Top Shelf - Mountain Trail

The Top shelf trail is an easy, short singletrack that anyone, including children and beginner riders, can do. Keep reading for in-depth information about its features.

The Top Shelf singletrack trail is one of the easiest bike trails in Iowa. Since it is super-easy, the trail gets frequented by adults and children. It is also open to other users, including joggers, hikers, and dogs on leashes. The trail runs on the western edge of the Sycamore trails and is connected to other trails like the popular Trestle to Trestle trail. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including Beaver Creek on the South, which offers great tranquility. Here is a summary of the out-and-back key features;

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

Top Shelf is a popular green singletrack in Iowa that can be used in both directions. The trail is pretty short, and on average speed, you may complete it in less than 10 minutes. The beginning of the Top Shelf trail is an easy hill climb. You will ride from north to south and end up winding around some trees. There is an intersection in the trees. When you get to it, turn left and join the High Life trail before connecting back to Top Shelf, which is about 5 feet away. From this point, you will descend a steep hill and fall onto an open area that is a two-track. Turn left and keep riding on the two-track.

This section of the trail runs side by side with the popular Northbound trail. The trails split when you approach some trees. Get on the track that goes right on the intersection. It is a flat and nicely flowing path that runs along electrical poles.

You will get to another junction where you can turn left and go on to ride the lake loop or go on straight. If you go straight, the trail turns right and runs west towards Beaver avenue bridge. Ride the two-way singletrack under the bridge and follow it until it splits to a small incline on the right. The trail ends at the Trestle and Trestle trail, which is paved. You can extend your miles by riding on to join the Sycamore North or ride back to where you started.

Additional Trail Features

•       Beaver Avenue bridge.
•       A levee.
•       Electrical poles.
•       Paved Trestle to Trestle trail.

Sights of Interest, landscapes, views

Top Shelf, although a short trail, is one of the most scenic biking trails in Iowa. It is surrounded by beautiful greenery, and you can ride on westward to Beaver Creek and enjoy the relaxing views of the levee and the creek. Stop and take in the natural beauty in the area. You may also see a few bird species. Beware of bugs in the area around the creek.

Recommendations/precautions

•       Avoid the trail in the wet season.
•       Be friendly with other trail users.
•       The trail may be short and properly shaded but carry your own drinking water.
•       You can take the Lake loop trail and go to the lake for fun and to extend your miles before getting back on the Top Shelf trail.
•       You can also turn around at Trestle trail and loop back to your starting point through Sycamore trail.