This has always been my favorite trail to walk on. I always find cool things I dont normally see like really weird looking bugs and mushrooms. One thing to keep in mind is the mud gets very slick the day after it rains so be prepared for that. Normally the larger trail can easily take 2 hours if you are just walking through. Also last I was their we seen a beautiful blue butterfly

I usually ride my motorcycle through the area and it is one of my favorite little gems! One evening I took the back way out towards HWY 28 and ended up coming out by the Folded Flags Memorial. I DID NOT KNOW THEY LIT UP AT NIGHT! My boyfriend and I had to stop and take a walk. I really recommend everyone to check it out once the sun goes down, it is a very beautiful view! You will not be disappointed!

Trail is well maintained free from trash and litter. Several benches randomly placed throughout. Loop can be two miles or shortened at marked positions. Signs help with navigating each split. Would be nice if the trail ran closer to the river for a view without having to go through the weeds.

One of the most BEAUTIFUL trails in Des Moines. The team has done a wonderful job cleaning up after the Derecho, and keeping the trail clean! I would recommend for moderate hikers, as the full trail may take over an hour and a half to complete.

Beautiful, heavily wooded are with well-maintained trails. We walked on a fall Monday morning, and saw only a few other people on the trail. A highlight was seeing a group of wild turkeys about fifteen yards from us. For a portion of the trail, we could hear heavy traffic nearby, but only for about ten minutes of a walk that took over an hour.

Very pleasant trail. I like the maps and the different branch points for different distances. Well-maintained but does not look artificial.

Very nice hiking trail through timbered area. Trail is mostly dirt, wet in a few areas. Outer trail is 2 miles or so.

Love these trails and I love that they are down out of the wind

Nice park to see. It needs a lot of work to clean up fallen trees.

Grandson and I went here working on a scout merit badge. Nice walking paths and facilities.

Its very clear that this place has not been maintained well over the last year or so. While I was walking on the designated routes signs didnt point to paths correctly and a tree fell down and blocked the walk way as well. However I will say it is a beautiful place to be just needs some extra attention.

We werent actuality in Browns Woods but at the dedication of the Folded Flags veterans tribute. This is a new sculpture consisting of 15 accurately modeled folded flags in honor of our nations military veterans. They light up at night and are very cool to go see.

Beautiful, free nature trails with an abundance of wild flora and fauna.There are several miles of looped hiking trails and a nice restroom area at the entrance. During our trip, we waved at a number of other friendly trailblazers along the way.Highly recommended!

We rode our bikes there and then hiked around. Nice size, wooded, and beautiful.

Gorgeous deciduous forest just minutes from suburban WDM. Great for birding, plant ID, hiking trails.

Beautiful hike and trail. The only downside is the road noise in some parts. Trails are not paved but are clear and maintained well.

Beautiful I have never been there great experience

Trail was very extensive, with multiple options in length, and interactive learning features.

I just pulled in because I had car issues. It was creepy sitting and waiting for my husband to come. I wouldnt walk these trails with anyone but my him!

This is a great loop, right at 3 mi. Its pretty neat to run in the dead heat and hot pockets 10° cooler. It has a decent elevation change as well.

Awesome symbolism represented in a lighted display.

The trails are great for a run or a leisurely stroll. Well marked and plenty wide. As with any nature trails use caution when the trails are wet. Theres a couple of steep spots that are challenging when wet.

Great place for peaceful walking and they have added so much more to this park now! Nature stations to watch animals,its really become more entertaining.

Beautiful 548 acres of timberland in SW Des Moines. Sadly, there are invasive plant species needing groomed out. Mostly Vines and honeysuckle. Its choking the trees and causing fauna to nest too close to the ground. In turn the creatures are too close to predators. Come spend a couple hours on Saturdays from 10am - noon and help the Polk County Conservation staff clean it up.

There are nice trails through the woods.

One of my favorite places in all of the Des Moines metro.

Huge upgrade in parking lot since Veterans Pkwy was finished! Trail upkeep is only fair, and the signage inconsistent and confusing. Props for having an audio tour! May I suggest a porta potty on the far end of the trail also? Even so, a hike on March 8th in 70 degree weather....AWESOME!

Nice clean preparation trails.GPS is difficult to get good readings for Geocaching.

Beautiful place for everyone

I really love Browns Woods! Its beautiful! I would, however, like to see the map updated, and a bit more signage at all the intersections. Very confusing.

Great place to trail walk, and avoid the noises of the city.

You never know what you’ll find in the forest. Might be something nuts like a bird or something. Trails even. Bark. The essence of nature wafting through the trees, gripping your nostrils firmly, and breathing into them the oneness of all gosh-darned things.

Great place for a hike or picnic

Nice moderate terrain hike through the woods

Great trail good views

I love this place so much. The trails are clean and very well maintenanced. This is a great place to get a good exercise and to connect with nature. A big thanks to all who made this place what it is today.

Thick hardwood forest with well maintained trail approx. 4 miles around the perimeter. This forest was blessed and cursed by an unusually wet spring, thus, the mosquitoes were hungry. Wear repellant and long sleeves. Enjoy a taste of wilderness in the city. The trail does not quite reach the Raccoon River bank, which is too bad.

