Summerset State Park | Carlisle, Iowa

BANNER LAKES

 
 

13084 Elk Horn St
Carlisle, IA 50047

Banner Lakes, located in Summerset State Park, 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.

WET OR MUDDY CONDITIONS

Be considerate of the trails in the low-lying areas. During the fall and spring freeze/thaw or heavy rains cause the trails to close. Signs at the trailheads will indicate whether a trail is open or closed and is regularly updated by the Trail Steward.

PARKING

  • Main Parking Lot: Located on your right as soon as you turn into the park.

  • Other Parking: Parking can be found throughout the park, along the road or in main lots.

FACILITIES & SERVICES

A primitive restroom is available at the main entrance parking lot. This restroom does not have running water. Other primitive restrooms are located in other parking lots scattered within the park itself.

Modern, flush restrooms are not available.

USE CAUTION

These trails are suggested to use one-way, however two-way traffic with other cyclists does occur. These trails also allow hiking and other foot traffic. Please use caution and ride at your own risk.


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.

 

LAND MANAGER:


PROHIBITED USES

  • Motorized vehicles (any non-human powered vehicle, i.e. motorcycles, one wheels, etc.).

  • Riding or hiking on wet/soft or muddy trails.

  • Any activity that causes damage to the trail tread by foot or bike.

  • Unauthorized building or modification of trails and/or technical features.

  • Horseback riding on single track trails.