WEEKENDER BLOG

Looking for a long bike trip or a scenic walking route? These trail loops link several points of interest, each of varying lengths and scenery. Feeling adventurous? Create a loop of your own!
 

Big Woods Loop

8.3 miles

Big Woods Trail, Lone Tree Road Trail, Cedar Valley Lakes Trail

Moments from downtown Cedar Falls, this loop travels around Big Woods Lake and to Black Hawk Park. Start your morning ride with a coffee from Cup of Joe. Visit the Cedar Falls Rotary Club's prairie restoration and cycle along open spaces and residential areas. Bike through the forested bank of the Cedar River, Cottage Row's homes, and Island Park. Return to downtown Cedar Falls and enjoy lunch at George's Local and end your day visiting the local shops such as Miss Wonderful, Pepper Boutique, and Palace Clothiers!

[Big Woods Lake]

Cedar River Loop

17 miles

South Riverside Trail, Cedar Valley Lakes Trail

Connecting the downtown area of Cedar Falls and Waterloo, this loop skirts Gateway Park in Cedar Falls, the floodplain forests in George Wyth State Park and Hartman Reserve and runs through the industrial area in northwest Waterloo. All of this while providing views of the Cedar River!! Enjoy cross country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking throughout this fantastic trail loop. 


[George Wyth State Park]

UNI Loop 

2.6 miles

UNI Preserve Trail, Cedar Prairie Trail

Travel along babbling brooks and prairie preserves before entering the University of Northern Iowa campus. Check out the UNI Bookstore, the UNI Museum at Rod Library, and the Botanical Center. You'll also pedal through Rownd Park and past The Falls Aquatic Center. Take time out of your ride to visit College Hill. You don't want to miss out on Sidecar Coffee, Chad's Pizza, or Mohair Pear. End your ride with a stop at the Hearst Center for the Arts' and enjoy the sculpture garden!! 


[College Hill]
 

Prairie Lakes Loop

10.2 miles

Prairie Lakes Trail, Cedar Prairie Trail

Take a trip to Prairie Lakes Park and enjoy views of the lakes, native prairies, and associated wildlife. Don't forget to identify the metal critters along the way! Make sure to stop by the Cedar Falls Tourism & Visitors Bureau and pick up a souvenir! Then, head to Pfieffer Park and continue your journey through Rownd Park and by sparkling Dry Run Creek.
 

[Metal Critters at Prairie Lake]

Cedar Prairie Loop 

19.3 miles

Cedar Prairie Trail, Greenhill Trail, South Riverside Trail, Sergeant Road Trail

Make sure to fuel your ride right next to where this trail loop begins, at Mulligans Brick Oven Grill & Pub. This loop passes by fields, along rolling hills, through residential areas, by shopping centers, and again through industrial areas. Stop and enjoy stores such as Scheels, Ulta, and Target during your ride. You'll also pass by the Cedar Valley Soccer Complex, the Katoski Greenbelt, and beside Black Hawk Creek. 

[Cedar Prairie Trail]

If you’d like more ideas of Things to Do, Places to Eat & Drink or a Place to Stay, contact the Cedar Falls Visitor Center at 319-268-4266 or stop by at 6510 Hudson Road.

We’d be happy to help!