First ADT Thru-Hikers Complete Iowa's Historic 120-Mile Loop: The High Trestle + Raccoon River Valley Connection
Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you're curious enough to take the longer route. Rhiis and Sara just became the first ADT thru-hikers to complete Iowa's full 120-mile loop.
Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you're curious enough to take the long way home.
This week, Rhiis and Sara just proved that point by becoming the first American Discovery Trail thru-hikers to complete Iowa's full 120-mile loop around Des Moines.
Instead of following the traditional ADT route along the Raccoon River Valley Trail and Neal Smith Trail through the metro area, they tackled the entire circuit—adding the northern High Trestle Trail section to create a complete loop that few hikers have ever attempted.
The result? They discovered hidden gems, trail magic, and Iowa experiences that the direct route can't offer.
A Perfect Storm of Timing and Curiosity ⛰️
Most ADT hikers follow the traditional southern route through Des Moines, Iowa, which takes them along portions of the Raccoon River Valley Trail and Neal Smith trails. It's efficient, well-marked, and gets you across the state without drama. But when we added the northern High Trestle Trail option to our waypoints when it was completed last year, we knew eventually someone would be curious enough—and have the time—to try the full loop.
Rhiis and Sara were that someone.
"The bridge speaks for itself, that was the original reason we really wanted to do the northern section," Rhiis explained. "However, there's a lot of beauty along that northern route and it made us glad that we did the extra miles, to complete the circle around Des Moines."
More Than Just the Famous Bridge 🌉
The High Trestle Bridge—that dramatic 13-story span over the Des Moines River valley—draws most of the attention for good reason. But as Rhiis discovered, the northern section from Herndon through Jamaica, Perry, and Madrid before crossing into Slater offers much more than just one iconic bridge.
"The northern section of the High Trestle Trail has a lot of hidden gems as far as scenery, places to eat, or interesting spots to camp. It's an excellent side adventure," he noted.
The Pattee Hotel Discovery 🏛️
One of those discoveries came through pure ADT community support. Thanks to guidance from Butch, Iowa's state coordinator, they found themselves at the Pattee Hotel in Perry—a place that perfectly captures why we love small-town trail magic.
"Apart from having a delicious chef-made breakfast at the Pattee Cafe for a reasonable price, we ended up getting a tour of the hotel's Japanese room, the Louis Armstrong room, and the traveler's room," Rhiis shared. "Every room is totally different and has so much thought put into it."
The tour revealed layers most visitors never see: a two-lane bowling alley in the basement, a ground-floor library, conference rooms with mural art, and throughout it all, the artwork of Gary Earnest Smith. "If you're in Perry, this place must be seen," Rhiis concluded.
What This Means for Future ADT Hikers
Rhiis and Sara's loop completion isn't just a personal achievement—it's proof of concept for a route option that expands what's possible in Iowa. The 120-mile circuit offers ADT hikers a choice: take the direct southern route through familiar territory, or invest extra days in a loop revealing different facets of Iowa's landscape and communities.
The Bigger Picture
What Rhiis and Sara accomplished reflects something fundamental about ADT hiking: the trail works best when hikers have options that match their curiosity and schedule. Some years, you need to push through Iowa efficiently to make weather windows in Colorado. Other years, you have the luxury of exploring loops that reveal hidden corners of America.
Having both the direct route and the full loop documented with verified waypoints means future ADT hikers can make informed decisions based on their own priorities and timeline.
Looking Forward 🗺️
As we continue updating and expanding our ADT navigation resources, discoveries like this remind us why detailed waypoint mapping matters. It's not just about getting from Point A to Point B—it's about ensuring hikers have the information they need to make choices that enhance their journey.
Congratulations to Rhiis and Sara for not just completing this loop, but for taking the time to explore what's possible when you combine solid navigation with genuine curiosity. Their willingness to try the longer route has created a roadmap for future hikers who want to discover Iowa's hidden gems for themselves. 🥾
Rhiis & Sara
Westbound - Northern & Southern Route
Began: February 21, 2025
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Planning an ADT adventure through Iowa? Our verified GPS waypoints cover both the traditional southern route and the full northern loop, giving you the navigation confidence to choose the path that matches your timeline and interests. Check out our complete Iowa section guides for detailed information on services, camping, and route options.
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