Let’s check out some recent trail work at Center Trails in Des Moines. Meet in the Ashworth Pool parking lot at the end of 45th Street by 10:00 a.m.
We will head north on 45th Street. We will join the dirt trail where it crosses the road that leads up to the academy. We’ll stroll down behind the pool, check out the old paved trail that leads up the hill, and admire the dirt trail reconstruction CITA did in March. Then we’ll continue on the Hillside Trail and come back down on Phil’s Folly for a total of 1.5 miles.
If the trails are muddy, we will walk only the paved trails and path around the lagoon instead. Either way, we will walk slowly, think “stroll,” and no one will be left behind.
The Hillside Trail is hilly. The route is dirt singletrack, with roots and rocks. Hiking poles will be useful on this route, 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. 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.
