Brown’s Woods Forest Preserve has a great little gravel loop for younger kids, with more complicated dirt trails as well. There are two wooden bench ampitheaters and tons of geocaches, picnic tables for lunch, and nice bathrooms. There is easy creek splashing access here, you can see more specific details about how to get into the water in this post.
Information:
Name: Brown’s Woods
Address: 465 Brown’s Woods Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Type: Places to hike
Bathrooms: Yes
Shade: Yes, shaded trails
Playground: No
Trails: Yes, dirt or gravel
Water: Yes, small creeks
Other notes: There is easy creek splashing access here, you can see more specific details about how to get into the water in this post. Gateway Trail (.5 miles) – Preparation Loop (.5 miles) – Wilderness Loop (1.4 miles) – North Loop (2 miles) Trail map here: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/parks-trails/2-brown-s-woods/map-detail/
Official Website: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/parks-trails/2-brown-s-woods/
DSMOF Blog posts:
Other things nearby of note:
If you’re looking for other places to get outside, check back-in with the interactive map!
Pictures:
Have you been here? Leave a comment and let people know what you think!