While the fall chill will be here soon, there’s still time to enjoy some summer fun.

Guthrie County Conservation (GCC) has certainly seen numerous residents enjoying the trails and parks during the warmest months of the year. However GCC has also seen a large number of visitors utilizing the Raccoon River access points throughout the County. The access points include: Highway 141 in Coon Rapids, the Middle Raccoon River south of Lennon Mill Park near Panora, County Road P28, and the Cowles Access.

County Conservation Director Joe Hanner talks about how these access points intersect. “This is all part of the Middle-South Raccoon River Water Trail. The Middle Raccoon River running through Panora, the South Raccoon River running through Nations Bridge. And Nations Bridge is the trailhead for the South Raccoon. Lennon Mill is the trailhead for the Middle Raccoon. That water trail goes all the way down to Van Meter.”

Hanner says the access point popularity stems largely from the heavy rainfall earlier this summer. He says that allowed the banks to fill up and give kayakers and canoers ample volume to enjoy.