It’s time to return to my favorite trail: Sycamore Trails North in Johnston. Meet by 10:00 a.m. at the gravel parking lot on the south side of 66th Avenue, just west of the Des Moines River.
We can go clockwise, heading south on the main line, cutting over at the “up-and-over,” and returning on the high line. Or we can go counter-clockwise. This is the short loop, about 1.6 miles.
If the dirt trails are muddy, we will walk the paved trail instead. Regardless, we will walk slowly, think “stroll,” and no one will be left behind.
Sycamore Trails are relatively flat. The trail is dirt singletrack, punctuated with roots and rocks. Hiking poles are useful, particularly at the “up-and-over,” but not a necessity.
I lead group walks on different trails in the Des Moines area a few times a month. This free Soft Trail Stroll series is designed to help people looking for a simple way to become more active, and to increase appreciation of our local soft trails.
What is a soft trail? Simply, it is an unpaved trail. Its surface may be dirt, grass, or crushed rock/gravel. I am an avid mountain biker and know all these trails very well. I can guarantee that no one will get lost!
View the weather cancellation policy at www.roccasecca.fitness/stroll.
This Soft Trail Stroll event is also part of the Fall 2026 Couch to 5K Walking Program.
The program kicks off Wednesday, October 7 with a Healthiest State Annual Walk and Q&A session. Week One begins Monday, October 12. The program concludes the weekend of December 12 with a 3.1 mile hike or indoor walk depending on the weather.
Learn more about the Couch to 5K Walking program at www.roccasecca.fitness/walking-program.
Soft Trail Stroll walks are endorsed by the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative.
They endorse events in Iowa whose primary purpose contributes to the goals of the Healthiest State Initiative and improves well-being in the state of Iowa.
View the HSI Event Calendar to learn more.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Learn more about Sycamore Trails from the Central Iowa Trail Association.
