Let’s take a long hike at the South Sycamore Trails! The trailhead is in the parking lot of the Polk County River Place building at 2309 Euclid Ave, in Des Moines. Meet by 10:00 a.m. at the large trail map in the southeast corner of the lot.

We will follow the main trail along the river to the north end of the Owl Trail. We will see the old brick piles as we return on the Owl Trail. Although RideWithGPS says 3.1 miles, due to recent reroutes, I estimate it will be 3.5 miles.

If the dirt trails are not usable, 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, rocks, and bricks (yes, bricks!). Hiking poles are very useful on this route due to a short section of rock garden, but not a necessity.
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I lead group walks on different trails 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!

View the weather cancellation policy at www.roccasecca.fitness/stroll.