Dubuque, IA Hiking Trails and Maps

207 Reviews

Looking for the best Hiking trails around Dubuque?

Find the top rated hiking trails in Dubuque, whether you're looking for an easy short hiking trail or a long hiking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a hiking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

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Activities
Length
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Type
29 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

Alliant Powerline Trail

0.7 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Bear River Recreation Trail

5.6 mi
State: IA
Crushed Stone

Bee Branch Trail

1.56 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Bergfeld Recreation Trail

1.8 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Central City Trail (IA)

3 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Copper Creek Trail

0.75 mi
State: IA
Crushed Stone

Dubuque Jaycees Trail

1.28 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Galena River Trail

8 mi
State: IL
Crushed Stone

Gilroy Rustic Park Trail

0.5 mi
State: IA
Ballast, Grass

Grant Wood Trail (Jones County Segment)

2.7 mi
State: IA
Crushed Stone

Heritage Trail (IA)

29.4 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Rountree Branch Trail

3 mi
State: WI
Asphalt, Concrete

Southern Levy Trail

0.7 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Cheese Country Recreation Trail

47 mi
State: WI
Crushed Stone, Gravel

Clinton Discovery Trail

9.8 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Grant Wood Trail (Linn County Segment)

14.3 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Grass, Gravel

Great River Trail

63.3 mi
State: IL
Asphalt

Military Ridge State Trail

39.1 mi
State: WI
Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Pecatonica State Trail

10 mi
State: WI
Crushed Stone

Pony Hollow Trail

3.6 mi
State: IA
Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass
Accordion

Bellevue Rivervue Trail

2.3 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Forest Hills Trail

1.5 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Manchester Walkway/Bikeway Trails

3.5 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Mississippi Riverwalk Trail

0.95 mi
State: IA
Concrete

Northwest Arterial Trail

4.8 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Paul Skeffington Memorial Trail

5 mi
State: IA
Asphalt

Sanders Creek Trail

1.1 mi
State: WI
Concrete

Trolley Line Trail (IA)

