Mark C. Ackelson Trail — Easter Lake paved circuit
Iowa · Park loop
From a signed ordinary visitor area join the main Mark C. Ackelson Trail around Easter Lake and return on its lake circuit. Follow the main paved route through Owens Covered Bridge; walk crowded or slippery bridge decking. Exclude natural Apple Orchard, Wymore and Songbird side trails.
Plan your ride
- Location
- Des Moines · Iowa
- Ride length
- About 4.1 mile circuit
- Ride format
- Loop
- Surface
- Paved main lake circuit and covered-bridge crossing
- Road crossings
- Yield to walkers and slow at junctions. Stop and look at every street crossing; do not use traffic lanes to bypass a closure.
- Elevation
- County rates the main circuit easy; bridge approaches, curves and shared recreation traffic still require care.
- Starting location
- Easter Lake Park public trail access, 2830 Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines, IA 50320
County trail table 4.1 miles; narrative rounds to 4. Main lake circuit only.
County-linked named public park reference, not a specific lot, trail entry or parking stall. Use a signed open ordinary visitor area.
Mark C. Ackelson Trail — Easter Lake paved circuit — detailed guide
Source review: 2026-10-22. A dated source review does not guarantee current-day conditions.
A selected outing on a documented improved bicycle route. Follow the stated public start and course.
Start and parking
Start: Easter Lake Park public trail access, 2830 Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines, IA 50320.
County says public parking and trail access are available from shelters and visitor lots around Easter Lake. Use ordinary open spaces and do not assume reserved shelters, boat-ramp working areas or event spaces are available.
Ride and distance
Selected ride: About 4.1 mile circuit. Format: Loop.
Ride: From a signed ordinary visitor area join the main Mark C. Ackelson Trail around Easter Lake and return on its lake circuit. Follow the main paved route through Owens Covered Bridge; walk crowded or slippery bridge decking. Exclude natural Apple Orchard, Wymore and Songbird side trails.
County trail table 4.1 miles; narrative rounds to 4. Main lake circuit only.
Surface and effort
Paved main lake circuit and covered-bridge crossing. County rates the main circuit easy; bridge approaches, curves and shared recreation traffic still require care.
Crossings and shared use
Yield to walkers and slow at junctions. Stop and look at every street crossing; do not use traffic lanes to bypass a closure. Yield to pedestrians, keep right, and slow at blind corners. Stop at barriers; never use a traffic-road detour to bypass a trail closure.
Hours, costs and access
Use daylight and obey posted trail, park and parking hours. Follow current public visitor-parking terms; reserved activities and events have separate conditions.
Reviewed 2026-10-22. Current county profile explicitly supports cycling and lists both a four-mile narrative and 4.1-mile trail table; 4.1 is used as the approximate circuit. Park hours change from 6:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. through October 31 to sunrise–sunset November 1–March 31. Current motor restrictions and temporary signs apply. This is a source review, not a same-day inspection. Recheck the linked manager before travel.
Map and Directions
Use the named public start and its posted parking signs. The map reference identifies the facility or selected trail area; it is not a surveyed parking stall or navigable route line. Bicycle and e-bike rules can differ; only ordinary bicycle use is established unless noted.