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Central Place Trail
5 ★★★★★ 2 Google reviews · Running trail in Des Moines, Iowa · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Central Place Trail'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 Central Place Trail
New in 2025, 10 foot wide concrete paved multi-use trail with signage, seating, lighting south of University Avenue, and parking with a drinking fountain on south of end of the dog park. Trail underpasses provided at major roads including University Avenue and Interstate 235.
Central place trail runs between the skater park all the way up to 2nd avenue or 2nd Street and where I'm at right now it doesn't show the trail on the Google map but I guess it'll come later.
Trail conditions & character
Plan your run at Central Place Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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, water — reported by runners
- Websitedsm.city
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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