Trail Status
Banner Lakes is host to around 5.5 miles of singletrack. They range from easy to difficult. Most are tight singletrack through woods, or on top of the former strip-mine's tailings. They flow well and fast. Prepare for some short, challenging climbs and being rewarded with fast descents.
Start at the parking lot nearest the entrance. Ride into the park on the main road. The entrance to Coal Miner's Daughter will be on your left.
A recommended run starts with Coal Miner's Daughter, New Ed Beach, Missing Link, Corner Pocket, Riverside, and Extra Credit.
GETTING THERE
Summerset State Park is located on IA Highway 69 about 10 miles south of Des Moines.
Highway 69 is easy to pick-up - it is SE 14th St. in Des Moines, or take the Highway 5 bypass around the south side of Des Moines and take the Indianola (70A or 70B depending on direction) exit.
From Indianola head north on Highway 69.
FACILITIES & SERVICES
A primitive restroom is available at the front parking lot. It has a latrine/toilet but no running water.
trail segments
Coal Miner's Daughter (CMD)
Length: 1.6 miles
Challenge: Moderate to Difficult
This trail contains several steep climbs and descents, as well as water crossings (via bridges, without railings).
New Ed Beach
Length: 0.5 miles
Challenge: Moderate
A climb on top of the mining tailings along the pond.
Missing Link
Length: 0.3 miles
Challenge: Moderate
A fast, flowy, tight single-track at the base of one of the hills connects you to Corner Pocket's start.
Corner Pocket
Length: 0.7 miles
Challenge: Moderate
A challenging ribbon of ups and downs, ins and outs through the trees and to the top of the pilings. The final descent is worth the effort.
Riverside
Length: 0.9 miles
Challenge: Easy
A relatively flat, flowy trail around the edge of the park along the river. This trail is often wet or flooded after rain and snow melt.
Extra Credit
Length: 0.4 miles
Challenge: Moderate to Difficult
Very nice, fast ups and downs with some challenging climbs and twists on one of the hills makes this trail short and worth the effort.
