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Margo Frankel Woods State Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 241 Google reviews · Running trail in Des Moines, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Margo Frankel Woods State Park'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.
Tranquil park offering woodland hiking trails, playgrounds & sheltered picnic/BBQ sites.
What runners say about Margo Frankel Woods State Park
“The trail seems very well maintained, and there are signs along the trail to ensure you know where you're going.”
“This park has very has well manicured paths and only slight elevation changes, but extremely beautiful views!”
I've lived here way too long to only now have walked these trails. It is an oasis of nature sandwiched between two sprawling cities that will hopefully remain intact.
One of my favorite local parks - makes you feel like you're much farther from the city while close by. Lots of forest area as well as large open green space. Also has a small playground, picnic tables, and restrooms. My favorite are the well maintained trails.
Great little State Park in the middle of town. Couple different park / picnic areas. Not a ton of trails, but options for more rugged and more maintained. Great way to get active without having to drive too far. Bonus - found a hut that a magical wood elf built.
Visiting from AZ and had a blast walking the trails. This park has very has well manicured paths and only slight elevation changes, but extremely beautiful views!
Trail conditions & character
“This park has very has well manicured paths and only slight elevation changes, but extremely beautiful views!”
“Also has a small playground, picnic tables, and restrooms.”
Plan your run at Margo Frankel Woods State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Des Moines
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sycamore Trails
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