You are viewing trails categorized under Patterson.

Scenic 6-Pack of Iowa Towns

Madison and Warren Counties
Length: 54 miles
Surface: Paved Roads and Trails
Parking and Restrooms: Great Western Trail, Cumming

A monarch butterfly feasts on purple coneflower. Photo: Kelly Green

Beginning and ending at the Great Western Trailhead in Cumming, this hilly and scenic route passes through six Iowa communities, one winery and craft beer brewery, and the oldest covered bridge in historic Madison County. The trailhead is on the western edge of Cumming along the Great Western Trail. Head west on G4R  and pedal 21 miles through rolling hills to the T-intersection of G4R and 169. Turn south for the final 2 miles to Winterset. Caution: Hwy 169 traffic can be heavy at peak commute times.

Several charming cafes and taverns ring the Madison County Courthouse square; you can’t leave town hungry. Winterset is also the birthplace of John Wayne. Head south on P71 for approximately 1.5 miles and turn east on G50. Feast on rolling hills and scenic valleys for 11 miles until the Madison County Winery & Twisted Vine Brewery. Continue east on G50, past Hanley (three streets) for about 3 miles to St. Charles, home of the oldest covered bridge in Madison County. Walk the full length of the 81-foot-long, 1870 Imes Covered Bridge. Another 4 miles brings you to the T-intersection with R45; turn north to St. Marys. Stay on R45 to the next T-intersection with Hwy 92, turn left and ride into Martensdale. While there, make a quick stop at the Roadside Inn’s sports bar and café. Take Iowa Avenue west to the edge of town and head north on the trail for the final 9 miles back to Cumming. Be sure to visit The Cumming Tap, the local biking community’s long-time favorite small-town tavern.

 

Duke, Clint, and Meryl

Madison County
Length: 37 Miles
Surface: Paved Roads
Parking and Restrooms: Winterset City Park

Big names stud Winterset’s story. Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep starred in The Bridges of Madison County (based on book by same title), filmed in this area. Better yet, John Wayne was born in Winterset in the house where the ride starts.

This route is a favorite for the Madison County Cycle Club. Head south from town on John Wayne Drive, bear left on Summit Street and continue on P71.

At 6.5 miles, turn east on Peru Road/CR G68. There’s a 7 percent downhill grade as you go into East Peru (pronounced “Pee-roo”). The Delicious apple, a variety named in 1872, stems from an apple tree that’s still growing near there. The terrain has definite ups and downs as you bike through Truro, then turn north on County Road R35. Enjoy the flat stretch to St. Charles before heading west back to Winterset on G50.

Side trip: Check out the Northside Cafe on the courthouse square in Winterset. Clint Eastwood sat on the fourth stool from the front in the scene in the movie.

Not to miss: Quilters in your group should head for Love of Quilts, the home shop of public television quilting authorities Marianne Fons and Liz Porter. The popularity of their show and magazine brings busloads of visitors in Winterset.