Where can you find hundreds of miles of biking trails-many constructed on old former railroad beds? Iowa! This state has converted more old railroad beds into trails for bikers than any of the other 49 states. This is great for beginning bikers because it makes for miles and miles of paved easy-to-traverse biking trails. Biking trails throughout this state follow and cross waterways and venture into prairies, forests, and hilly or rocky terrain. There’s something for every biker to enjoy!

The Wabash Trail near Council Bluffs is a great place for the entire family to ride. There’s nothing too difficult and you can ride as long as you want. The entire length of the trail is 25 miles and it runs through some gorgeous countryside and charming little towns. The trail is mostly flat and there’s lots of cool places to stop along the way. This makes for a terrific and relaxing ride!

The Sycamore Trail near Des Moines is also known as the “Brickyard.” (Because it used to be one!) Most of the trail runs along the Des Moines River for about 7 miles. However you can several miles to your ride by branching off on one of the challenging loops along the trail. The Brickyard area is very rocky and steep and technical. Part of the trail actually gets submerged under water during spring, so always ride when it’s dry. Watch out for deer on the trail as well.

The Oleson Park Trail near Fort Dodge that have been designed and continually improved by Joker Racing. You’ll experience a really fast downhill section as well as some wet/dry creek crossings. The terrain is hilly, but nothing too difficult. There’s something here for everyone.

The Sugar Bottom Recreation Area includes a complete network of trails for inexperienced and advanced bikers alike. Many are one-way, so watch the signs or get a map. Altogether, the trails encompass 10-12 miles of riding and they’re nicely maintained. This is a popular area, though, so stay alert as it can be crowded at certain times of the year. Trails designed for advanced riders feature great technical features like tree roots and double backs.

The Decorah Mountain Bike trail system is a great blend of intermediate to extremely advanced skilled trails. Steep climbs, fast descents, roots, rocks, dirt track, a variety of surfaces and terrains–you can expect to find all this and more here. This is also the site for the first MTB racing in Iowa. The approximate 14 miles of trails here will wear you out!

More challenges await experienced riders near Council Bluffs at the Lewis and Clark Trail. With 7 miles of trails-and some great bailout spots along the way for anyone who decides they’ve had enough of a challenge for one day-advanced riders will enjoy obstacles, turns and twists, sharp inclines, roller coaster hills, and even more variety to test all of their skills. While these trails are obviously less populated by bikers (since only advanced bikers dare to try it), hikers also use these trails, so keep an eye out for folks enjoying the trails on foot.

Yes, Iowa may very well be a mountain biker’s idea of paradise. Certainly a state that includes more than 1,200 miles of trails has got to pique your interest, too! So visit Iowa and check out the many miles of great trails. You’ll be glad you did.

PJ can be found riding her women’s comfort bike on the greenways of Charlotte, NC. Of course she will be closely followed by her husband and 2 boys, all on their cruiser bikes. Drop her a line and say hello in TheComfortBikeShop.com.