The Mahaska Community Recreation Trail started as a dream with the first feet poured in 1999. Today, over 13.6 miles of planned 15 miles are in existence. When fully developed, the ten-foot wide concrete trail will loop around Oskaloosa and University Park in Mahaska County. It follows along old rail right-of-way, winds through scenic woodlands, by agricultural fields, through parks, by two golf courses, offers unique underpasses, and safely accommodates two-way recreational traffic.

Two trailheads, which feature parking, restrooms, and water, currently exist along the trail: Edmundson Park (11th Avenue West, also known as T39 or the Beacon Road) and Bobzilla’s Bicycle Werks (1718 Pella Avenue). Bobzilla’s (641.673.3842) also offers bikes, bike repairs, and accessories. A third trailhead, donated by Rotary Club, features  parking, rest area gazebo and bike rack located just after the highway 92 west underpass.

An intiative of the Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation (MCRF), construction of the trail is funded through donations, hotel/motel tax, city and county contributions, and grants including Vision Iowa. Those wishing to make donations to continue development of the Community Trail can make a tax-deductible donation to Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation, 2019 Stadium Drive, Oskaloosa, IA 52577.

Questions regarding the trail can be answered by calling MCRF at 641.672.2499 or by reading the Trail FAQ’s document.

Click here for a printable Mahaska Community Recreation Trail map.