Looking to escape into nature without a long drive? The trails around Des Moines offer hidden forests, lakeside loops, and prairie paths suited for every skill level—even if you only have an hour to spare. Whether you want a peaceful morning walk or a new spot to explore with your dog, there’s a route waiting to be discovered.
Let’s get to it.
Ewing Park Flow Trails Trailhead
Tucked into Des Moines’ wooded hills, the Ewing Park Flow Trails Trailhead serves cyclists, runners, and hikers. Five miles of one-way dirt trails weave under oaks and hickories. Trail A follows a creekbed for occasional water views. Railsplitter and Grave Digger offer moderate challenges with berms, small jumps, and rolling slopes.
Connectors and loops link to easier lines for beginners and riders who need shorter circuits. Signs at each intersection mark direction and trail status. After heavy rain, crews close muddy sections and post notices at the trailhead. The flow design reduces two-way traffic to cut collision risk.
Restrooms are not on site, so visitors use facilities at the nearby playground parking area. That lot provides ample parking but no water fountains. Dogs on leash can follow the trails. Weekday visits remain quiet, while weekends see a mix of riders and runners sharing the dirt.
The best riding season runs from late spring to early fall. Wheelchairs and strollers are not supported here. As long as you stick to posted routes, the network offers a fun workout on Iowa singletrack.
Fort Des Moines Park
Spanning 135 acres, Fort Des Moines Park offers a mix of trails, a pond, and wildlife viewing. The 14-acre pond sits near the center, its surface often disturbed by fish or a turtle basking on a log until a passing child startles it. Blue jays call from above while chipmunks dash across the grass.
Three main loops serve walkers and runners. The Lakeside Trail circles the pond for 1.1 miles on packed gravel. The Savanna Loop and Prairie Trail cover dirt and boardwalk sections among gentle rolling hills.
Wheelchair-accessible sections connect the loops, and wayfinding signs appear where paths diverge. Maps posted at trailheads guide visitors.
Play areas and picnic shelters dot the park. Shelter #2 stands next to a playground. Picnic tables and benches populate the open lawns.
Dogs on leash use water and waste stations along the routes. Parking is available year-round, and trails stay in good shape through spring, summer, fall, and even winter. The park maintains clear paths and stays quiet during weekdays. It is a reliable spot to watch wildlife or take an easy stroll without crowds.
Ewing Park
Located in Des Moines, Ewing Park showcases outdoor variety. The 0.9-mile greenway trail is flat, paved, and maintained. It handles strollers, wheelchairs, or anyone who prefers a smooth surface. From April to May, lilacs bloom along the path and fill the air with their scent before you even spot the purple clusters.
If you prefer dirt under your shoes, the nearly three-mile Nature Trail Loop winds through oak woods and patches of wildflowers. It rises and falls gently, suitable for functional beginners. After rain it can get muddy in spots, but routine maintenance keeps the scenery fresh and the trail mostly clear. You will probably encounter leashed dogs or children examining fallen leaves rather than big crowds.
The mountain bike section is active. Several miles of singletrack and flow trails carry names such as Grave Digger and Railsplitter. These include bermed turns, small jumps, and rolling hills. Parking is available at the main lot and restrooms stand near the trailheads. Trail status signs update closures after storms. This park keeps everything in working order.
Easter Lake Park
Easter Lake Park near Des Moines offers lakeside scenery and varied paths. The Mark C. Ackelson Trail forms a 4.1-mile loop around the lake. This paved route remains smooth for strollers, wheelchairs, and joggers. Seasonal wildflowers grow along the edge and herons often stand on shallow points in the water.
Several benches and fishing piers line the trail. Pull-off areas appear every half mile for a rest or to cast a line. Trail surface repairs occur regularly to keep pavement smooth and reduce cracks.
For quieter walks, the Wymore Trail cuts through woods on a 1.5-mile grass and dirt loop. That path draws fewer visitors and highlights spring blooms under the canopy.
Short side routes include the Apple Orchard Trail and the Songbird Trail. Both feature shorter distances and specific themes. Leashed dogs walk any path.
On weekends the park fills up, especially near the main lot. Weekdays tend to stay calm. Restrooms and water fountains sit next to parking areas. The park stays open year-round, so winter hikers should watch for ice on paved sections.
Strasser Woods State Preserve
Strasser Woods State Preserve covers 40 acres of mature woodland east of Des Moines. A half-mile loop winds through basswood and hickory trees. Wooden steps navigate steeper sections among rolling hills.
In early spring, bloodroot and jack-in-the-pulpit bloom across the forest floor. Whitetail deer frequently emerge in shaded clearings. Amateur mushroom hunters arrive with baskets when conditions suit them.
Park benches, water fountains, and restrooms are not available. The only managed area is a gravel parking lot at E 36th Street. After rain, expect muddy patches and exposed roots on the main path. Sturdy footwear is a must.
For a smoother option, two spur trails connect to the nearby Gay Lea Wilson paved route. That link extends the journey onto a wider trail with gentle grades. Dogs on leash can follow either route. Strollers and wheelchairs are not recommended. During weekends the lot may fill quickly on sunny days. Overall, Strasser Woods offers a quiet, natural escape with minimal facilities.
Denman’s Woods Trail
Nestled along Walnut Creek, Denman’s Woods Trail offers a friendly, low-stress urban woodsy loop with enough roots and sandy sections to keep things interesting. The 4.4-mile singletrack winds through dense riparian woods and includes a few log hops plus short sandy patches, all manageable with a pair of sturdy shoes.
Elevation gain is minimal, so beginners and families can complete the entire loop without feeling overwhelmed. Creek crossings are gentle, and every so often you’ll hear a warbler or spot wildflowers along the banks. A small parking lot sits at the trailhead, and paved levee paths feed directly into the dirt singletrack. Once you leave the pavement, however, wheelchairs and strollers aren’t an option.
