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The Rock Creek Recreation Bike Trail is a paved multi-use trail that provides a connection between the small, charming college town of Grinnell and Rock Creek State Park, a popular destination for camping, fishing, and any number of other outdoor activities.
The trail begins in Grinnell right outside the local high school and provides a connection to the Grinnell Trail, a community trail which services many of the local parks. Continuing west along the side of a county road, the trail quickly leaves the outskirts of town and enters into rolling, open farmland - there are no trees to provide shade along the trail, but that does mean that trail users get fully unobstructed views of the gorgeous country landscape. The trail turns north to continue along County Route F27, then follows the road again as it heads west over more gentle hills, eventually coming to an end at the northern entrance to Rock Creek State Park.
Parking and restrooms are available at the western end of the trail in Rock Creek State Park, and parking is available on the eastern end of the trail at the high school just south of the trail's start.
To reach the eastern end of the trail in Grinnell from Interstate-80, take exit 182 and head north on West Street for several miles. Take a left onto 8th Avenue, then turn right onto Sunset St. at the community college. The trail's start is at the intersection of Sunset St. and 11th Ave.
After the high school, I wouldn't call the hills "gentle". Even the ones that aren't as steep are long. Trail surface was good. I enjoyed the country landscape, and Rock Creek State Park is a worthy destination. But if you don't like hills, you will NOT like this trail.
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