Wheels firmly plunked on the asphalt, and minutes later, the whizzing spheres beneath my rear convey me toward Iowa sights previously unseen. It’s my favorite rail trail in Iowa, the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, a 70-mile path that follows the Cedar River and cuts straight through Cedar Rapids. I haven’t done it all in one stretch yet, but with each section I bike, I feel like I’m getting to know Iowa from a grass-roots level. And from sediment to sky, there’s probably more truth to that sentiment than the pavement reveals.
Where This Rail Trail Is and What Makes It Unique
The Cedar Valley Nature Trail is a former railway bed turned into a multi-use trail—a rail trail. Officially, it begins in Hiawatha, barely a few city blocks north of the Cedar Rapids city limits. Its endpoint is in Ely, where it connects with another trail. From start to finish, it stretches 70 miles through very rural to very urban landscapes, a continuous, paved, multi-use trail. It’s by far one of the best trails in Iowa, not just because of its access and accessibility, but also because of its national importance. The Cedar Valley Nature Trail is one small but mighty segment of the Great American Rail-Trail, a cross-country trail in progress. When it’s complete, the full trail will span 3,700 miles from Washington, DC, to Washington state, crossing straight through the middle of Iowa.
What You’ll See Along the Way
The Great American Rail-Trail has multiple segments in Iowa, although they are not yet fully connected. This portion in Cedar Rapids, the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, is one of the longest continuous sections in the state, offering incredibly varied scenery, mile by mile. It’s one of the most scenic bike trails in Iowa, tracing the Cedar River and offering glimpses of urban bustle in Czech Village and residential areas near Hoover Park, all while passing through playgrounds, highways, woodlands, croplands, and small-town living. At the south end, the trail rolls right up to an ice cream shop, Dan and Debbie’s Creamery, in the small town of Ely.
Tips for Visiting
Biking with my family is my favorite way to explore the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, but there are many other ways to traverse the route. It’s an easy outdoor trail in Iowa with very little variation in elevation or difficulty, and you can walk, jog, or wheel it any way you like, as long as you aren’t in a car or on a motorcycle. We’ve seen people walking, running, riding e-bikes, scooters, and hoverboards at all different paces and ability levels. It’s a path truly built for one and all. Just be sure to follow the rules of the road, allowing room for faster travelers to pass, and being patient with those taking a leisurely adventure. There don’t seem to be any speed limits or any posted laws for that matter, but there are highway crossings and busy city streets, so it’s best to wear helmets if you’re biking or riding in form. And do bring cash or cards so can support small businesses along the way, think water refills, ice cream, pizza, or even a new souvenir for the memories.
The Cedar Valley Nature Trail is quickly becoming an iconic part of Cedar Rapids, easily connecting the community with an epic outdoor space. It’s easy and scenic, with an abundance of amenities and attractions to see along the way. Take pride in it and explore it while it grows, for one day soon it’s bound to be emblematic of a greater project, one of the longest, continuous biking paths in the world, right here in the good ole U.S.. Naturally, it’s one of the best Iowa landmarks to explore this summer…