Home › Iowa › Ankeny › Carney Marsh Nature Preserve
Carney Marsh Nature Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 75 Google reviews · Running trail in Ankeny, Iowa · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Carney Marsh Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Carney Marsh Nature Preserve
“Very clean restrooms and the grounds are kept up and trails are very visible.”
“Just stopped here for lunch on my way down for a work trip and it was a gorgeous trail.”
“Beautiful park and I love going here to walk or run.”
“Otherwise, a really beauty and serene location.”
Nice path to walk on. Some bikers and a couple of walker. Pretty quiet place.
I don't think it's worth a visit on its own. It's mostly just a nice side attraction to the trail. Not a good spot to get close to the water. It's left natural enough for wildlife that there's lots of bugs and overgrowth. Has a small parking lot, so is good if your intentions are to hop on the trail.
Part of Polk County trail system; majority of asphalt/paved trail runs north/south. Trail turns east and heads under I 35 towards Bondurant. Marsh area itself is nice for fishing, walking and bird watching--many migrating songbirds stop in area including warblers, Orioles, rose breasted grosbeaks and cat birds.
I really enjoy this area, the walking/biking path is great! I take my grandkids and dog here everytime I come to visit!
Trail conditions & character
“Just stopped here for lunch on my way down for a work trip and it was a gorgeous trail.”
“There's a small parking lot to the Southeast side of the water, so you can definitely visit even if you're not stopping from the trail.”
“Part of Polk County trail system; majority of asphalt/paved trail runs north/south.”
“Otherwise, a really beauty and serene location.”
“Very clean restrooms and the grounds are kept up and trails are very visible.”
Plan your run at Carney Marsh Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Websitepolkcountyiowa.gov
- Phone+1 515-323-5300
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Ankeny
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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