Iowa Running Co. co-owner shares some of his favorites, from smooth paved trails for walkers to off-the-beaten-path trails for trail runners.
It’s likely that the first form of athletic competition involved two people seeing who could run the fastest. But as far as Iowa Running Co. co-owner Jim Dwyer is concerned, the true enjoyment of running comes from much more than simply racing against someone else.
“The beauty of running and walking is just getting outside and connecting with the outdoors,” Dwyer says. “Touching the grass, breathing the fresh air – and just putting one foot in front of the other, no matter what speed you go.”
There are several great places to do exactly that in the Cedar Rapids region. Here are a few:
1. Cedar River Trail
Following closely alongside its namesake Cedar River for much of the 12.6-mile length, this paved pathway cuts through downtown on the way to Cedar Lake. Native grasses and wildflowers have been established alongside sections of the 10-foot-wide trail, providing a lovely floral display for part of the year. It’s one of the most scenic walking trails in Cedar Rapids.
2. Mount Trashmore
Don’t let the name fool you. This former landfill has been transformed into a short system of three trails (two for walkers/runners), with a scenic stop overlooking the Cedar River as it flows past downtown. Safe to say that 6 million tons of garbage never looked so good.
3. Sac & Fox Trail
Named in honor of two Native American tribes that were among the original inhabitants of the Cedar Rapids region, the 7.2-mile Sac & Fox was designated as Iowa’s first National Recreational Trail in 1975. “The big plus with that trail is the accessibility. There are multiple entry points,” Dwyer says.
4. Cedar Valley Nature Trail
Built on an abandoned railroad right-of-way in the 1980s, the Cedar Valley Nature Trail covers nearly 70 miles from Evansdale to the Johnson County line, passing through Cedar Rapids along the way. The trail originally contained a crushed limestone surface, but a paving project was completed in 2024, making it one of the more accessible walking trails in Cedar Rapids.
5. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area
Located approximately 15 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids near the city of Palo, the Pleasant Creek SRA contains approximately 8 miles of trails for those who enjoy cross-country running. The trails wind through restored prairie and connect to scenic overlooks, and can be used for snowshoeing during the winter.
6. Beverly Park
Cross-country runners also can utilize the 4.6 miles of mountain biking trails at Beverly Park, which Dwyer calls “a hidden gem” located just south of downtown. “Trail runners like it because it’s a little more technical with some elevation,” Dwyer says…