Some pretty nice trails. they are a little short but there is enough variety to make the walks and runs not the same. one of the few trails with great bathrooms. there is also a water fountain and a decent amount of parking. be careful as some homeless people have built up some shelters on the east side of the park. they have never bothered my but I have seen their make shift tents many times.

Beautiful trails through the woods. Ive had good hikes through here without seeing a lot of people.

Easy, accessible hiking trails conveniently located near the city.

Trail was pretty good, provided some good elevation at points. Ran into several soft spots because of all the rain. Be absolutely certain you bring bug spray! I was killing them 2-3 at a time with every slap, non stop. Worst I have ever seen mosquitoes!

Great little escape...love the trail. Beautiful in the fall.

Polk County Park. Has a loop bike trail, non asphalt, no camping, simply a Park for enjoying nature, plant life, butterfly species. Great place for picnics. Does have modern restrooms near parking lot.

Enjoy the bird viewing area. Fun to see all the different species. Saw raccoons and deer also

Very peacful and serene. Private and secluded. Away from prying eyes.

Polk County Conservation Commission is whom to contact for this park. Located directly East of Walnut Woods State Park. No camping at Browns Woods. Nature bike/walk trail. Modern restroom facilities located by parking lot. Enjoy a picnic, nature and scenery here.

Very nice park for hiking and exploring with my kids.

We like hiking here but the bugs are terrible this summer even with bug spray. Very clean trail with a cool bridge the kids loved.

My girlfriend and i come here all the time to walk our dogs or just explore.There is a ton of secluded trails off of the main path (which is also very nice)It can get sort of busy on weekends and evenings so i typically go in the early afternoon during weekdays or mornings.All around this is my go to park when trying to find somewhere local to go walk the dogs and just get away from people and things!

Beautiful place! Trails are so easy to follow.

Great place to stretch the legs not far from downtown.

This is my favorite hiking spot on Des Moines! Be aware of the bugs during certain times of the year, but otherwise, no matter the season, these trails have the best views of greenery and nature and not too far to travel to get there.

Great old trees in a park with lots of picnic tables and some benches and wildlife.

Beautiful place! Have always loved going here for years

Great place to go for a run !!

Nice little area with some good trails that make their way through the woods. Enjoyed the hike!

Love it nice place for a hike

Good trails in a wooded environment.

Very nice place to walk with some challenges and good length trails

Muddy trails! Wear hikers. Can hear the City around you while hiking.

Nice easy trails but lots of mosquitoes

Good walk! Enjoyed being in nature.

Excellent area for hiking!We always take the 4 mile route down to the Raccoon River.

The beauty of a walk in the woods without having to drive far.

I have a lot of fond memories of Browns Woods! The trail is fun & easy walking from what I once knew a couple of years ago. There is plenty of parking. Location is simple to find.

I hate ticks i got lost and i have a zillion tocks on me and my head is bleeding

This is a really nice place to go and just see nature in all its beauty. Very relaxing and soothing.

Great place THANKS

Only place I know that has the rare red tufted titmouse.

Love this place so much.

It was an nice hike cor my 3 year old. Nice path, and nature to explore.

Loved the place.. the guide gave a good explanation and a pleasant experience

Good trail, just enough hills to feel like a workout. Dogs enjoyed it too!

Lovely place to escape into nature right in the city.

A beautiful wooded park great for hiking.

Nice park. Very clean and nice bathrooms.

Nice little wooded area for walking dog or just out walking. Clean and shaded.

One of my favorite trails in the Metro. Good elevation difference but not crazy.

Good trails with some relatively shorter loops for kids and adults not wanting a challenge.

Nice place close to town to get away real quick.

Great place to get in touch with woodland nature!

5k outside trail has some nice elevation changes. Bring mosquito repellant. No bikes.

Nice trail with some variety leads to the river, great cross country ski location if there issnow

Whats red and bad for your teeth? A brick.

Great place near town to walk, jog, take kids or a dog with to get fresh air and exercise!

Ran a 10k here. Thats 2x around the large loop. Lots of inclines and sich. Super fun, really pretty

The trails are beautiful its so peaceful at this park definitely a place where you can just enjoy nature and unwind

A close place to find an immersive hike amongst the trees. Parking at the trailhead features a map and restrooms. Trails arent particularly well marked, so prepare to wander at times.

Hiking through these woods was a great time. We even saw a herd of deer!

Definitely a lot of trees.

Mushroom hunting used to be good here.

Great

Quiet, relaxing, great place to walk my dog and enjoy the day!

Love the hilly terrain, best wooded green space in Des Moines.

Very nice hiking trails.

Great place to go on a hike. Beware the big loop can get muddy in spots.

Beautiful trails.Life sucking mosquitos.

Take the big loop! I say go counter clockwise for most enjoyment.

Dont forget to take bug spray!!!!!!!!

Parking is free and theres no closing hours, has a bathroom and drinking fountain, fairly clean too.