Looking for the best trails around Ottumwa?

Explore the best rated trails in Ottumwa, IA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the John King Trail and Competine Trail . With more than 12 trails covering 93 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

Cedar View Trail

Cedar View Trail

September, 2024 by dpate

I found this trail while riding the Fairfield loop that it intersects with on the south side. It’s a nice well packed crushed stone trail with a couple nice bridges and a pit toilet along with benches. I only road the off road part of the trail as I turned around when it changed to gravel roads. I rate this trail 5 stars. Traveling cyclist Facebook

Fairfield Loop Trail

Fairfield Loop

September, 2024 by dpate

I rode this trail in late Sept 2024. I started at 9th street and Gear Ave and attempted to ride clockwise but the trail was closed near Chautauqua Park and I got lost on the detour so I rode through town back to where I started and rode counterclockwise. I was going to ride around to the closing on the other side but I got side tracked by the Cedar View Trail which was also great. The Loop is a treasure for the people that live in the area. Much of the in town parts are paved and the rest is smooth crushed rock. I give this trail 5 stars! Traveling cyclist Facebook In

Kewash Nature Trail

Kewash Trail

September, 2024 by dpate

I rode the Kewash in late Sept 2024. It’s paved from Washington up to the bridge at Crooked Creek where it changes to good crushed stone. There were a very few holes that some animals have dug here and there but overall the crushed stone is in solid great condition with no loose gravel. There is a lot of straight open riding with no shade. It’s a very serene ride with no interaction with the death machines. I rate this 5 stars for sure. Traveling cyclist Facebook

Accordion

Mount Pleasant Recreational Trails

Good trail

September, 2024 by dpate

I rode this trail in Sept 2024 in the mid sixties. It’s a very nice mostly cement trail. It’s great for a couple hours of death machine free riding. I rate it 5 stars.. Traveling cyclist Facebook

Ottumwa Trail System

Nice trail

August, 2024 by xgqrms2jbn

I thoroughly enjoyed riding this trail in early August 2024. I rode every direction and back more than once. I really liked the old bridge with the eagle blind. If I lived here I would ride this everyday. Five stars!
Traveling cyclist
Facebook

Mahaska Community Recreation Trail

Must see!

August, 2024 by xgqrms2jbn

I rode this trail the first of August 2024. This is the epitome of a great trail. I would recommend riding this world class trail. The trail is broken but the road sections are well marked and easy to navigate. A lot of shade as it winds through woods and gentle hills. I would give it more than five stars if I could!
Traveling cyclist
Facebook

Volksweg Trail

Very scenic

July, 2024 by xgqrms2jbn

I most recently rode the trail on the end of July 2024 from Howell Station Campground to the termination by Cordoba Park. It’s a wonderfully curvy and hilly trail. The hills are long and gentle and the views are great. It seems most of it was shaded. There were some cracks but most of it was smooth and any cracks were manageable. Going the other direction from my start would take you into Pella which is mostly uphill and not a lot of shade. I would highly recommend this trail my favorite being the part I ride along Lake Red Rock. traveling cyclist Facebook

Mahaska Community Recreation Trail

Well maintained

June, 2024 by pampetersen22

The majority of this trail is well paved with a bit of street riding needed. Nice mix of park-like and country setting with small bits of hill climb. Was surprised to read a sign saying no fast biking allowed only to meet a golf cart on the path. Would highlight recommend this path for an hour plus ride.

Fairfield Loop Trail

Enjoyable trail with some detours.

June, 2024 by d_ochsner

Overall I was pleasantly surprised at the scenery and variety along this trail. I started at the Maasdam Barns (next to the Health Center) and went clockwise. The first issue I encountered was a closure at Kale Blvd a little over a mile in. I didn’t see any indication the trail was going to be closed at this area ahead of time. Fortunately there wasn’t a work activity at the time and others had been going around the barriers. The other trail closure at Chautauqua Park had better signage for the detour. The trail was a mix of crushed limestone, concrete path and a section of gravel road.

Ottumwa Trail System

Lived in this town most of my life so I've walked these trails many times during spring and summer and always loved it.

January, 2024 by chriskumm29

Lived in this town most of my life so I've walked these trails many times during spring and summer and always loved it.

Volksweg Trail

Absolutely beautiful trail!

September, 2023 by niffenegger6

We entered from the west end, not far from the Cordoba Tower. We rode with our granddaughter on a tag along. We only went about 6 miles and turned around as that is good for a four year-old. The trails were smooth with gentle hills and great views of the lake. The tower is a fun added bonus. We will return later in the fall.

Fairfield Loop Trail

Hop on this terrific trail…

May, 2023 by gpgqtw8pzh

I live just a couple of blocks from the Lamson Woods entrance and travel this trail ALL the time - biking and walking. The views and wildlife will feed your nature-loving soul. A section winds through the edge of the city, but very biker friendly. You can take sweet side rides through Chautauqua, Waterworks, and Jefferson County Park, as well as the Cedar View section. It includes both open and tree-lined portions and a few manageable hills. The trail is well-kept in all kinds of weather and shows off all four Iowa seasons. You can park and hop on this trail at more than a dozen spots. Do it!at

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