Local hikers and mountain bikers share this trail year-round. Weekends tend to be busier but never chaotic, while weekday mornings stay quiet. Leashed dogs are welcome. Volunteers from the Central Iowa Trail Association keep conditions reliable, although sections can get muddy after rain. No restrooms are on site, but you can refill your water bottle at nearby Ashworth Pool during summer hours.
Sycamore Trails
Winding along the Des Moines River, Sycamore Trails offers between 6.5 and 7.5 miles of singletrack dirt loops through old-growth forest. Tree roots, river views, and occasional deer sightings keep things lively. Most sections are flat enough that experienced riders can maintain speed, though loose soil makes strollers impractical.
Small hills, tight curves, and gentle bumps define the easy to moderate terrain. The Pump Track Loop adds a technical twist, but it’s never more than a short detour. Gravel parking lots sit at the main North and South access points. The North lot even includes a bike tool station in case of on-trail repairs.
There are no restrooms or drinking water taps, so pack what you need. Leashed dogs are welcome and pet waste stations appear at trailheads. All routes are marked clearly—Top Shelf or High Life—so you can follow signage rather than rely on memory. Volunteer crews handle trail upkeep and keep entry free, making it easy to spend a morning or afternoon exploring.
Brown’s Woods
As the largest urban forest in Iowa, Brown’s Woods features 4.4 miles of trails twisting through oak and hickory. Wide dirt paths accommodate hikers and leashed dogs, while a 0.3-mile ADA loop offers smoother surfaces, benches, and accessible restrooms. A kiosk at the main trailhead displays maps and safety guidelines.
Moderate rolling hills and small stream crossings create just enough challenge for most visitors. The popular 3.1-mile combo loop attracts birdwatchers and wildflower enthusiasts. Occasional river views peek through the trees along the Raccoon River corridor. County crews maintain portable restrooms, parking areas, and trail signage, and an optional audio tour plays archiving commentary as you walk.
On weekdays the forest stays peaceful, though weekends bring more families and cyclists. In winter, groomed cross-country ski tracks appear when conditions allow. Well-marked intersections minimize the chance of getting lost. With accessible facilities and a mix of terrain, Brown’s Woods offers a balanced outdoor experience for every skill level.
Raccoon River Park
Serving visitors of all ages, Raccoon River Park centers on Blue Heron Lake and its 3.2-mile loop. The trail splits into roughly one mile of pavement and two miles of well-kept crushed rock. Strollers glide through the paved section, and leashed dogs can tackle the entire loop without fuss.
A wheelchair-friendly fishing pier and specialized beach wheelchairs stand ready at the lake’s edge. Lake views alternate with peekaboo sights of the Raccoon River and plenty of spots to pause for birdwatching. Despite heavy use by walkers, bikers, and joggers, the wide trail keeps traffic moving smoothly.
Flush toilets are available at the playground and boathouse—luxury in most parks. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the sandy beach is open for wading. A gravel parking area sits near the main entrance, and picnic tables offer a place to rest. Whether you arrive for a quick lap or a full day by the lake, this park balances accessibility with a relaxed, Midwestern vibe.
Willow Springs Park
Willow Springs Park covers eight acres with picnic tables, benches, a themed playground for kids, and tennis and basketball courts for casual play. The highlight is the paved trail system: a 2.4-mile out-and-back path plus a 0.38-mile internal loop that makes it accessible for walkers, people pushing strollers, and wheelchair users. There is one short uphill section that gives your calves a quick workout.
The trail forks toward the Westridge Greenway Trail if you want to extend your route. Along the way you’ll see suburban streets, glimpses of the city skyline, wooded areas, and small creek crossings. Signage is clear, and the park offers well-maintained restrooms and ADA parking.
Visitors report that it rarely feels crowded on weekdays, so the atmosphere stays relaxed. Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash. While icy conditions can make the pavement slippery, Willow Springs remains open and enjoyable throughout most of the year.
Walnut Woods State Park
Just outside Des Moines, Walnut Woods State Park features over two miles of easy, mostly dirt trails through the largest natural stand of black walnut trees in Iowa. Paths wind through shady bottomland and occasionally run alongside the Raccoon River. Short spur trails lead down to sandy riverbanks for quiet breaks by the water.
Leashed dogs are allowed on all trails. Bird-blind stations dot several overlooks for those tracking warblers and Purple martins. Weekends draw more visitors, but early mornings and weekdays remain peaceful. Modern bathrooms and a playground sit near the day-use lodge, which is ADA-accessible and ideal for groups.
Fire grills and picnic tables provide lunch spots near the parking area. There is no trail-side parking, so visitors use designated lots at each trailhead. Trails are unpaved, making strollers impractical, but the lodge and picnic areas accommodate all abilities. With free parking and well-maintained amenities, Walnut Woods offers a surprisingly deep forest feel just minutes from the city.
Quail Cove Park
Quail Cove Park features a dirt and gravel loop trail just under half a mile long. Wooden footbridges cross a gentle creek, and the trail’s 30-foot elevation changes are easy to handle for most users.
The park feels quiet even during busier times, especially on weekdays. Parking is available near the entrance, and benches line the trail at convenient rest spots. A seasonal restroom is open in warmer months but closes in winter.
Two playgrounds serve different age groups, and a wide-open playfield offers space for informal games. There’s also a half-court basketball area without lights. Picnic tables dot the grounds on a first-come, first-served basis. Dogs on leashes are permitted; bring your own waste bags. Overall, Quail Cove Park provides a simple, low-key setting for families and anyone seeking a brief outdoor excursion.
