Looking for the best trails around Dubuque?

Explore the best rated trails in Dubuque, IA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Bellevue Rivervue Trail and Manchester Walkway/Bikeway Trails . With more than 29 trails covering 265 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

Recent Trail Reviews

Galena River Trail

Great trail!

March, 2024 by christyfry14

We rode this trail yesterday. We started at the Galena Recreation Park and rode the trail and then continued on the road to the foot of Chestnut Ski Hill. (Round trip 20 miles) It’s a very scenic ride along the river with the bluffs. I’m sure it will be even more beautiful in the summer when everything is green. Can’t wait to go back!

Military Ridge State Trail

Beautiful ride

November, 2023 by christyfry14

Rode from Mt. Horeb to Ridgeway and back. Beautiful countryside and the trail is great. All well kept. Can’t wait to go back!

Great River Trail

Disappointment

November, 2023 by deetiffanylb

We just returned from our week-end-a day early. Yes chilly weather was a factor but even more to the point, the trail was a Huge disappointment. We had decided to drive to south end and eye the conditions that rec'd mostly negative comments. We never even unloaded our bikes! The trail is basically not maintained, often runs right along OR on the highway for the majority of its 62 miles. The straight, unimaginative paths are not only boring but neglected to the pt of being dangerous - often far from the Mississippi River. Where did trail get it's name from?! Illinois once again leaves the user in the dust - or should I say weeds. We were left w/ a very negative impression, leading to our distrust of both the IL trail system as well as Rails to Trails reviews. It was obvious this trail was quickly laid out to meet some timeline set by a non-biking administrators. We counted two (!) people using trail in over the 60+ miles we covered from car. THAT should say it all!

We feel strongly that reviewers on Trail Link need to be more direct with readers. Polite and tolerant reviews are as much a disservice to the bikers as the abominable trail itself!

Accordion

Cheese Country Recreation Trail

Beautiful countryside

November, 2023 by christyfry14

I rode just part this trail today on my electric fat tired bike (Monroe to South Wayne and back). Most of the trail is gravel/crushed limestone. I’m afraid if I didn’t have the fat tires it could have very difficult. It was a little rough also. Overall it was a beautiful ride, I just had to be very careful. It was a weekday and I didn’t see anyone else.

Bear River Recreation Trail

Bear River trail 9/25/2023

September, 2023 by jamespglass

Up until this year my bike riding has been limited to mostly around town. A Google search came up with Bear River so I checked it out. Nice wide smith trail with plenty of shade, benches for resting and 2 different shelters with picnic tables. Been on this trail four times, not many people riding bikes. Most people walking. Trail goes to Preston. Hopefully they make it longer someday

Military Ridge State Trail

Military ridge trail 9/8/23

September, 2023 by jglass52

The weather went from to hot to to cold. 68 degrees, cloudy, threatening rain. I rode a MB from Ridgeway to a little east of Blue Mounds around 10 miles then 10 miles back to Ridgeway. Would have gone further but the weather was questionable. The trail is a little up and down and found loose sand and gravel on the grades. Otherwise the trail was in great condition, downed trees were all cut back and moved off the trail. Lots of trail bridges in the Blue Mounds area. All of the towns had places for food and drinks. Barneveld had toilets and picnic tables for resting. I did find a picnic table 3 miles West of Barneveld, so I stopped and warmed up some soup.
I would like to return but start my ride at Verona and ride to Mt Horeb or Blue Mounds.
Wisconsin has fantastic trails and don't mind paying the $5 trail pass. I'm from Illinois

Military Ridge State Trail

We started out across the street from Riley Tavern and went all the way to Blue Mounds. Beautiful trail, well groomed and loved going through Mt Horeb. When we finished we were able to go to the Tavern for refreshments. Beautiful day!!

September, 2023 by danandjulie924

We started out across the street from Riley Tavern and went all the way to Blue Mounds. Beautiful trail, well groomed and loved going through Mt Horeb. When we finished we were able to go to the Tavern for refreshments. Beautiful day!!

Great River Trail

nice

September, 2023 by gary.turner2

Road from Rock Island to Port Bryan and it was really nice and paved. Read reviews as this is a long trail with mixed surfaces. But we got 40 miles in our route an enjoyed. There’s a holiday inn in Rock Island 2 blocks form a trail head. Really good food wit Distance hin walking do

Military Ridge State Trail

Enjoyable trail with some variety. Trail is in decent shape, except nearly all bridges are extremely rough shape, and also had many nails popping out.

August, 2023 by jmbahe

Enjoyable trail with some variety. Trail is in decent shape, except nearly all bridges are extremely rough shape, and also had many nails popping out.

Great River Trail

Sunset Park to Moline

August, 2023 by dwight.steen

Sunset Park is lovely, great for picnic. The trail is pretty rough. It is mostly asphalt and has a lot of cracks that have not been maintained. A couple of short bridges with wood roadbed have been repaired with sheets of 3/4 inch plywood. Signage is pretty good. We would have gone on past Moline except for the condition of the surface.

Great River Trail

not good South of Thomson

August, 2023 by jglass52

I started at the Corps of Engineers park just outside of Thomson, il. Starts out beautiful riding among pine tree. Then transitions to a treeless sand prairie paved with smooth blacktop. Virtually no shade in this area. The trail dwindles away into a blacktop road that deteriorates more and more every 100 yards or so. Just before reaching the road to the lock and dam I decided I'm not enjoying this so I turned back to ward Thomson where my car was parked. I'm perfectly willing to pay the $5 fee to ride trails in Wisconsin or Iowa.
However I will say the Great River trail is outstanding from Savanna to the Fish & Wildlife facility 4 miles South of Savanna.

Grant Wood Trail (Jones County Segment)

First time walking this trail. It's a good trail with pretty views. Will be walking it again.

July, 2023 by mmk291006

First time walking this trail. It's a good trail with pretty views. Will be walking it again.

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