Photo: Maria Elena Cernotto
Photo: jeff hall
Photo: Maria Elena Cernotto
Neal Smith Trail
★5.0(5 reviews)FreeAdventure
🕑 1-3 hours depending on your family's pace and how far you venture👶 Best for all ages. Toddlers can ride in bike trailers or strollers on the smooth pavement, preschoolers enjoy balance bikes and tricycles, while older kids and teens can log serious miles connecting to the broader trail network.🧡 Saved by 70+ families
About
The Neal Smith Trail in Pleasant Hill offers families a beautifully maintained, paved pathway that's perfect for introducing kids to biking adventures or enjoying leisurely stroller walks. This multi-use trail connects to Iowa's regional trail system, giving families the flexibility to customize their ride or walk distance while enjoying scenic views and safe, car-free recreation.
Highlights
- ✓Smooth, well-maintained paved surface perfect for beginning bike riders
- ✓Safe, traffic-free environment for kids to practice cycling skills
- ✓Connects to Iowa's extensive regional trail system for longer adventures
- ✓Scenic route with natural surroundings and wildlife spotting opportunities
- ✓Multiple access points allow families to choose their ideal distance
Pro Tips
- 1.Start at the Pleasant Hill trailhead where parking is easily accessible and you'll find restroom facilities
- 2.Bring plenty of water and snacks as amenities are limited once you're on the trail
- 3.The trail is popular with serious cyclists on weekend mornings, so afternoons or weekdays tend to be calmer for young riders just learning
- 4.Use the trail connections to reach nearby parks for playground breaks to keep younger children engaged
- 5.Pack a small bike repair kit and pump - the trail is long enough that you'll want to be prepared for flats
Best Time to Visit
Spring through fall on weekday mornings or late afternoons offer the most comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Early morning rides in summer help families beat the Iowa heat, while fall provides stunning foliage views that make the ride extra special.
What to Know
The trail is free to use with accessible parking at multiple trailheads. The paved surface is stroller and wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for families with varying mobility needs.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, though spring through fall offer the best conditions. Summer can get hot, so plan for early morning or evening rides. The trail is occasionally used for cross-country skiing and fat-tire biking in winter by adventurous families.
Nearby Eats
Stop by Casey's General Store in Pleasant Hill for quick pizza and snacks, or head to El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant for family-friendly tacos and meals after working up an appetite on the trail.
More Activities Near Pleasant Hill
Cafe
Dahlias Café & Bakery
$
Dahlias Café & Bakery is a cozy Pleasant Hill gem where families can enjoy delicious homemade breakfast and lunch in a relaxed, welcoming environment. With fresh-baked pastries that will catch kids' eyes and a thoughtfully crafted kid-friendly menu, it's the perfect spot for a casual family meal or a sweet treat after morning activities.
Nature
4 Mile Multi-Use Trail
Free
The 4 Mile Multi-Use Trail offers families a serene escape into nature right in the Des Moines metro area. This beautiful greenway follows alongside a peaceful creek, providing easy walking paths perfect for strollers, bikes, and little legs learning to explore the outdoors. It's an ideal spot for introducing children to wildlife observation, from spotting turtles sunning on logs to identifying different bird species.
Library
Pleasant Hill Public Library
★4.7Free❤️7
Pleasant Hill Public Library is a welcoming modern community hub that goes far beyond books, offering engaging storytimes, interactive children's programs, and the beloved summer reading challenges that keep kids excited about learning year-round. With a 4.7-star rating from families, this library has built a reputation for creating memorable experiences through hands-on activities, educational events, and a warm atmosphere where children feel right at home.
Sports
The P.A.R.C. Recreation Center
★4.7$❤️65
The P.A.R.C. Recreation Center is Pleasant Hill's premier youth sports destination, offering well-maintained baseball and softball fields where young athletes can develop their skills and love of the game. With its welcoming atmosphere and family-focused programming, it's the perfect place for kids to participate in organized leagues, tournaments, and practices while parents enjoy watching from comfortable sidelines.