The Raccoon River Valley Trail is a 90-mile paved multi-use trail for cycling and walking that passes through Adel and connects a string of small towns across Dallas County. It is one of the finest rail-trail conversions in Iowa, running through farmland, river bottoms, and small-town centres in a route that feels far removed from the urban sprawl of Des Moines just 20 miles east.
The Adel section of the trail follows the south bank of the Raccoon River through a pleasant stretch of parkland before continuing west toward Perry and east toward Des Moines. The trail surface is well-maintained and almost entirely flat, making it accessible to cyclists of all levels. Adel has a small trailhead area with parking off the trail, and the town's shops and cafes are within easy reach of the route. If you are cycling the full length of the trail, Adel is a natural overnight stop — it sits roughly at the midpoint and has enough amenities to restock and rest.