Big Creek State Park – Neal Smith Trail loop from Big Creek State Park

Big Creek State Park – Neal Smith Trail loop from Big Creek State Park

Moderate

2.8

(28)

riders

Big Creek State Park – Neal Smith Trail loop from Big Creek State Park

03:32

44.0km

310m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 22, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

153 m

Big Creek State Park

Highlight • Lake

Big Creek State Park is a very popular park for cycling and hiking. Big Creek Lake, at the center of the park, is the largest lake in the Iowa State …

Tip by

9.17 km

Neal Smith Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The 26-mile Neal Smith Trail rolls along the banks of the Des Moines River through the Ding Darling Greenway conservation area and weaves its way through a variety of landscapes, …

Tip by

12.3 km

Big Creek Barrier Dam and views of Saylorville Lake

Highlight • Monument

Great views of the lake from the Neal Smith Trail as it passes over the Big Creek Barrier Dam. The dam was constructed to protect Polk City from flooding from Saylorville Lake.

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22.3 km

Saylorville Dam

Highlight • Monument

Pause your ride at Saylorville Dam for scenic views. This dam on the Des Moines River in Iowa is only 11 miles upstream from Des Moines, offering a great place to hop off your bike and take a break!

Tip by

35.4 km

Neal Smith Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The 26-mile Neal Smith Trail rolls along the banks of the Des Moines River through the Ding Darling Greenway conservation area and weaves its way through a variety of landscapes, …

Tip by

44.0 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types