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North River Valley Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 300 Google reviews · Running trail in Ames, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from North River Valley 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.
Public park offering rental picnic pavilions, BBQ grills, horseshoes pits & sand volleyball courts.
What runners say about North River Valley Park
“Best time of day is morning or when the sun is about an hour from setting and light comes in from the far West it's gorgeous.”
“Jogging or walking the trails amidst the serene woods as the trail tries to hug the river, you're guaranteed to have a peaceful time.”
Excellent bridge. These woods and trails have a history and play their part in preserving the local mystique of the early days of Ames. Jogging or walking the trails amidst the serene woods as the trail tries to hug the river, you're guaranteed to have a peaceful time.
Walk through this park often. There's a hard surface path that runs the length of the park that's great for walking. It's quiet and peaceful until you get to 13th Street. Hard to cross there during rush hour.
Great set of trails. Found a fresh stick of butter under the porta potty. Used it in my pasta later. Came back the next day and there was another stick of butter. Someone is blessing me!
Our family loves North River Valley. The variety of activities keeps everyone engaged for hours. Between the soccer fields, baseball diamonds, horseshoe pits, trails, Skunk River access, sandy areas, fishing spots, and three different playground options, there is truly something for everyone.
Trail conditions & character
“Best time of day is morning or when the sun is about an hour from setting and light comes in from the far West it's gorgeous.”
“Jogging or walking the trails amidst the serene woods as the trail tries to hug the river, you're guaranteed to have a peaceful time.”
“Great little park with a gazebo, grill, bathroom and more horseshoe pits than I've ever seen in one place.”
Plan your run at North River Valley 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
- Websitecityofames.org
- Phone+1 515-239-5350
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
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