This 16.5 mile journey can be a step back into time as travelers witness a few remaining prairie and wetland remnants. The recently paved trail, managed jointly by the Warren and Polk County Conservation Boards, preserves some of Iowa’s endangered plants. Those plants are wiped out in other parts of the state as land-use changes continue. Hop on your bike and enjoy the trail.
Stretching eleven miles from Carlisle to Indianola, the Summerset Trail passes through rolling hills and wetland river bottom as it winds from town to town. In the middle sits the village of Summerset on the south bank of the Middle River. Restroom facilities with running water are available at the Indianola trail head and pit toilets are available at the Carlisle trail head and at Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park at the trail’s half-way point. Parking is available at all three points.