We’ve mapped out the path to happiness and adventure for hikers and bikers of every skill level who are looking for the area’s best scenic routes and family- and pet-friendly paths.

Whether you’re looking to break in those hiking boots, test the limits of your new e-bike, explore a challenging solo track, or exercise with your furry friends, the Iowa City area is full of amazing opportunities. That’s because it’s home to miles of breathtaking trails along scenic rivers and lakes, through wooded trails and prairies, over modern and historic bridges, and alongside wildlife such as a coveted eagle’s nest. 

In fact, if you could see a bird’s eye view of Johnson County, you would be amazed at all of the wonderful places and spaces — from paved to gravel to dirt and beyond — that open up a world of opportunity for weekday and weekend adventures. 

In this blog, we’ll talk about some of the stand out trails, but what you really need to know is that you can start virtually anywhere in the Iowa City area and connect to trails that take you on hour-long or day-long outings filled with delightfully expected and unexpected places. 

Here, we’ve created a guide to different types of hiking and biking trails.  

Biking for Beginners: Paved Rides with Stunning Views

For those new to cycling or just looking for a leisurely ride, Iowa City’s beginner-friendly, paved trails make for a smooth and enjoyable experience. 

Iowa River Corridor Trail

This popular trail is Iowa City’s longest and most heavily used trail and it runs alongside the Iowa River, offering breathtaking views and easy access to several key local attractions. Cyclists can enjoy stops at Hancher Auditorium and the Iowa River Landing for a perfect mix of nature, culture, and a bit to eat. The trail is also known for being able to take people through Iowa City to North Liberty, moving along the river and through city parks for a gold star experience. 

Coralville Trails

Coralville boasts several interconnected paved trails that are perfect for a casual afternoon ride. The Clear Creek Trail is a favorite, offering riders delightful views as it winds through neighborhoods, parks, and even historic sites like the Old Town Hall and 1876 School House.

Cedar Valley Nature Trail

This long trail connects Solon, Ely, Cedar Rapids and Waterloo, with panoramic countryside along the way. But with this paved trail, you can pick your distance, with many places to stop and regroup. But you won’t want to skip out on Dan and Debbie’s Ice Cream in Ely. The nearest spot to kick off the day from Iowa City is at Solon Recreation and Nature Area. And if it’s a hot one, cool off at the splash pad!

Nature Walks and Rides: Best Trails for Sightseeing

Looking to combine your ride or hike with some spectacular views? These trails offer great sightseeing opportunities.

Iowa Riverfront Trail

This scenic trail follows the Iowa River, connecting several parks and recreational areas. It’s an ideal route for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the river, with ample opportunities for wildlife spotting along the way.

Lake MacBride Trail

If you’re a nature lover, don’t miss the Lake MacBride Trail in Solon. It’s known for its stunning lakeside views and varied terrain, including both paved and natural paths. It’s perfect for a peaceful, beautiful bike ride or walk. Lake Macbride State Park is Iowa’s largest state park and it’s home to a five-mile scenic, multi-use trail that leads to waterfalls along the lake’s shoreline. It’s also pet-friendly!

Terry Trueblood Recreation Area

This recreation area is a picturesque escape just minutes from downtown Iowa City, featuring trails, picnic spots, and the tranquil Sand Lake. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing, with boat rentals available for a fun day on the water – not to mention hiking and biking trails. It’s the perfect spot to unwind in nature without venturing far from the city​. P.S. This is a pet-friendly trail! 

Clear Creek Trail

Clear Creek Trail in Coralville is a beautifully paved path that winds through wooded areas and open green spaces, making it perfect for both leisurely and long rides. The smooth surface and gentle terrain are ideal for e-bikes, providing a scenic route for cyclists of all skill levels. Stretching across multiple access points, this trail offers a peaceful escape while staying connected to nearby parks, restaurants and attractions from Coralville to Tiffin. 

Pet-Friendly Trails

Looking for a place to hike or walk with your dog, here are a few top picks. 

Hickory Hill Trail

Hickory Hill Loop is an easy, 2.6-mile wooded and open trail known as a hidden oasis on the eastside of Iowa City. 

Waterworks Prairie Park

Waterworks Prairie Park is an easy, 3-mile paved trail, just north of Interstate 80, that offers another quiet place to hike that includes beautiful native grasses and ponds.

Red Bird Farm Wildlife Area

Looking for a more moderate trail? Red Bird Farm Wildlife Area is a moderate 1.4-mile loop trail near Iowa City great for birding and hiking. 

E-Bikes & Adventure Trails: For Beginners to Thrill Seekers

For those who crave more of an adventure, Iowa City also offers trails designed for mountain biking and e-biking. An e-bike is a regular bike with an added electric motor that helps you pedal, making hills and long rides a breeze. It’s great for cruising with less effort. Rent an e-bike at Pedego in Coralville and you’re ready to explore!

Mormon Handcart Park Trail

This trail offers a mix of historical significance and natural beauty, running through Mormon Handcart Park. It’s perfect for e-bikes, allowing for a smooth and informative ride as you explore Iowa’s pioneer history while enjoying charming river views.

Sugar Bottom Mountain Bike Trails

Nestled near Coralville, these mountain biking trails provide a thrilling experience for riders of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find a variety of tracks featuring technical challenges and stunning overlooks. The trails are also e-bike accessible, perfect for those looking to tackle steeper terrains.

Single Track Trails

Woodpecker Single Track

This 6-mile urban single track is a newer addition to Johnson County. It meanders through a wooded area along Clear Creek and features mostly green/beginner difficulty-level trails and some pump track-like sections. These are great trails for riders of all types. You’ll find lots of great wooden bridges over water features and wetlands. 

Ice House and Creekside Single-Track Trails

Iowa City recently introduced a new single-track trail for mountain biking, the Ice House Single Track Trail. And Coralville Creekside Trail features single-track adventures to amp up your ride!

Family-Friendly Trails: Perfect for a Day Outdoors

These trails are ideal for a family outing, offering easy access and kid-friendly environments.

Coral Ridge Mall Trail Access

Staying near Coral Ridge Mall? Take advantage of the off-street trail system, perfect for a quick family ride or walk. The trail loops through North Ridge Park, making it an easy and enjoyable option for families.

North Liberty Trail

And while you’re enjoying North Ridge Park, continue on to the connecting North Liberty Trail and make your way downtown North Liberty for lunch! You can fill up and refuel at spots like Red’s Ale House, and Bluebird Cafe. 

Willow Creek Trail

For a tree-lined trail a bit closer to Iowa City, check out Willow Creek Park. With a greenery-filled walking trail through the trees and plenty of open space and a playground for the kids, you’ll easily spend a few hours enjoying nature’s tranquility. 

Iowa River Landing Wetland Park

The Iowa River Landing Wetland Park, located between the Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel and Conference Center and the Iowa River, features a two-acre pond surrounded by five acres of wetlands. What makes it distinct is it’s combination of elevated walkways that surround the pond and traverse the wetlands. These elevated walkways are connected to a paved walking and biking trail along the river. This is an ideal location for nature walks, bird watching, and wildlife photography. Don’t forget to look for the eagle’s nest that’s along the paved trail east of the wetlands along the Iowa River. 

Get Started!

If you love to bike and hike, Iowa City has it all, including biking events, a robust Bike Iowa City website, and detailed maps that outline urban and rural paths from fix-it stations to cyclocross trails to bike lanes, paved shoulders, and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk, a challenging ride, or a family-friendly day out, these trails won’t disappoint.