naugabike@tomwinfield.com

Metro area trails are being marked in an effort to enhance safety.  The Rotary Club of Omaha and Council Bluffs are marking the trails every 1/10 mile.  The markers will hekp emergenry personnel to locating users.

Lake Manawa: The Lake Manawa Trail starts at the Iowa West Trailhead Park. Ride west on East South Omaha Bridge Road to the end.  Take a left on down the trail, going under I-29, railroad tracks and on to Lake Manawa Park.  Take the side trail into the picnic and campling area for a great vista of Omaha.  Back on the main trail, ride the bridge over Indian Creek.. Watch out for deer and other wildlife.

Just off the Lake Manawa Trail is a mountain bike singletrack area.  The trails are maintained by T.H.O.R. - Trails Have Our Respect.

Indian Creek Trail goes from the Lake Manawa Trail (plans to compete the the river) into the city.  The north end of this trail is at 16th Ave. The new section has a couple rest areas with benches. From there, bicycling lanes gets you into near downtown.

Western Historic Trail: From Indian Creek, the trail is along Hwy 92, then along the east side of 24th Street.  The trail goes past the back of the Council Bluffs Recreaction Complex, on to National Western Historical Trail Center.  Take a break from the ride and visit the museum.

Iowa Riverfront Trail: At this time, the Iowa Riverfront Trail runs from The Western Historic Trail north along the Missouri river to North 25th St.  There are plans to continue the trail south along to the river to  Lake Manawa. The riverfront includes stops (or bypasses) Ameristar Casino, Harrah's Casino and Dodge Riverside Golf Club. Most of the trail is along the river levee. Keep riding along Nash Blvd into Big Lake park.  Eventually the trail will continue to the Lewis and Clark Monument.

Valley View Trail is from Iowa West Trailhead Park, thru the Iowa School for the Deaf campus, along Valley View Dr on to Iowa Western Community College. Take time to read the markers about the Mormon Trail.

Photos along the Council Bluffs Trails

Copyright(c) 2007 Tom Winfield. All rights reserved.