High Trestle Trail
A rail trail crosses the Des Moines River on a half-mile bridge wrapped in sculptural steel frames.
Artwork inspired by Christian Petersen
The 25-mile paved route links several communities, but the signature bridge is more than a photo stop: its angled frames evoke movement through a mine shaft and frame changing river-valley views. Blue lighting gives evening visits a different spatial effect.
Choose a trailhead based on actual riding distance, carry lights after dusk, and keep right on the bridge where sightlines narrow. Wind exposure can be substantial; pedestrians should avoid blocking the center for photographs.
The half-mile bridge stands roughly thirteen stories above the Des Moines River, so reaching its midpoint is not the same as completing the ride. Calculate the round trip from Woodward, Madrid, or another legal trailhead, then reserve daylight and energy for the exposed return rather than letting the illuminated span become an accidental turnaround decision.
- Length
- About 25 paved miles
- Setting
- Madrid, Iowa, United States
- Admission
- Free general admission
Quick guide
- Signature
- Half-mile Des Moines River bridge
- Etiquette
- Keep right and clear the shared path
Quick guide
- Choose a trailhead
- Woodward and Madrid create very different round-trip distances. Set the route from a legal access point before using the bridge as the destination.
- Read the frames
- The repeating blue-steel portals suggest a descent through a mine shaft, linking the contemporary bridge to the region’s coal-mining history.
- Share the span
- Keep right, signal before passing, and move fully out of the travel lane before stopping for a photograph or river view.
- Plan the return
- Carry lights for an evening visit and account for wind, temperature, remaining battery or stamina, and every mile back to the chosen trailhead.
Good to know
The bridge’s angled steel frames deliberately suggest passage through a mine shaft, connecting a dramatic modern crossing to the region’s coal-mining history.
Notice these
- About 25 paved miles
- Half-mile Des Moines River bridge
- Keep right and clear the shared path