Bike through city and country via thousands of miles of trails that crisscross the state. (Photo: Vacation Okoboji)
With more than 2,500 miles of trails, Iowa is celebrated as a world-class destination for biking. Our friends at Travel Iowa have curated a list to help cyclists explore the state this summer. So whether you prefer pedaling through prairies and woods, along lakes and rivers, through busy cities, or past serene rural farmland, Iowa has a trail for you. Choose your adventure based on your preferred terrain below, or read the full list on the Travel Iowa website.
For the nature lovers: Fairfield Loop Trail
Recognized at the 2013 Mid America Trails and Greenways Conference as the state’s best trail, the 16-mile Fairfield Loop Trail offers a perfect route for nature lovers. The challenging trail wraps around the community and the surrounding countryside, connecting two major state preserves and passing through pine forests and wildflower meadows. Be sure to bring a trail map with you as the loop combines paved trails connected by short stretches of road.
For water views: Iowa Great Lakes Trail System
Experience Iowa’s Great Lakes with the extensive trail system that winds around Spirit, West Okoboji, Upper and Lower Gar lakes and their sandy beaches. The complete system comprises 40 miles of trails, which include a 14-mile loop around the West Lake. This route combines trails and short stretches of road around the water’s edge and passes popular points like Arnolds Park Amusement Park, Gull Point State Park, the Dickinson County Nature Center and several bays where boat groups often meet.
For urban excitement: Cedar Valley Trails
The Cedar Valley Trails span four counties and more than 100 miles from Waterloo’s George Wyth State Park to Cedar Rapids. Riders can find plenty of exciting stopping points along the way, from Waterloo’s diverse restaurants to small-town eateries in Gilbertville, La Porte City, Brandon, Urbana and Center Point to even more options in Cedar Rapids. Along the way, enjoy the views of Iowa’s farmland, rivers and prairies.
For calming countryside: Heart of Iowa Nature Trail
This lesser-known trail offers some of the best views rural Iowa has to offer. Spanning 26 miles of paved, gravel and dirt/grass trails, the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail can be sufficiently explored with a hybrid, mountain or fat-tire bike. Embrace the off-road experience as you pedal through former railroad depot towns like Slater, Huxley, Cambridge, Maxwell, Collins and Rhodes. Along the way, admire the views of open fields, wetland areas and flowing rivers and creeks, and be sure to also keep your eye out for scenic overlooks and a pioneer cemetery.
