Denman's Woods Entrance Reroute

Denman’s is NOT closed. The trail is OPEN!

Trailhead Update:

The levee trailhead entrance to Denman’s has been permanently closed due to erosion concerns. A new entrance has been created to the trail further south. 

If the levee shows erosion, it is the right of the Army Corps of Engineers to cut off access to Denman's.

To all trail users, please read the following information regarding Denman's Woods original entrance closure: 

Denman's has not been closed. The trail is open, and there is a new paved entrance to the trail further south. However, the old entrance can no longer be used as it was causing erosion on the levee. The erosion has become a concern of the Army Corp of Engineers, the City of Des Moines, and Des Moines Water Works. The trails are owned by Water Works Park, but maintained by volunteers from CITA. All have shared responsibilities surrounding the levees maintenance. CITA has placed large logs and a sign at this entrance to close it off from traffic, but it has come to our attention that the blockade has been removed several times now. If this continues, the Army Corps of Engineers may close off access to the levee, which surrounds all of Denman's Woods. At this point, the entire trail would be closed. 

It is imperative that we use the new paved entrance. The northwest section of trail can still be accessed via the new segment called Mail Route. Denman's is still fully ride-able and there is no loss of trail due to the original entrance closure, we in fact gained trail! We appreciate your cooperation with these changes and apologize for any inconveniences they have caused.  If you notice the old entrance has been reopened, please reach out to CITA at info@centraliowatrails.com

Thank You, 

Central Iowa Trail Association