Explore the best rated trails in Cedar Rapids, IA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Cedar Valley Nature Trail and Old Creamery Nature Trail . With more than 48 trails covering 4071 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I have only made it from Sageville to Graf but it is a nice wide crushed stone path with gorgeous scenery from cool rock formations, rolling hills, and streams. Very smooth riding compared to other paths I’ve been on. I will definitely be returning hopefully to finish the trail west.
June 21, 2024
Our second day on the Heritage was even better than the first; more wildlife. It was partly sunny, still hot, and we had a 5 MPH wind from the west, gusting to around 10mph. For this ride we parked at the Epworth parking lot and headed west to Farley. There was quite a bit of elevation on this 4 mile trip (344 feet), which was a total of 5 miles as we went into Farley for lunch. After, we headed east on the trail and went to the Graf parking area. The trail was the same as the day before, perfect. The total elevation on the after lunch ride was only 141 feet. When we got back to Epworth, we were disappointed to see someone hit one of our riders car that was parked there; no note, no nothing, I would have left a note to let the driver know if I hit their car. SMH. It was a bit of a downer to an otherwise great day. Kevin
I've run on the Old Creamery Nature Trail several dozen times per year for over a decade. As trails go it is well kept, and was even resurfaced a few years ago. When there has been a lot of rain, or after a winter thaw, there can be some muddy areas but those tend to be minimal and are not very common. The Vinton side of the trail is usually in slightly better condition than the Dysart side. Both the Vinton and Dysart ends of the trail are bounded by open farmland. The middle section of the trail for miles on either side of Garrison is mostly wooded and usually provides a chance to spot some wildlife. I've frequently seen eagle, owl, hawk, pheasant, turkey, deer, fox, groundhog, possum, raccoon, coyote and occasionally even a person or two. My experience is that the section from Vinton to Garrison will have a few people on it about half of the time when the weather is nice, but Dysart to Garrison sees almost no traffic so it presents an ideal opportunity for solitude if you are so inclined.
This was a fun trail to ride. Almost 100% concrete, flat and fast. It’s a nice mix of woods, town and suburbs and some industrial areas.
Pros: Excellent condition, smooth concrete; has a few key things to see; On north end you can travel safely 2 blocks off trail to Red’s Ale House for a nice bite in nice setting. Cons: entire north end from the Waterplant Prairie Park runs along Dubuque Street (very busy) and crosses several intersections. It is a one and done for me, but if you are local, it would be a good “go to” trail.
The crushed limestone is very nice and creates an easy ride. My husband and I were riding our fat tire e-bikes just for reference. It is basically flat but there is one spot where there is an exciting, quick up and down hill. There are very neat selfie and/or photo spots! The Big Foot caught us off guard and we of course had to stop and take a picture! The sights are beautiful! There are some houses along the way that are neat to look at. There is also a stop at Graf Park that has very nice and clean permanent bathrooms. It was really nice to stop at these bathrooms. Highly suggest this route for all age bike riders!!! It is also about 80% shade so if it is really hot…no worries!!!
First time walking this trail. It's a good trail with pretty views. Will be walking it again.
This trail is a great resource for Eastern and Northeastern Iowa. Overall nice trail. There are some places that could use a bit more crushed limestone around Urbana. Bridge in LaPorte City opened back up in 2020 (be sure to stop at Tootsie's).
Connects to a lot of other trails. Be sure to stop at Anton's Garden.
This was a very peaceful walk on a hot afternoon. Well shaded with trees. Very enjoyable.
The crushed limestone is very nice and creates an easy ride. My husband and I were riding our fat tire e-bikes just for reference. It is basically flat but there is one spot where there is an exciting, quick up and down hill. There are very neat selfie and/or photo spots! The Big Foot caught us off guard and we of course had to stop and take a picture! The sights are beautiful! There are some houses along the way that are neat to look at. There is also a stop at Graf Park that has very nice and clean permanent bathrooms. It was really nice to stop at these bathrooms. Highly suggest this route for all age bike riders!!! It is also about 80% shade so if it is really hot...no worries!!!
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