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North Access to Sycamore Trail

4.4 ★★★★☆ 15 Google reviews · Running trail in Johnston, Iowa · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from North Access to Sycamore 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.

Natural surface

What runners say about North Access to Sycamore Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (15 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“Very flat and easy trail with nice scenery.”

Wonderful dirt trail thru the beautiful woods along the Des Moines river. Great for off road biking, hiking, running, and walking dogs.

★★★★★ — Mark , Aug 2018

I'll tell you those CUTA people really know how to get things done. This trail system has evolved into one of the better ones in the metro area. Thanks everybody for your continued effort in maintaining and building new trail here.

★★★★★ — Byknphil , Sep 2021

Nice trails along the DM River. Was 3.2 miles for the outside loop in the screenshot. Very flat and easy trail with nice scenery.

★★★★★ — Andy , Mar 2026

The trail is great! Lots of variety. Some techhnical spots make it a lot of fun.

★★★★☆ — Joe , Oct 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 15 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 2 mentions

“Wonderful dirt trail thru the beautiful woods along the Des Moines river.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at North Access to Sycamore Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • 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.

Where to find North Access to Sycamore Trail

4640 NW 66th Ave, Johnston, IA 50131

Get directions

Running trails near Johnston

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

4.7 ★★★★★ 151 reviews

Johnston, IA

6.5 miLoopMixedScenic

Forested place with dirt trails for cycling and a paved path, as well as scenic spots.

under a mile away

Dewey Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 173 reviews

Johnston, IA

MixedShadedDog-friendly

Kid-friendly park featuring a playground, trails and open space.

under a mile away

Cottonwood Recreation Area

4.6 ★★★★★ 91 reviews

Ankeny, IA

PavedScenicDog-friendly

1.1 miles away

1.3 miles away

Sycamore Wildlife Area

4.1 ★★★★☆ 18 reviews

Des Moines, IA

2.1 miles away

Trail head

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

Johnston, IA

2.2 miles away

All running trails in Johnston, IA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.