MADISON COUNTY: Middle River Park

 

Middle River Park in Madison County is just one mile south of the popular Winterset City Park.  Upon entering the park, the first parking area is at the start of the Rocky Creek Trail.  It's a short paved wooded trail (0.18 mile each way) that ends at the parking area near the playground.  While hiking the trail, I was surprised by how loud the traffic noise was from Clark Tower Road.

As you drive further into the park, you'll find modern restrooms, a large two-level picnic shelter and an old playground.  At the end of the road is access to the Middle River (Access #54 on the Water Trail).

My kids really enjoyed splashing in the river and looking for fossils.  The playground is old and missing equipment (swings have been removed) and the hiking trail is really short, but I think Middle River Park is definitely worth visiting for the river access.