Biking

Raccoon River Valley Trail - Panora and Yale
The RRVT is a 56-mile, paved, multi-use recreational trail that extends from Clive, in the Des Moines metropolitan area, to Jefferson.  The trail is built on a former Milwaukee RR track now owned by the Dallas, Guthrie, and Greene County Conservation Boards.  The trail winds its way through the Middle and North Raccoon River corridors with areas of prairie and canopies of timber that remind us of what Iowa was like in the 1870s.  Common uses are hiking, biking, in-line skating, jogging, bird watching, or cross-country skiing in the winter. Trail access, self-registration for daily or annual pass, and parking areas available in Panora and Yale.

Whiterock Conservancy - Coon Rapids
5,000 acres of contiguous river valley for recreation, such as equestrian trail riding, camping, mountain biking, stream and pond fishing, and hiking. 

The White Pole Road - Formerly Highway 6, along the southern edge of Guthrie County, the WPR is ideal if you prefer the open road. Recently paved, the highway passes through the towns of Stuart, Menlo, Casey and Adair. Each community has various services and shopping. 

Central Iowa State Park Bike Route - (from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website).  The Central Iowa State Park Bike Route is a 160-mile loop connecting Big Creek, Ledges and Springbrook primarily utilizing paved county highways and the paved Raccoon Bicycle Trail. Riders may choose to ride the entire bike route only a portion of it. The route ambles through 14 charming towns, is relatively flat, with a few challenging hills as you make your way across the picturesque valleys of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers.

Carry your own gear and "rough it" in the campgrounds or take comfort in a local bed and breakfast or motel along the route. Some bed and breakfasts and park concessionaires offer a shuttle service for gear or luggage for a nominal fee. Reservations for gear shuttle must be made in advance. Detailed route brochures available from the DNR.

Local Bike Rides:
White Pole Road Bike Ride - June 21
Yale 4th-of-July Poker Run - July 4