Photos of the Hoover Nature Trail on Flickr

More photos of the Hoover Nature Trail, northwest of West Branch.

Photos of the Hoover Nature Trail

Scot Skinner is a photographer who has some really nice photos of the Hoover Nature Trail on his website.

Another (Better?) Interactive Map of the Hoover Nature Trail

I'm not sure who put it together, but this is a pretty good map and guide for anyone who wants to attempt to bike the length of the intermittent Hoover Nature Trail. This resource is along the lines of what I was aiming for with my trail map.

Entire Hoover Nature Trail Now Mapped in Google Earth/Maps

Earlier this year I painstakingly mapped the entire Hoover Nature Trail in Google Earth by simply looking at the satellite imagery. I am just now getting around to posting it here. I started in West Branch, so I ended up with two sections, a north section and a south section. I am not very experienced at Google Earth, KML/KMZ or computer mapping, so I did not know how to link the two sections to create just one continuous trail. If there is someone out there who can "fix" my map or one-up me, please do.

One of the cool things about this exercise is how the route of the former rail line is still fairly evident, even in places where landowners have tried to wipe out any trace of it. If you have Google Earth, you can download my KMZ files, fly over the trail, and see exactly what I am talking about.

Has West Branch Forgotten About the Hoover Nature Trail?

I discovered tonight that the City of West Branch no longer has a page on their website devoted to the Hoover Nature Trail, so I have removed that link to the right. Amazingly, after searching around the city's redesigned website, I can find no mention of the trail at all. Even the map of the city provided as a downloadable PDF just has white space where the trail should be. Makes you wonder how important this resource is to West Branch's leaders.

New West Branch Volksmarch Includes Segment of Hoover Nature Trail

From The Press-Citizen:

The Hawkeye Hikers, an Iowa City-based affiliate of the American Volkssport Association, announced a new Volksmarch walk through West Branch. The 10-kilometer walking route begins in downtown West Branch and includes the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. The route also travels through West Branch's historic commercial district, residential neighborhoods, through the town cemetery, past local churches and along part of the Herbert Hoover Nature Trail. Visitors to West Branch interested in walking the route may pick up directions and a map at Dewey's Jack and Jill grocery store at the corner of Main Street and First Street/Parkside Drive.

For information about Volkssport and Volksmarching, contact Cathy Johnson of the Hawkeye Hikers at 337-5989.

West Branch Times Editorial Makes Trail Suggestions

In a recent West Branch Times editorial, Rob Poggenklass tossed out a few ideas related to cycling and the Hoover Nature Trail:

• How about asking Johnson County to add a bike path to the Herbert Hoover Highway?
• How about connecting the trail from the high school to the Hoover Nature Trail, through the cemetery?

The first suggestion is already in the Johnson County Trails Plan, although I am not certain of its priority or funding. Regarding the second suggestion, I think we are seeing that trail connectivity is important for their use and vitality. I'm not familiar enough with the exact route that Rob was suggesting to make any commentary beyond that.

Map of Land Deeded to Hoover Nature Trail in Johnson County

This map, from the Johnson County Trails Plan, shows which portions of the former railroad right-of-way have been deeded to the Hoover Nature Trail (according to the Johnson County Assessor. As you can see, there are some breaks. For anyone familiar with the history of the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, these breaks can be major roadblocks to the successful completion of the trail.

Seeking Members for Johnson County Trails Advisory Committee

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors has twelve vacancies on the Johnson County Trails Advisory Committee. Six members will serve a one-year term ending December 31, 2007 and six members will serve two-year terms ending December 31, 2008. Beginning January 1, 2008, members will then serve two-year terms.

County Trails Advisory Committee’s role will be to give advice and recommendations on trail funding priorities, maintenance levels, signage policies, and other trail-related issues.

This person needs to be an eligible elector of Johnson County.

Application form is available available here.

Completed applications must be returned by December 15, 2006.

Terry Dahms Asks Johnson County to Set Aside Money for Hoover Nature Trail

Terry Dahms asked the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to set aside money for the Hoover Nature Trail, in case matching funds can be found. He estimated that it would cost $110,000 to replace the two missing bridges between Solon and Ely. Read the Press-Citizen article here.

Superman ice cream for two pee-wee pedalers.

Trail information center

 

Hart-Montague Bike Trail in Western Michigan

A portion of the trail doubles as an exercise circuit. The same kids that were too tired to pedal any farther has to try out every station!

Trying to make it to the ice cream store...

Here is a look at some of the trail signage and one of the parks that the trail passes by/through.

 

Hart-Montague Bike Trail in Western Michigan

It was a nice, easy ride for a family. The trail is paved.
Much of the trail has a nice tree canopy.

Even our four-year-old enjoyed it (Note: No training wheels!)

One of many fields of asparagus we passed. While we knew that the area was known for its blueberries and apples, we were not aware that it is the asparagus capital of the U.S. In addition to asparagus fields, the trail passes by a number of orchards and fruit farms.

 

Hoover Nature Trail Needs Funding, Volunteers

Johnson County Conservation Board members are in favor of a trail system that would involve a portion of the Hoover Nature Trail, but questions remain about who is going to pay for the trail creation and maintenance. Full article from the Iowa City Press-Citizen is here. I for one would volunteer to perform maintenance and upkeep on the trail. If there is anyone else out there that would like to help perform this community service, please speak up.

Hoover Nature Trail Chosen for Iowa City - Cedar Rapids Link!

Great news! Johnson County and Linn County officials chose the Hoover Nature Trail route over the Highway 965 route for the planned link between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. This is a huge momentum builder for Hoover Nature Trail supporters! Read the Press Citizen article here.

Riding the Trail Northwest of West Branch July 1, 2006

In the beginning...

I have decided to assume the role of Chief Trail Advocate for the Hoover Nature Trail (HNT) in eastern Iowa. Eventually, I hope to form an official group of HNT supporters, but for now it is just me. I am the Friend(s) of the Hoover Nature Trail.

I hope that this blog will eventually become the premier source for information about the Hoover Nature Trail, as well as a gathering place for all Friends of the HNT. If you are interested in helping out, please leave a comment.