Trail Rules

Trail Hours
Sunrise to Sunset
Allowable Trail Uses
Hiking, walking. jogging	Bicycling
Cross-country skiing	Rollerblading / Skateboarding
Bird watching	Motorized wheelchairs  (for handicap access only)
Disallowable Trail Uses
Horses	Motorcycles / ATVs / Snowmobiles

Trail Rules To report non-emergencies contact the Sheriff’s Office at 753-8371. To report emergencies, dial 911. Any personal injury accident requiring the treatment of a physician, which occurs on any property under the jurisdiction of the Des Moines County Conservation Board, shall be reported with all requested information to said Board or Executive Officer, within twenty-four hours following the occurrence of such injury.

1.  Enjoy your day on the Des Moines County Recreation Trail.  Here are a few things you can do on your own or with a group:  walk, jog, run; ride a bike; cross-country ski; bird watch, observe other wildlife; identify animal tracks, birdcalls, trees, or wildflowers; walk your dog; visit historic buildings and museums; have a picnic, read a book, stargaze; get a closer look at working farms; write poetry, take photographs, draw pictures, sing or whistle; make new friends!!

2.  Courtesy  The Des Moines County Trail is a multi-use recreational trail.  Bike riders, please control your speed, ride on the right, and pass on the left.  Please give warning of your approach with a friendly greeting or use a bell.  Cyclists should yield the right of way to pedestrians.  Everyone should yield to wheelchairs at all times.

3. Leave No Marks.  Do not litter or disturb livestock. Be aware that the trail’s crushed limestone surface is especially vulnerable to damage during the freeze/thaw cycle in the winter and spring.  Please avoid using the trail if you can leave impressions in the surface.  Wildflowers, trees, & shrubs, and animal habitat can only flourish if left alone.

4.  Stay on open trails only.  Respect trail and road closures, as well as private property adjacent to the trail.  Trespassing is illegal and will be enforced. Exercise caution when crossing roads and highways.

5. Hunting and trapping are not allowed on the trail, except in designated hunting areas. The areas designated at this time by the Conservation Board as hunting areas are: Thye Woods Recreation Area. Weapons MUST be unloaded when on the trail. All other State Hunting Codes must be followed.

6.  No unauthorized motor vehicles are allowed on any portion of the trail.

7.  Horseback riding is not allowed on the trail.

8.  Fires are allowed in provided grills only, and liquor and unleashed animals are not                allowed on the trail.

9.  Camping is not allowed on the trail itself.  Designated camping areas nearby are posted.

10.  User pass is not required to use your trail.        Children under the age of 10 should be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Additional Trail Guidelines

■  Respect the rights of property owners. ■  Do not litter. ■  Always wear a helmet. ■  Yield to pedestrians and rollerblades. ■  Give audible warning when passing pedestrians or other bicyclists.  A friendly greeting like, “Hello, passing on your left” or ringing a bell is considerate. ■  Ride at a safe speed.  Slow down and form a single file in congested conditions, reduced visibility, and other hazardous conditions. ■  Be very cautious when wearing headphones.  Headphones limit your ability to hear other trail users. ■  Show courtesy and respect to other trail users at all times. ■  Follow all trail rules and use trail between sunrise and sunset only. ■  Please report suspicious activities and material to authorities. ■  Obey all traffic signs, and move to the side when taking in a scenic view. ■  Dogs must be on a leash (6 foot maximum).  Please clean up after your animal. ■  Be cautious at road intersections.  Be careful not to underestimate vehicle speeds. ■  Always yield to wheelchairs. ■  Use the right side of the trail. ■  Travel with a buddy in case of an emergency. ■  Stay clear of the trail when stopped. ■  Carry a cell phone to report emergencies. ■  Be alert to trail hazards such as loose gravel, holes, and low hanging branches. ■  Adapt your speed to the conditions such as sign distance, surface, underpasses and other traffic. ■  Be in condition and pace yourself. ■  Eat and drink frequently.  Carry plenty of fluids. ■  Keep track of where you are in case of emergency. ■  Carry identification and contact information with you in case of emergency. ■  Maintain your equipment in good repair.