Originally constructed in 1982, the Neal Smith Trail is one of the oldest trails in the Central Iowa Trail Network. It extends 24.7 miles between downtown Des Moines and Big Creek State Park - establishing the Central Iowa connection of the American Discovery Trail. As the asphalt trail crosses different jurisdictions, it is managed in part by the City of Des Moines, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and the Army Corps of Engineers. The trail is available for non-motorized users including bicyclists and pedestrians.

The route in Des Moines begins at a connection with the John Pat Dorrian Trail in downtown, just under University Avenue. It follows the east side of the Des Moines River north to Birdland Marina and Park and on through the Ding Darling Greenway, which is a large, scenic wooded area. There are approximately 260 acres of wooded area adjacent to this segment of trail, as well as 17 acres in McHenry Park that is accessible to Neal Smith Trail users via a half-mile trail connection. The Neal Smith Trail also connects to the InterUrban Trail, which crosses the Des Moines River via a former historic railroad bridge and continues west to Beaverdale Park. The trail safely passes under Euclid Avenue with connections up to the street on both the north and south sides.

Further north, the Neal Smith Trail wanders through Army Corps-managed campgrounds, picnic areas, and fishing spots along the Des Moines River. There are restrooms and bike rentals nearby. The trail also features a butterfly garden with resident and migrating butterflies, yellow-headed coneflowers, zinnias, and butterfly bush. Natural Oak Savannah, wetlands, and a 709-acre prairie brings visitors back to a natural state of Iowa.