Heart of Iowa Nature Trail

21 Miles of Pure Pavement: Your Gateway to the Heart of Iowa

About

Experience the newly transformed Heart of Iowa Nature Trail (HOINT). As of late 2024, the Story County portion of the trail is now fully paved, creating a seamless 21-mile concrete corridor connecting five vibrant communities: Slater, Huxley, Cambridge, Maxwell, and Collins. Whether you’re chasing a long-distance ride from the High Trestle Trail or looking for a scenic stroll between small-town stops, the "Heart" is officially open and better than ever.

Map of Heart of Iowa Nature Trail across Story County with teal line and orange points

Click to enlarge map

"Best trail in Iowa right now!"

"We ride this trail all the time!"

"Our favorite trail.. a hidden gem."

The Journey

Beginning at HOINT's western terminus, the Slater trailhead, and moving east:

SLATER: The Gateway - Start your journey where the HOINT meets the world-famous High Trestle Trail. Grab a coffee, have a cold drink at a bike-in bar, and head east into the prairie.

  • Trailhead and Arboretum located on northeast corner of Slater on 510th [R-38/Linn St] .5 miles north of Highway 210.

HUXLEY: The Hub - Perfectly positioned for a mid-ride break. Stop at Railroad Park for modern amenities, then check out the local shops and eateries just blocks from the trail. Don't miss the new Monarch-themed tunnel under I-35!

  • Railroad Park, Railway and South Main (3.5 blocks west of Highway 69 on East First Street, one block south on Main).

CAMBRIDGE: The River Crossing - A scenic highlight. Cross the South Skunk River Bridge—a favorite spot for photos—and enjoy the transition from open farmland into lush, shaded woodlands.

  • Trailhead located at South Vine Street & Center Street.

MAXWELL: The History Stop - Step off the trail to visit the Story County Freedom Rock and the local historical museum. This stretch features beautiful riparian forests and deep-cut railroad history.

  • Trail heads west out of Maxwell, starting .10 mile north of Highway 210 on Army Post Road. The trail heads east out of town at Legion Park between Broad/First/Metcalf/Woodlawn Streets.

COLLINS: The High Point - The current eastern terminus of the paved trail. Celebrate your 21-mile trek with a sweet treat or cold drink from local food establishments, and soak in the expansive rural views.

RHODES (Marshall County) – Trailhead is located on the south end of Main Street.


More Details

Trail Surface: 100% Paved (Concrete) from Slater to Collins (21 miles).

  • Note: East of Collins to the Marshall County line remains a natural/limestone surface—perfect for gravel enthusiasts or equestrians.

Perfect For: Road cyclists, families with strollers, long-distance runners, and casual walkers.

Equestrian Friendly: We haven't forgotten our riders! A 10-foot wide mowed grass path runs adjacent to the pavement for the majority of the trail.

  • Trailer Parking: Best at Slater, Maxwell, and Collins.

"Must-See" Features: 

  • Monarch Tunnel. Located between Huxley and Cambridge, this over-70-yard tunnel celebrates the "Monarch Highway" (I-35) with vibrant, themed artwork.
  • Hoy Bridge: located over Clear Creek, just east of Rhodes in Marshall County
  • Lee Prairie: High quality prairie remnant along original railroad corridor, where ground was never disturbed. Midway between Slater and Huxley; directions here.
  1. 1 Cyclists wearing orange shirts ride under Hoy Bridge arch along paved Heart of Iowa Nature Trail
  2. 2 Paved section of trail passing through fall foliage trees in nature, Heart of Iowa Nature Trail
  3. 3 A field full of purple prairie phlox wildflowers are in bloom along the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail.
  4. 4 View of Skunk River from bridge on Heart of Iowa Nature Trail, cyclist posing with bicycle.
  5. 5 Two bikers travel across the South Skunk River bridge on Heart of Iowa Nature Trail
  6. 6 Historic concrete bridge over flowing river in Maxwell, IA.

Town to Town

Trail is paved for the entire 21-mile stretch from Slater to Collins. Specific trailhead information listed below.

Slater Trailhead to Huxley (Railroad Park): 4.1 miles 

Huxley (Railroad Park) to Cambridge: 4.02 miles

Cambridge to Maxwell: 6.94 miles

Maxwell to Collins Trailhead: 5.5 miles

Mileage at a Glance:

Black and white table allowing trail users to calculate distances between trail towns

Trail Connections

High Trestle Trail - The Heart of Iowa Nature Trail western terminus leads into the High Trestle Trail in the city of Slater. Heading west will take you toward Madrid and the landmark High Trestle Trail Bridge. Heading south will take you to the city of Ankeny and further into the Central Iowa Trails network.

Central Iowa Trails Network - The east-west segment of the High Trestle Trail travels through Madrid and Woodward and contains the nationally-recognized High Trestle Trail Bridge (one of the largest pedestrian bridges in the world at 1/2-mile long and 13 stories tall).

View an interactive map Central Iowa Trails and their amenities here..

National Importance!

  • American Discovery Trail - The Heart of Iowa Nature Trail is part of the American Hiking Society's American Discovery Trail. This trail system passes through several metropolitan areas and incorporates many trails as it passes from the East to the West Coast of the United States. In Iowa, the ADT begins at   Council Bluffs and follows the Raccoon River Valley, Des Moines River Greenway, Heart of Iowa Nature Trail, Cedar Valley, and Hoover Nature Trails crossing the Mississippi at Davenport.
  • Great American Rail Trail - The Heart of Iowa Nature Trail is also part of the Great American Rail-Trail -- a signature project of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. The Great American Rail-Trail is the nation’s first cross-country multi-use trail, stretching more than 3,700 miles between Washington, D.C. and Washington state. The preferred route of the Great American Rail-Trail connects over 145 existing rail-trails, greenways, and other multi-use paths. These trails are hosting the Great American through their communities, making possible this grand vision of a nation connected by trails.

Future goals of the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail include connecting eastward to:

Multi-Use Recreational Trail


  • Equestrian
    • Horses allowed on mowed grass shoulder on all sections of trail, and should stay off concrete, limestone and asphalt. A 10-foot wide grass path lies adjacent to most of the trail for equestrian use.
    • Trailer parking available at Slater, Maxwell, Collins and Rhodes. 
  • Snowmobiling

Development - Plans

Freshly paved section of Heart of Iowa Nature Trail leads out of sight through nature

Paving between the Skunk River Bridge east to Collins took place in 2024, finally connecting all five Story County communities along the trail. Four final miles remain unpaved in Story County - from Collins east to the Story-Marshall County line. Read more here.

Want to help us with matching funds for grant applications? Donate here: https://bit.ly/PaveHOINT