The Jefferson to Herndon branch of the Raccoon River Valley Bike Trail is a 25 mile round trip journey through lovely woods, rich Iowa farm land, and over the lazy Raccoon River. It is a quiet ride with an easy grade.

As you ride along the cement and blacktop paved trail, you will discover a vast array of native wildflowers, trees, and wildlife. Rabbits, squirrels, and deer often find their way onto the trail, and many different kinds of birds; cardinals, blue birds, finches, blue jays, orioles, and even indigo buntings have been spotted.

It won't be long and this Northern most branch of the trail will hook up with the rest of the trail in Yale, Iowa. When this happens, you will be able to ride from Jefferson to Waukee, Iowa in a few short hours.

The following are some pictures I took of the trail. I think you can get a good idea of how pretty the ride is from them.
 
 

 

This is a picture of the old railraod trestle bridge that goes over the Raccoon River.

 
 

This is a picture of my favorite part of the trail, through the woods. Here you may be surprised by a mother deer and her twin babies, or a big snapping turtle. Maybe even a pheasant or bunting will fly across your path.

 

 

And just to remind you that yes, you are still in Iowa, here is a picture of the trail as it runs through some corn and bean fields. You will feel a nice breeze here, and you will need it because there isn't  much shade.

 

I hope you visit Greene County soon and Ride the Raccoon River Valley Trail!