gym membership or complicated equipment. And they allow people to choose an activity and distance that fits their abilities.
The American Cancer Society recommends that adults get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity—or a combination of the two.
A walk or bike ride on the trail can help contribute to that goal.
Of course, trails aren't a cure for cancer, and physical activity is only one part of cancer prevention and overall health. But communities can make healthy choices easier by providing safe and inviting places for people to be active.
That's an important reminder about the value of trails.
We often talk about trails in terms of recreation, tourism and economic development. All of those benefits matter. But trails can also be part of the infrastructure of a healthy community.
Every person walking a mile, riding a bicycle or simply choosing to spend some time being active is using the trail for something that goes well beyond recreation.
As Iowa looks for ways to become a healthier state, perhaps trails should be part of that conversation.
Join the RRVTA team!
Now Hiring: Part-Time Administrative Position
The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association is looking for someone to join our team in a part-time administrative role. Know someone who might be a great fit? We’d love to hear from you!
Interested or know someone who is? Contact Doug Pfeiffer, RRVTA Board Chair, at rrvtachair@gmail.com.
Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for our upcoming RRVT Annual Banquet! Join us for an evening of great food, fellowship, and celebration as we recognize our community and everything we’ve accomplished together.
Date: Saturday, April 17th
Location: Country Lane Lodge (Adel, IA)
More details, including registration and ticket information, will be announced at a later date. We hope to see you there!
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