Wabash Trace Nature Trail

The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is a 63 mile multi-purpose trail that runs from Council Bluffs to Blanchard, IA. The trail is a converted railroad right-of-way that has been resurfaced with crushed limestone. The trail surface is very good, and almost the entire route is shaded. In some places the trees actually form a tall overhead tunnel. Trailheads are located in each of the towns it travels through: Council Bluffs, Mineola, Silver City, Malvern, Imogene, Shenandoah, Coin, and Blanchard (see Trail Access). The trail runs along the Loess Hills of western Iowa, which were formed by a fine windblown soil. There are many small river and creek crossings, which explains why there is a staggering number of bridges, seventy-three at last count. There are plans for more modern campgrounds in both Malvern and Blanchard sometime in the near future. Horseback riders can enjoy the equestrian trail, which parallels the trail from Council Bluffs to Mineola. No motorized vehicles are allowed. The most popular starting points are at the Trailhead Park in Council Bluffs, on the northern end or the Shenandoah Trailhead on the southern end. You will travel through the picturesque Loess Hills which run along the western edge of Iowa. The original Wabash Trace Depot at Shenandoah has been saved and restored and the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.