High Trestle: short bridge return from QF Lane
Iowa · Other separated ride
Follow the main trail west to the High Trestle Bridge. Cross slowly to the far, west end and turn, or turn earlier if wind, crowds or the approach is uncomfortable. Retrace to QF Lane. Stay on the bridge and main paved trail; do not descend riverbank paths or continue to Woodward.
Plan your ride
- Location
- Near Madrid · Iowa
- Ride length
- About 3 miles maximum return
- Ride format
- Out-and-back
- Surface
- Paved main trail and bridge deck
- Road crossings
- Follow the main trail west to the High Trestle Bridge. Cross slowly to the far, west end and turn, or turn earlier if wind, crowds or the approach is uncomfortable. Retrace to QF Lane. Stay on the bridge and main paved trail; do not descend riverbank paths or continue to Woodward.
- Elevation
- State tourism specifically calls this small-lot approach paved and flat. Bridge approaches are not independently surveyed. The bridge’s 13-story height is clearance above the valley, not a 13-story bicycle climb.
- Starting location
- High Trestle Trail / QF Lane, county reference 2335 QF Lane, Madrid, IA
State tourism places the small paved-access lot about one mile east of the half-mile bridge, giving about three miles to the far end and back. Approximate main-path planning distance, with parking walking extra; not a surveyed GPX.
Published trail or facility reference. Confirm the written start and posted parking signs.
High Trestle: short bridge return from QF Lane — detailed guide
Source review: 2026-10-21. A dated source review does not guarantee current-day conditions.
Near Madrid, Iowa · About 3 miles maximum return · Paved main trail and bridge deck
Start: QF Lane signed public trail parking by the kiosk, High Trestle Trail / QF Lane, county reference 2335 QF Lane, Madrid, IA. Use the small signed QF Lane public trail lot adjoining the paved approach, identified by the county kiosk and accessible spaces. Walk onto the main path. This is distinct from Grant’s Woods larger lot with a 0.4-mile gravel approach; shared county address references do not make the two approaches identical.
Ride: Follow the main trail west to the High Trestle Bridge. Cross slowly to the far, west end and turn, or turn earlier if wind, crowds or the approach is uncomfortable. Retrace to QF Lane. Stay on the bridge and main paved trail; do not descend riverbank paths or continue to Woodward.
Distance: State tourism places the small paved-access lot about one mile east of the half-mile bridge, giving about three miles to the far end and back. Approximate main-path planning distance, with parking walking extra; not a surveyed GPX.
Permission and effort: Boone County welcomes bicyclists on the main trail; state tourism identifies the paved access and bridge course. State tourism specifically calls this small-lot approach paved and flat. Bridge approaches are not independently surveyed. The bridge’s 13-story height is clearance above the valley, not a 13-story bicycle climb.
Planning: Choose daylight within posted trail and parking access. No separate ordinary parking tariff established; posted terms govern. Follow Boone posted rules, yield to walkers and keep pets on six-foot leashes. No horses on the paved bridge. Do not enter barriers. This guide uses daylight; lighting schedules do not establish unrestricted night access.
Access reviewed October 20, 2026 Central (October 21 UTC): County retains QF Lane parking and the established bridge. Tourism distinguishes the two nearby lots and approaches. New Oasis / Polk City connections are outside this course; forecast completion dates do not make them available. No fresh bridge-deck or wind inspection is claimed.
Bring water and choose suitable weather. Parking walking is extra. No surveyed parking-space pin or navigable GPX is supplied.
Sources: County bicycle trail and public lot · State tourism specific paved approach and distance · Separate gravel approach