Central Iowa Trail Rides

Summerset Trail

Summerset Trail runs between Indianola and Carlisle. It is just about 11 miles in length, with trail extensions in both Indianola and Carlisle This rail-trail is mostly flat, with a small uphill grade when heading south from Summerset Road toward Indianola.

Trail heads are located in Indianola and Carlisle. The trail can also be accessed at the halfway point at Banner Lakes in Summerset State Park.

In Indianola, the trail continues east toward Pickard Park and becomes the McVay trail. Heading west from the Summerset Trail is the Jerry Kelley Trail. The Kelley Trail leads to Buxton Arboretum, Simpson College, the Indianola Municipal Swimming Pool. On-road “sharrows” and additional trail sections continue west to Wilder Elementary School.

There are several places to eat near the corner of East Euclid Avenue and North Jefferson Way in Indianola. Ice cream can be found at The Outside Scoop during the warmer months. Mexican food is available at La Casa, and good pizza can be found at Casey’s General Store. Subway, Arby’s, and Burger King are also available within a block of Euclid and Jefferson. An ATM is located and Wells Fargo Bank.

At the north end of the trail in Carlisle, there is another Casey’s General Store and Fiss’ Sandwich and Ice Cream restaurant.