The newest section of the Volksweg Trail at Lake Red Rock is now complete and open to the public. This extension adds an additional 2.5 miles of trail from the Roberts Creek trailhead west to Cordova County Park. The full length of the Volksweg is now over 17 miles.

The asphalt surfaced path winds along the north side of Lake Red Rock, along the river below the dam, and into the city of Pella. Bikers and hikers pass through mature stands of timber, restored prairies, pine plantations, campgrounds and other recreation areas.

“Many spots offer fantastic views of Iowa’s Largest Lake,” says Park Ranger Tracy Spry.

A small section of the trail from Howell Station to North Overlook is still closed at this time due to construction of the hydropower project, but it will reopen when work is completed sometime early this fall.

The Volksweg Trail was made possible through a partnership of Private, Federal, State, County and City agencies. A large portion of its construction, including this new addition, was funded through the Des Moines River Greenbelt Program.