NRT Database

Location: Connects Dubuque and Dyersville, Iowa
State(s): Iowa
Counties: Dubuque
Longitude: -90.66783
Latitude: 42.5148

Driving Directions

Dubuque Trailhead - Hwy 52 north from Dubuque about 3 miles to Rupp Hollow Road. Dyersville Trailhead - from Hwy 20, take Hwy 136 North approx. 3 miles to trailhead.

Description

An abandoned railway and remnants of the old line still remain on the trail and in the small towns. There is a collection of Indian Burial grounds along the trail and many geological sites, one significant one for the fossil Nautiloid Cepholopods.

It is maintained by the Dubuque County Conservation Board, and was converted from a segment of the former Chicago Great Western railroad line between Chicago and Oelwein, Iowa. Surfaced with compacted, crushed limestone and possessing no grade greater than one percent, the trail is shared by cyclists and hikers, and in winter by snowmobiler's and cross-country skiers. No horses or unleashed dogs are permitted. Trail hours are sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise posted.

Repairs to the trail, following damage from flooding in 2008, are ongoing.

Additional Details

Width: 120 inches.
Primary Surface: Crushed Rock
Secondary Surface: None
Elevation Low Point: Not Available
Elevation High Point: Not Available
Elevation Gain (cumulative): Not Available

Year Designated: 1985

Supporting Webpages and Documents

Contact Information

For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). For questions, suggestions, and corrections to information listed on the website, contact American Trails.

Trail Management:
Robert J. Walton
Executive Director
Dubuque County Conservation Board
13768 Swiss Valley Rd.
Peosta, IA 52068
(319) 556-6745