Creating A Better Outdoor Experience
Whether you love hiking, biking, or horseback riding, Lake Red Rock trails have something for you. There are many miles of paved trails around the park area. See the maps below for more details.
Playscape Nature Trail
Surface: Earthen path
Length:0.25mo
Location: Along Volksweg Trail west of North Overlook Campround (near mile marker 2.5)
A short woodland path leads you from the natural play area to a prairie , complete with sundial!
Howell Station Prairie Trail
Surface: Grass/earthen
Length: 1.5 miles
Location: Howell Station Recreation Area
This trail takes you through an established prairie and woodland; it also features two wetlands that are frequented by waterfowl and various small mammals.
North Overlook Trail
Surface: Grass/earthen
Length: 1.1 miles
Location: North Overlook Recreation Area
A beautiful wooded trail ideally suited for family and small groups. A nearby picnic area offers a great spot for lunch.
"Stu" Kuyper Trail
Surface: Grass/earthen
Length: 1.5 miles
Location: Whitebreast Recreation Area
This wooded trail offers winding paths and a scenic lake view.
Elk Rock Equestrian Trail
Surface: Earthen
Length: 13 miles
Location: Elk Rock State Park
This trail offers scenic beauty for horseback riders and nature lovers. A picturesque view of the Mile-Long Bridge is a highlight of this path.
Karr Nature Trail
Surface: Earthen path
Length:1.1mi
Location: Cordova County Park
This trail was named after the Karr family that lived in the town of Cordova. The path winds through a pristine oak-hickory forest. A portion of the trail is designated as a self-guided interpretive trail.
Water Trail
Surface: Water
Length:
Location: Red Rock Lake
Volksweg Trail
Surface: Paved
Length: 17 miles
The Volksweg Trail features an asphalt surface that extends 12 miles along the north side of Lake Red Rock, a 3.8-mile section of trail linking the Howell Station Recreation Area to the City of Pella, and a 1.5-mile section connecting Howell Station to the South Tailwater and Ivan’s Recreation Areas. Mile markers define the 12-mile section of the trial from Howell Station to Cordova County Park.
BIkers and hikers will pass through mature stands of timber, restored prairies, pine plantations, campgrounds, and other recreation areas. Many spots offer fantastic views of Lake Red Rock. Benches and picnic areas for resting are available along the way.
The Volksweg Trail was made possible through the partnership of private, federal, state, county, and city agencies. A large portion of the trail was funded through the Des Moines River Greenbelt Program.