Join us for a walk at Denman Woods. This flat trail is south of Center Trails in Des Moines. Park along the south side of North Valley Drive west of the bridge over Walnut Creek. Meet by 10:00 at the west end of the bridge.
This walk uses the paved Levee Trail for 1/3 mile to get to the trail entrance. We can make a counter-clockwise tour of the inner loop of Denman Woods (or go clockwise). The return on the paved trail makes the total 2.5 miles.
If Denmans is muddy, we will walk only on paved trails. Either way, we will walk slowly, think “stroll,” and no one will be left behind.
Denman Woods is relatively flat. Most of the route is dirt singletrack, punctuated with occasional roots and rocks. Hiking poles are useful, but not a necessity.
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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. The events are for people of all ages (and dogs on leashes)—anyone who fancies a stroll!
The second purpose is 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!
This Soft Trail Stroll event is also part of the Spring 2026 Couch to 5K Walking Program. The program begins on National Walking Day, Wednesday, April 1st with a short kick-off walk and Q&A session. It concludes on Saturday, June 6th.
June 6th is National Trails Day, and I will be leading a 5K hike on the flat, dirt trail at Sycamore in Johnston. It is also the date of the American Heart Association 2026 Central Iowa Heart Walk at DMACC in Ankeny.
