Hoover Nature Trail
West Branch, IA
The Hoover Nature Trail project involved the design and construction of six miles of hard-surface trail extending from the City of Solon to Seven Sisters Road in Johnson County. Known as the “missing link” in the Hoover Trail system, this segment connected the Cedar River Trail, Cedar Valley Nature Trail, and Hoover Trail—creating a critical link in Eastern Iowa’s portion of the American Discovery Trail and providing access to over 200 miles of continuous trail network. The project included three bridges, a box culvert, multiple drainage pipes, and a trail underpass. McClure collaborated closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Iowa DNR, the City of Solon, and the Johnson County Conservation Board to establish a final alignment that prioritized user safety along busy county roads and celebrated the corridor’s historical and natural features. Through ongoing multiagency coordination, NEPA clearance for the entire corridor was secured in November 2015, addressing Section 4(f) evaluations, wetland delineations, and coordination for threatened and endangered species. Construction was completed in three segments.
Highlights
- Successfully coordinated with multiple agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Iowa DNR, City of Solon, and Johnson County Conservation Board
- Connects users to more than 200 miles of regional trail networks
- Establishes a key segment of the American Discovery Trail through Eastern Iowa
Discipline
Transportation
Project Type
Trails
Client
Johnson County Conservation Board