Home › Iowa › Johnston › Sycamore Trails
Sycamore Trails
4.7 ★★★★★ 151 Google reviews · Running trail in Johnston, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 6.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Sycamore Trails' 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.
Forested place with dirt trails for cycling and a paved path, as well as scenic spots.
What runners say about Sycamore Trails
“Secluded, we’ll maintained and beautiful scenery for a trail run/ride!”
“Awesome trails and very peaceful.”
Great Trails To Ride, Walk, Bring Your Dog. 🐶 Very Relaxing, and Beautiful Mountain Bike Ride!
Secluded, we’ll maintained and beautiful scenery for a trail run/ride! There’s nice map posted at the head of the trails and since it was our first time here, snapped a pic of it before taking off and it was very easy to follow. Table and a bike maintenance station to use. Not too crowded. Will definitely be back!
It's a really nice trail. Went on a hot day with the kids and found that having different places to start heading back to the start was really nice. Lots of shade.
Fun long trail. Lots of single track thru the woods, a few ups and downs, but mostly flat. Beautiful scenery - lakes, river, woods. It's a good 6.5 mile loop around the outer perimeter with a few cut-throughs if you want to make it shorter or mix up your route. Definitely going back here next time I'm in the area
Trail conditions & character
“So fun I almost didn't go home there is the best view ever loved it 5 million stats.”
“There are plenty of woodsy dirt trails as well as a nice paved trail to walk on.”
“Lots of single track thru the woods, a few ups and downs, but mostly flat.”
“Usually plenty of space in a gravel parking lot right off the road.”
“Lots of single track thru the woods, a few ups and downs, but mostly flat.”
“5 mile loop around the outer perimeter with a few cut-throughs if you want to make it shorter or mix up your route.”
“It's a good 6.5 mile loop around the outer perimeter with a few cut-throughs if you want to make it shorter or mix up your route.”
Plan your run at Sycamore Trails
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance6.5 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitepolkcountyiowa.gov
- Phone(515) 323-5300
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–10 PM |
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.
Dewey Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 173 reviews
Kid-friendly park featuring a playground, trails and open space.
Sycamore Wildlife Area
4.1 ★★★★☆ 18 reviews