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Biking Sauk Rail Trail

Home to the northwest end of the Sauk Rail Trail, Lake View is the perfect place for biking enthusiasts. The Sauk Rail Trail is a 33-mile long multi-use hard surface trail in Sac and Carroll counties that winds through the countryside communities of Lake View, Carnarvon, Breda, and Maple River before reaching Swan Lake State Park south of Carroll. Most of the trail was built on abandoned railroad beds, creating flat terrain and an easy ride.

This heavily-used recreational trail provides a quality outdoor recreational experience for the public, while preserving habitat for game and non-game wildlife along with Iowa’s native vegetation. During summer months, walkers and bikers take to the trail for enjoyment. Many local bicycling events are held in conjunction with the trail each year, including the annual Sauk Rail Trail ride, “Ride the Rail”. Thursday night rides are also a popular activity, where riders beginning in either Lake View or Carroll meet in Breda for food and refreshments. In the winter, the trail is used for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Trail Guidelines
Managed by the Carroll and Sac County Conservation Boards, the trail surface is a combination of concrete and asphalt. There are no motor vehicles allowed on the trail in the summer months and ATVs are strictly prohibited.

Trail user permit fees are $2 per day or $15 annually. Youth ages 17 and under are free. Daily group rates and annual corporate rates are available. Permit envelopes are located at trailheads or at the Carroll and Sac County Conservation offices, and all fees are directed towards trail development and maintenance.

It is recommended that bicycle helmets be worn at all times and lights be used when riding at night. For more tips to make your ride safe, visit the Iowa Bicycle Coalition website.