A momentous occasion took place in Iowa on August 17th, 2024, as the High Trestle Connection was officially opened, celebrating the completion of a long-awaited trail link between the Raccoon River Valley Trail and the High Trestle Trail. Hundreds gathered for the inaugural ride and ceremony, marking the creation of one of the longest paved trails in the United States, unlocking a 120-mile trail loop. This connection also marks a critical milestone for the Great American Rail-Trail®, the nation’s first cross-country multiuse trail, closing gap #45 and creating nearly 60 miles of uninterrupted trail along the route.
The new connection provides an uninterrupted 57-mile trail segment between the small towns of Holland and Herndon along the Great American Rail-Trail, according to Kevin Belle, project manager for the Great American at Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC). This connection seamlessly integrates with the existing trail network in the greater Des Moines area, offering significant economic development opportunities for the vibrant towns along the route.
An economic analysis commissioned by RTC indicates that the Great American Rail-Trail will generate $14.3 million in visitor spending and $1.2 million in tax revenue annually for Iowa. The total economic impact of cycling and trails across the state is estimated at $364.8 million each year.
“This has an incredible economic impact that goes beyond just spending money at a local restaurant near the trail,” said Luke Hoffman, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. “This trail is more than just a pathway; it’s a legacy for future generations, a community asset that provides economic, tourism, and health and wellness benefits. Trails are an essential tool that we cannot ignore. In the state of Iowa’s tourism commercials, they feature images of the High Trestle Bridge, symbolizing what makes our state great.”
The Raccoon River Valley Trail, a member of RTC’s Hall of Fame, is the nation’s longest and oldest paved loop trail. This trail, along with the High Trestle Trail, spanning 31.4 miles and renowned for its iconic 130-foot-tall High Trestle Bridge, are essential tourist attractions in central Iowa, cherished by the region and state as assets for health, wellness, and connection. These trails are part of the evolving 3,700-mile Great American Rail-Trail, Rails to Trails Conservancy’s flagship project to connect a cross-country, multiuse trail, across 12 states between Washington, D.C., and Washington State.
For more information about the Great American Rail-Trail, including photos and videos for press use, visit greatamericanrailtrail.org and follow @greatamericanrailtrail and #GRTAmerican on social media. Rails to Trails Conservancy is the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community of over 1 million people—dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike, and be active outdoors. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