0.57 mi
State: IA
Asphalt, Concrete

Wisconsin River Trail

0.4 mi
State: WI
Concrete
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
A short trail that makes creative use of a utility corridor on the southeastern bluffs of Dubuque, the Alliant Powerline Trail provides a paved, tree-lined path perfect for dog-walking or exercising -...
IA 0.7 mi Asphalt
The Bear River Recreation Trail follows part of the Maquoketa River outside of Spragueville and Preston, through bucolic countryside of woodlands, farms and river lowlands. You can start the trail in...
IA 5.6 mi Crushed Stone
The Bee Branch Trail system forms an important connection between the almost thirty-mile Heritage Trail (IA), the crown jewel of the area's trails, and the Mississippi River and Chaplain Schmitt...
IA 1.56 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Nestled amidst the suburban landscape on the western outskirts of Dubuque, the Bergfeld Recreation Area is a 30-acre park with playgrounds, fishing spots on the Bergfeld Pond, and the Bergfeld...
IA 1.8 mi Asphalt
The Central City Trail winds for 3 miles along the banks of the Wapsinicon River, running through Pinicon Ridge County Park into downtown Central City. Pinicon Ridge County Park is 966 acres of...
IA 3 mi Concrete
The Copper Creek Trail runs for a short distance from the town of Preston, heading northwest along Copper Creek to meet with the Bear River Recreation Trail. You'll find a nice picnic spot with a...
IA 0.75 mi Crushed Stone
The Dubuque Jaycees Trail runs for just over a mile from Pyatigorsk Park (named for a Russian sister city to Dubuque) up to the 8-acre A.Y. McDonald Park, a popular fishing and boat launch spot...
IA 1.28 mi Asphalt
The Galena River Trail is built upon an old railroad spur of the Burlington Railroad main line, constructed in 1886. The spur linked Galena to Galena Junction, where the main railroad line—still...
IL 8 mi Crushed Stone
Located in the quaint community of Lost Nation, the Gilroy Rustic Park Trail is one of the most picturesque places in Clinton County. The half-mile path is lined with trees and, although the trail is...
IA 0.5 mi Ballast, Grass
Nearly 3 miles of the Grant Wood Trail in Jones County has been constructed so far (2012) along a former Milwaukee Road right-of-way in Marion and Olin. The trail is named for the early 20th-century...
IA 2.7 mi Crushed Stone
The Heritage Trail rolls along like a dream for nearly 30 miles from the Mississippi River town of Dubuque to Dyersville, home of the movie set for Field of Dreams. Along the way it passes through the...
IA 29.4 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
The Rountree Branch Trail begins where Chestnut Street in Platteville crosses the Rountree Branch stream and continues 2.7 miles to Keystone Parkway. The trail connects trails on the UW-Platteville...
WI 3 mi Asphalt, Concrete
An asphalt path lined with cracks and sprouting grass, the Southern Levy Trail might not be much to look at itself, and its route limits its usefulness as anything but an out-and-back recreational...
IA 0.7 mi Asphalt
If you’re looking for an invigorating motorized-trail experience, the Cheese Country Recreation Trail (aka the Tri-County Trail) won’t disappoint. If you’re on foot, hoof, or self-propelled two...
WI 47 mi Crushed Stone, Gravel
Located in the scenic riverside city of Clinton, the Clinton Discovery Trail offers trail users a wonderful way to make the most of the city's prime location on the banks of the Mississippi River....
IA 9.8 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Running along a former railroad corridor in Linn County, the Grant Wood Trail is being developed in phases. The trail is named for the early 20th-century Iowa artist, perhaps best known for his...
IA 14.3 mi Asphalt, Grass, Gravel
Overview The Great River Trail is a breathtaking journey along more than 60 miles of the Mississippi River in northern Illinois. In places, the paved trail follows the former spur route of the...
IL 63.3 mi Asphalt
NOTE: A State Trail Pass ($25 annually/$5 daily) is required for bicyclists and in-line skaters ages 16 and older. Snowmobilers must display either a Wisconsin registration or a snowmobile State Trail...
WI 39.1 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
The Pecatonica State Trail is never far from water as it takes the easygoing Bonner Branch Valley through the rolling hills and rocky bluffs of southwest Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, a region that the...
WI 10 mi Crushed Stone
The Pony Hollow Trail in the northeastern Iowa city of Elkader offers a scenic route through woodlands and wetlands along the former Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad bed. The western half of...
IA 3.6 mi Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass
Accordion
Just as the charming little city of Bellevue lies nestled against the banks of the Mississippi River, the Bellevue Rivervue Trail lies nestled in the corridor between the active rail line and the...
IA 2.3 mi Asphalt
The Forest Hills Trail is a nice multi-use recreation trail that forms a circuit around a subdivision in the city of Asbury, just west of Dubuque. Perfect for walking, jogging, and other forms of...
IA 1.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Manchester Walkway/Bikeway Trails are a network of concrete paths that form a disconnected circuit around the small city of Manchester, Iowa. The pathway provides a great opportunity for cyclists...
IA 3.5 mi Concrete
A spacious path easily identifiable by it's red-patterned concrete, the Mississippi Riverwalk Trail runs just under a mile along the river, connecting some of Dubuque's major tourist attractions and...
IA 0.95 mi Concrete
Providing over four and a half miles of smooth asphalt trail, perfect for commuting or recreation, the Northwest Arterial Trail helps adds off-road connectivity to Dubuque's western suburbs and also...
IA 4.8 mi Asphalt
Paul Skeffington Memorial Trail is a 5-mile pathway in Dewitt, Iowa. The trail provides safe, well-shaded access from residential neighborhoods to the 100 acre Westbrook Park. It includes a concrete...
IA 5 mi Asphalt
The Sanders Creek Trail begins on the north end of Boscobel and winds southward through town along its namesake creek. The paved pathway offers a pleasant experience in a greenspace bordering quiet...
WI 1.1 mi Concrete
Built on the same route that a streetcar once used to carry passengers to the impressive overlooks of Eagle Point Park, the half-mile long Trolley Line Trail provides a convenient and scenic means of...
IA 0.57 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Wisconsin River Trail is a developing pathway which will one day connect the communities of Boscobel, Woodman, and Wauzeka in southwestern Wisconsin. The loop trail will be built in four phases...
WI 0.4 mi Concrete

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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