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Three Mile Lake (70 miles SW of Des Moines)
4 reviews
4.25 of 5
A little of everything: 2 miles of prairie doubletrack w/ some super-fast (25+mph) curvy downhills, a few steep, technical dropoffs into a defunct sandpit, & 2 miles of twisty, somewhat technical singletrack in a hardwood forest(with more to come in the future). The scenery and solitude of the park are excellent for Iowa, even though the trails aren't that long. If you're going to be close, email me & I'll be happy to show you around!
Note: this trail also receives some equestrian use, so watch out for horses & poopy
Too complicated for me to write out, but I'll try. Located on the west (undeveloped) side of Three Mile Lake, 3 miles north of Afton, Iowa. Park in gravel lot at west boat ramps - you'll need a map of the gravel roads, like the Iowa Sportsman's Atlas, to find the lot. Ride west up the gravel hill to the 1st curve, then turn right (north) onto the double track. You'll blast down a hill next to the old sandpit, where a few trails can be found by those willing to seek them out. Then keep riding the doubletrack across the pond dam & north & west until you get to the woods. Poke around in the woods long enough & you'll find all of the trails, but it would be better to email me at mattm[at]iowatelecom[dot]net & I'll send you a map of the singletrack.
Summary: The trail in the woods has been lengthened by over a mile - twisty fun rollercoaster type stuff. Directions to the trail, trail conditions, and a trail map are available at www.crestonbike.com/trails/trail_detail.asp?IDNo=1
Recommended Route: see review
Other recommended trails in the same area: Green Valley Lake Trail, but it's not that great unless everything else is wet.
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Review Date February 11, 2003
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Ridden Trail: Ridden Once
Reviewed by: Ed
, from Afton
Summary: Very pretty. A couple of local guys have been working hard developing this trail. It doubt if you will find it crowded. Bring the family. A great place to get away to with primative and modern camping. Also has cabins,a beach and great fishing. I only wish they would let me take my dirtbike out there.
Recommended Route: West side of lake just before the boat ramp.
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Review Date January 15, 2003
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Ridden Trail: Once a month
Reviewed by: Jed
, from Des Moines, IA
Summary: I just started riding this trail. Though not as developed and maintained as the Sycamore Trail (the bar by which I measure all trails) in DSM, its as much fun and as good a workout. I've only ridden a few times, but its been easy to find my way around and scenic, too. Some fast, moderately technical riding, and the trails have been lengthened too. There are quite a few small downed trees on the trail. Great place to bring your bike and camp out for the weekend. Great for weekend warriors.
Recommended Route: I spoke with a County Conservation employee, and found that its okay to drive up the fire road and park in the field overlooking the lake. That eliminates the gravel riding.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Green Valley trail is fast but not technical
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Review Date January 4, 2003
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Ridden Trail: Once a week
Reviewed by: Arnold
, from Creston Iowa
Summary: The trail starts out with easy double track leading to the old sandpit. The drop offs into the pit are a blast, especially the first one. It takes you from 0 to 20 mph in about one second. Lots of runout at the bottom, so it's safe. The trail out of the pit to the rejoin the double track has a couple of difficult technical climbs. About another mile of double track to the north leads to the timber with the single track. The single track is a combination of fast wide trails and mostly tight flowing trails through the woods. Lots of small (less than 14" diameter) logs to jump. Some of the climbs and gully crossings are somewhat technical, but nothing a beginner with a good attitude couldn't handle. The return route has a great long super fast twisty double track down hill. (Been close to 30 MPH a couple of times) If you need more of a work out, a hilly section of double track is about half a mile south of the section listed here. It's only about a two to three mile ride though. Gave it four tires for the great scenery, and the diversity of the trial. Get a hold of me if you need detailed directions.
Recommended Route: Follow the directions Matt has. Would be best to contact me. It is hard to find.
Other recommended trails in the same area: The trail around Green Valley lake is a good training trail, but not technical. It's just a fast packed grass trail.
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4.25 of 5
4 of 5
5 of 5
