Conservation

Gay Lea Wilson Trail

Travel north/south between Des Moines to Pleasant Hill and Ankeny on the Gay Lea Wilson Trail West (7.5 miles) or take the spur in Pleasant Hill for the Gay Lea Wilson Trail east to Altoona (5.9 miles). This trail connects to the Chichaqua Valley Trail in Berwick and continues through Ankeny, connecting to the Neal Smith and the High Trestle Trails. This paved trail supports runners, walkers, cross-country skiers, cyclists, and in-line skaters.


Gay Lea Wilson Trailheads:

  • Pleasant Hill Trailhead: located on the west end of the Copper Creek Plaza parking lot near the lake (off University Ave.) AND trailhead located off Scott Avenue and E. Oakwood Dr.
  • Des Moines access is available at Sargent Park at 3500 E. Douglas Ave.
  • Access in Ankeny at Carney Marsh (580 SE 54th St.)
  • Altoona trailhead is located at 8th St. SW and 7th Ave. SW
  • Access in Berwick is available for both the Gay Lea Wilson Trail and the Chichaqua Valley Trail at Mally’s Park at 5792 NE Berwick Dr.

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