As summer begins, more and more students will be out and about looking for something to do. Luckily, there are quite a few bicycle and running trails in and near the city of Ames. Listed below are just a few of the more well-known trails that run throughout or around the city. 

Chichaqua Valley Trail

This 20-mile trail runs through Jasper and Polk County. The trail is for both runners and bikers. The trail is also wheelchair accessible. The trailhead is located just southwest of Bondurant. You must travel about a third of a mile down some gravel to get to the trail, but if you’re looking for a trail to get away from the world on, this is the trail for you.

Heart of Iowa Nature Trail

This is another walking, running and biking trail that runs right to the south of Ames. The trail is 32 miles long and stretches from Melbourne to Slater. The trail’s surface is made up of crushed stone and dirt, so most users prefer running on it to biking on it. The trail is fairly scenic, as it crosses the Union Pacific railroads and the Skunk River.

High Trestle Trail 

One of the more well-known trails in this area is the High Trestle Trail. What used to be called the “Ankeny to Woodward” trail is biker and runner friendly. There is a wonderful 13-story, half-mile-long bridge that overlooks the Des Moines River. The trail is 22 miles long and has a surface of asphalt and concrete. Travelers say to keep an eye out for the farm with buffalo along the way.

Ada Hayden Trail

The Ada Hayden Trail wraps around the Ada Hayden Lake, which is in the northern part of Ames. You can run near the water and it’s quiet and peaceful. The trail is part of the Shared Youth Path System, it attracts a mix of runners and bikers.

“One of my favorites would be the Ada Hayden Trail,” said City of Ames Public Relations Officer Susan Gwiasda. “I prefer to run in the morning, but that’s just me. Also, there’s a lot of wildlife.”

Ames bicycle trails

Ames also has 22 miles of bicycle trails running through the city. A map of these trails can be picked up at Ames bike shops or at the Ames City Hall. 

“I like to use the trails to sometimes get to the Aquatic Center, but you can use them to get to parks and other places as well,” said Gwiasda.

Traveling on these trails is a great way to stay in shape, blow off some steam, or just to take a little personal time. You can use these trails whether it’s to get from point A to point B, or just to take an afternoon stroll.