There's a good chance you already know about RAGBRAI, the world’s the oldest and largest multi-day bicycle touring event, but it's not the only pedal-powered option in Iowa. In fact, there's 2,500 miles of trails just waiting for you to explore.
If RAGBRAI’s not quite your speed, grab your bike and spend a day (or two) pedaling through prairies and woods, along lakes and rivers, through cities or past rural farmland.
For Nature Lovers
Fairfield Loop Trail
Recognized at the best trail in the state at the 2013 Mid America Trails and Greenways Conference, the 16-mile Fairfield Loop Trail offers a perfect route for nature lovers. The challenging trail wraps around the community and through its countryside, connecting two major state preserves and passing through pine forests and wildflower meadows. Be sure to bring a trail map with you as the loop combines paved trails connected by short stretches of road.
Rolling Prairie Trail
Stretching for 21 miles between Shell Rock, Allison, Bristow and Clarksville, the Rolling Prairie Trail shows off the best of Iowa’s scenery. Start pedaling to see a mix of natural canopy, scenic bridges and native prairie that much of Iowa’s wildlife calls home. The trail also includes wayfinding signage to local attractions, providing plenty of rest opportunities.
Sauk Rail Trail
Hop on the Sauk Rail Trail and enjoy a 33-mile jaunt between two state parks, from Lake View’s Black Hawk State Park south to Carroll’s Swan Lake State Park. Along the way, riders can enjoy a diverse mix of views, from friendly small towns every few miles with stopping opportunities to wildlife areas, the Black Hawk Marsh, farm fields and pastures. The trail is a converted railway and is mostly flat until you reach the hills surrounding Swan Lake.
Three Rivers Trail
Named for its crossings of the Boone River and the west and east forks of the Des Moines River, Three Rivers Trail offers great wildlife viewing. The trail runs 32 miles between Rolfe and Eagle Grove, taking riders through a variety of habitat types including woodlands, grasslands and open prairie.
For Water Views
Iowa Great Lakes Trail System
Experience Iowa’s Great Lakes with the extensive trail system that winds around Spirit, West Okoboji, Upper and Lower Gar Lakes and their sandy beaches. The complete system boasts over 40 miles of trails, which include a 14-mile loop around the West Lake. This route combines trails and short stretches of road to follow to the water’s edge and pass popular points like Arnolds Park Amusement Park, Gull Point State Park, the Dickinson County Nature Center and several bays where boat groups often meet.
Mississippi River Trail
Bike along the mighty Mississippi and explore the river towns of Buffalo, Bettendorf, Davenport and Riverdale. The Mississippi River Trail spans 19 miles through charming downtowns, historic districts and riverfront parks. It also crosses to Credit Island, where Credit Island Park boasts sweeping water views and a relaxing place to watch the boats or see bald eagles.
Trout Run Trail
Admire the beautiful trout streams that surround Decorah from the aptly named Trout Run Trail. This 11-mile loop winds around the Upper Iowa River, taking riders through its forested limestone bluffs and valleys. Get up close to the bubbling streams by visiting the waterfalls at Siewer’s Springs and Dunning’s Spring Park and the rearing stream at the Decorah Fish Hatchery.
Volksweg Trail
Dutch for “people’s path,” the 13-mile Volksweg Trail connects Pella to Lake Red Rock, the largest lake in Iowa. Start in Pella and pedal through scenic timber, restored prairies and open fields before the landscape opens to spectacular views of the water. Riders can explore the Red Rock Dam, then pedal around the northern edge of the lake to see its beaches and coves. The route ends at the Cordova Observation Tower, which you can climb to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the lake. Be sure to bring quarters to enter the turnstile.
For Urban Excitement
Cedar Valley Trails
The Cedar Valley Trails span four counties and more than 100 miles from Waterloo’s George Wyth State Park to Cedar Rapids. Riders can find plenty of exciting stopping points along the way, from Waterloo’s diverse restaurants to small town eateries in Gilbertville, La Porte City, Brandon, Urbana and Center Point to even more options in Cedar Rapids. Along the way, enjoy the views of Iowa’s farmland, rivers and prairies.
Heritage Trail
Once a bustling railroad route, the converted 26-mile Heritage Trail is known as one of the Upper Midwest’s most scenic trails. Along the route, riders have plenty of opportunities to explore Dubuque’s attractions before pedaling through historic neighborhoods, prairies, woodlands and small towns before ending in Dyersville, home of the famous Field of Dreams.
Neal Smith Trail
Part of Des Moines’ expansive trail system, the Neal Smith Trail spans 26 miles of stunning scenery inside and outside city limits. The route starts by the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden before trailing north to Polk City and connecting with the High Trestle Trail. Along the way, riders can expect lots of challenging hills and valleys as they pedal along the Des Moines River and around the shores of Saylorville and Big Creek Lakes.
River City Greenbelt & Trail System
A collection of smaller trails, the River City Greenbelt & Trail System connects the many routes running through Mason City and Clear Lake to offer a variety of urban adventures. Simply make the journey from one community to the other on the six-mile Trolley Trail, explore Mason City parks and cultural attractions from the River City Trail or hop on the Winnebago Trail to follow the Winnebago River to the Lime Creek Nature Center.
For Calming Countryside
Heart of Iowa Nature Trail
This lesser-known trail offers some of the best views rural Iowa has to offer. Spanning 26 miles of paved, gravel and dirt/grass trails, the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail can be sufficiently explored with a hybrid, mountain or fat-tire bike. Embrace the off-road experience as you pedal through former railroad depot towns like Slater, Huxley, Cambridge, Maxwell, Collins and Rhodes. Along the way, admire the views of open fields, wetland areas and flowing rivers and creeks, and be sure to also keep your eye out for scenic overlooks and a pioneer cemetery.
Kewash Nature Trail
Immerse yourself in Iowa’s countryside by pedaling the 14-mile crushed limestone Kewash Nature Trail. Named after the two towns it connects, the trail follows an old railroad bed from Keota to Washington and meanders through peaceful woodlands, native prairies and diverse habitats. The trail also boasts abundant wildflowers and wildlife viewing opportunities.
T-Bone Trail
Following farmland and timber through the Nishnabotna River Valley, the T-Bone Trail is a perfect place to see the magic of farming. It stretches for 20 miles between Audubon and Pymosa, starting by the famous Albert the Bull before leading riders out into the country. If pedaling in the warmer months, you’re sure to see the many stages of farming, including planting in the spring, spraying and crop dusting in the summer and harvest in the fall.
Wabash Trace Nature Trail
One of Iowa’s premier trails, the Wabash Trace Nature Trail allows rides to explore over 60 miles rural communities and the surrounding farmland. The former railroad route runs from Council Bluffs to Blanchard, passing through various small towns and offering stunning views of the wide-open landscape. Admire the vast blue skies and farmers hard at work in the fields while enjoying an easy and flat route.
