Biking the Byways

We love biking here at Golden Hills and over the years we have supported numerous projects supporting biking in western Iowa. ​Our website has a wealth of resources about biking in western Iowa. Check out the list below and start making plans to bike the byways!

Best Bike Trails in Western Iowa

1. Wabash Trace Nature Trail (Council Bluffs to Blanchard, Iowa)
2. T-Bone Trail (Audubon to  5 miles north of Atlantic, Iowa)
3. Lewis and Clark Trail (Sioux City to Hamburg, Iowa)
4. Railroad Highway Trail (Council Bluffs, Iowa)
5. Rock Island Stone Arch Nature Trail (Shelby, Iowa)

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Join the Iowa Underground Railroad Bike Ride for an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, history, and camaraderie. This thrilling journey will uncover the hidden stories of Iowa’s courageous freedom seekers. Taking place September 15th to 17th, between Tabor and Lewis, Iowa, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Iowa’s fascinating heritage while enjoying the beauty of the countryside.
 
From the moment you arrive, our passionate team will ensure your safety and comfort throughout the ride. The ride route includes rest stops, support vehicles, and history to enlighten you about the Underground Railroad’s significance in Iowa. Follow the footsteps of freedom with the supportive community of biking enthusiasts and history buffs.
 
Don’t miss this chance to create lifelong memories and deepen your understanding of our nation’s history. Space is limited.
 
Early bird pricing through August 1st, 2023. Register today: Iowa Underground Railroad Ride

For any inquiries, contact [email protected]
 
Come pedal through history on the Iowa Underground Railroad Bike Ride and be inspired, enlightened, and exhilarated. 

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Golden Hills RC&D helps coordinate the Frontier Iowa Trails (FIT) network, which is a group of western Iowans who are working to develop a regional multi-use trails system. 

The Frontier Iowa Trails webpage has countywide trail plans specifically for hard-surface trails. These maps are based on community input sessions for the most popular routes by residents of the county.

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Golden Hills staff have been working with local communities to improve bikeability and walkability. If your town would like to apply to become a Bicycle Friendly Community, there are several important steps you can take to get started. Follow the link for more information.

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In 2019, Golden Hills partnered with Harrison County Conservation Board and Woodbine Main Street to designate Harrison County's first on-road bike route on a six-mile stretch of county highway (Easton Trail) between Woodbine and Willow Lake Recreation Area.

Follow the link for maps of one-way and roundtrip routes.

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Finally, how could we not mention the world's largest bike-touring event in the world! This year's edition of RAGBRAI is extra special as it is the 50th anniversary of the first Great Ride Across Iowa in 1973. The ride began in Sioux City, so it's fitting that this year's edition will also begin in the Siouxland. Storm Lake and Carroll are the other two overnight towns on the 2023 RAGBRAI itinerary. Check out the RAGBRAI website for maps, events, and more.

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