Best Running Trails in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Runners looking for a new place to challenge themselves have plenty of running to trails to choose from in Cedar Rapids and the surrounding areas. Whether runners prefer urban or rural settings, there is a trail to challenge beginning and advanced runners alike.

Cedar Valley Nature Trail - Favorite Cedar Rapids Running Trail

One of my favorite running trails in the Cedar Rapids area is the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. This scenic trail is 54 miles long and links Hiawatha, near the North East side of Cedar Rapids to Evansdale, Iowa which allows runners to go as far as they want.

A great running trail for training for half and full marathons, this running trail offers a variety of terrain and running surfaces including asphalt and crushed limestone. The trail begins on Boyson Road. A convenient parking lot is located here and includes indoor restrooms with a drinking fountain for catching a drink after your run. There is also a parking lot off of County Home Road near Toddville. There is no restroom at this parking lot, however.

I recommend joining the trail from Boyson Road. The trail is paved from Boyson Road with the payment continuing to just past the three-mile marker and Toddville parking lot. Each mile is marked well for easy monitoring of the distance ran. A port-a-potty restroom is located just past mile marker two as well. Benches and other stopping spots are found along this well-traveled portion of the trail.

For longer runs, runners can view the rural countryside while watching birds fly from tree to tree along the trail. Goldfinch, the Iowa state bird, wildflowers, and wildlife are frequently slighted along the trail. Between miles five and six, there is a wooden bridge that crosses a stream that makes a nice resting spot for those long runs. Some of the trail is shaded by numerous trees, while others are quite open to give runners a variety of terrain and scenery to look at.

Runners should be aware of bikers on the trail as this is a popular trail for biking as well as running. And if going on longer runs, be sure to bring along plenty of water. If the weather looks threatening, try to get your run in closer to the parking lot area. I know from experience it is no fun to run several miles out on the trail and then get caught in a severe thunderstorm with no place to find immediate shelter.

Cedar River Trail - Paved Running Trail with a Mix of Urban and Nature Views

Another local running trail is the Cedar River Trail. This paved, eleven mile trail begins on the North East side of Cedar Rapids and runs through town to provide a wonderful mixture of nature and urban scenery. The trail passes through McCloud's Run where runners may be lucky enough to spot a fish swimming in the stream and then winds by Cedar Lake with views of downtown Cedar Rapids.

Parking lots with trail access can be found just off Center Point Road, Shaver Road and at Tait Cummins Park on the South West side of town. This is a popular trail for bicyclists as well so stay alert.

Cherry Hill Trail - Short Looping Trails Ideal for Beginning Runners

With just .825 miles of crushed limestone, this local running trail is ideal for days when you don't have much time to run but are looking for a new place to get a work out in. The trail loops around Cherry Hill Park which features an indoor restroom, picnic pavilion, playground and swimming pool. A popular walking trail as well as running, the terrain is flat with one slight hill making it relatively easy to run.

Runners looking to mix up their training routine can find a good mix of running trails in Cedar Rapids. From scenic to urban running trails, Cedar Rapids provides a good mixture of trails for runners to prepare for their next race.