The High Trestle Trail is a 25-mile rail-trail conversion stretching through central Iowa between Ankeny and Woodward, passing through Madrid, Slater, and several smaller communities along the way. The trail follows a converted Iowa, Chicago and Eastern Railroad corridor, managed jointly by Polk County Conservation Board and Dallas County Conservation. The primary trailhead for most visitors is at Madison Ave Park in Madrid, IA 50156, with free parking. No permits or fees are required to use the trail.
The trail surface is crushed limestone — flat, well-maintained, and suitable for walking, running, and cycling. Most visitors choose a shorter out-and-back segment centered on the High Trestle Bridge over the Des Moines River valley rather than walking the full 25-mile one-way length. The bridge is approximately 4 miles from the Madrid trailhead, making an 8-mile round trip to the bridge and back a popular full-morning walk. The trail passes through open central Iowa agricultural landscape for much of its length, with limited natural shade — sunscreen and adequate water are essential.
The High Trestle Bridge is the trail's signature feature: a 13-story steel structure spanning 2,530 feet with distinctive angular steel frame portals that create a visual tunnel effect. The bridge is illuminated at night with LED lighting installed within the frame portals, creating one of Iowa's most photographed landmarks after dark. Night visits are particularly popular in summer; the LED lighting is active from dusk until midnight. The bridge is fully exposed to wind in the open Des Moines River valley, which can be strong even in summer.
Restrooms are available at the Madrid trailhead and at trail access points in several communities along the route. Water is available at trailhead facilities; no water sources exist on the trail itself. The trail is leash-friendly for dogs and accessible year-round, though crushed limestone surfaces may be icy in winter.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Woodward to Madrid
- Best season
- April-November
What to bring
- Walking shoes or bike
- Water
- Sunscreen
Location
High Trestle Trail, Madrid, IA 50156 (trailhead at Madison Ave Park)
41.8698, -93.8202 View on map
Highlights
- High Trestle Bridge — a 2,530-ft steel bridge rising 13 stories above the Des Moines River valley
- LED-illuminated steel frame portals create a dramatic tunnel effect from dusk until midnight
- 25-mile crushed limestone rail-trail accessible to walkers, runners, and cyclists of all levels
- Open central Iowa agricultural landscape with wide prairie sky views throughout
- Free parking and access at multiple trailheads including Madrid and Woodward
Tips for visiting
- Plan a sunset or dusk visit to the bridge for the LED lighting — it operates until midnight daily
- Carry sunscreen and ample water — the open trail has minimal shade for most of its length
- The bridge section is exposed and often windy; bring an extra layer even in summer
- The 8-mile Madrid-to-bridge-and-back is the most popular segment for first-time visitors
- Early morning visits avoid weekend crowds from the Des Moines metro area
- Crushed limestone surface is firm but trail runners and cyclists should bring appropriate footwear or tires
When to visit
Summer evenings (June–August) are the most popular time for the LED-illuminated bridge at dusk. Spring and fall offer pleasant walking temperatures with fewer crowds; winter use is possible on the crushed limestone but icy conditions can develop.
Accessibility
The High Trestle Trail is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers on the well-compacted crushed limestone surface, which is flat throughout. The High Trestle Bridge itself is also fully accessible with level surface and guardrails. Accessible parking is available at the Madrid and Ankeny trailheads.
Frequently asked questions
Is the High Trestle Trail free to use?
Yes, the trail is free to use and parking is free at all trailhead lots along the route.
What time does the bridge lighting activate?
The LED lighting on the High Trestle Bridge activates at dusk and runs until midnight daily throughout the year.
Can cyclists use the trail?
Yes. The High Trestle Trail is a multi-use rail trail suitable for walking, running, and cycling. The crushed limestone surface is well-maintained and suitable for hybrid or mountain bikes.
Is it necessary to walk the full 25 miles?
Most visitors focus on the segment around the High Trestle Bridge, particularly the 8-mile round trip from Madrid. The full 25-mile one-way length requires transportation coordination between trailheads.
Are there facilities along the trail?
Restrooms are available at the Madrid and Ankeny trailheads, and at several communities along the route. Water is present at some trailhead facilities; carry sufficient water as there are no sources on the trail itself.