A new 3.5-mile trail system dedicated to mountain biking has officially opened in Des Moines, Iowa, bringing a long-awaited outdoor recreation option to the city.
The Fourmile Mountain Bike Park, located at 1601 Williams Street, is the first trail system of its kind in central Iowa. The park’s soft opening this month has been met with excitement, especially since it offers a space specifically designed for mountain biking. Adam Fendrick, park planner for Polk County Conservation, emphasized the significance of the project, noting, “Iowa’s not the first place you think of for mountain biking, but we have a pretty energized community here.”
The 50-acre park, built on a partial flood plain, features nine distinct trails, including names like Sink or Swim and Ripple Effect. The trails, carefully designed by Georgia-based Tailored Trails and the Central Iowa Trail Association (CITA), incorporate various elements such as flow trails, bridges, berms, tabletops, and jumps. Fendrick explained that the trails were strategically placed outside of the flood plain to avoid washouts.
While building the trails, Polk County also focused on environmental conservation. Fendrick shared that invasive species and trash were removed, and improvements were made to the timber stands for wildlife. “It’s great to see conservation benefiting both wildlife and the people who live here,” he said.
Looking ahead, plans for expanding the park include an additional mile of trails, set to begin after the restoration of Four Mile Creek in 2026. The park will also see upgrades to its parking area and restroom facilities in the spring, which will mark the official opening of the free park to the public. Although primarily designed for mountain biking, the park also welcomes hikers, cross-country skiers, and other non-motorized activities.
Additionally, Class 1 e-bikes are permitted.
Fourmile Mountain Bike Park joins two other recently opened mountain bike parks in Iowa—Mason City Mountain Bike Trail System and the Cone Park Mountain Bike Park in Sioux City. The Fourmile system connects to the Fourmile Creek Greenway, Gay Lea Wilson Trail, and Copper Creek Lake Park, further enhancing its accessibility.
Fendrick, an avid mountain biker, recognized the need for a park like this in Des Moines. The project was also inspired by input from the local biking community. “Having this trail system in an urban area allows a lot more people to access it and enjoy biking,” he said. “We’re seeing kids out here enjoying mountain biking for the first time. It’s been really rewarding for everyone involved.”
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