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Iowa City, IA Birding Trails and Maps

269 Reviews

Looking for the best Birding trails around Iowa City?

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

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Name
Length
Most Popular

Cedar Valley Nature Trail

70.6 mi

State: IA

Asphalt

Central City Trail (IA)

3 mi

State: IA

Concrete

Clear Creek Trail (IA)

8 mi

State: IA

Concrete

Court Hill Trail

2.8 mi

State: IA

Concrete

Duck Creek Recreational Trail

13.5 mi

State: IA

Asphalt

Eldridge/Long Grove Trail

4.5 mi

State: IA

Asphalt, Concrete

Fairfield Loop Trail

16 mi

State: IA

Concrete, Crushed Stone, Gravel

Gilroy Rustic Park Trail

0.5 mi

State: IA

Ballast, Grass

Grant Wood Trail (Jones County Segment)

2.7 mi

State: IA

Crushed Stone

Great American Rail-Trail

3743.9 mi

State: DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MT, NE, OH, PA, WA, WV, WY

Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone

Iowa River Corridor Trail

18.2 mi

State: IA

Asphalt, Concrete

Kewash Nature Trail

13.8 mi

State: IA

Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Mississippi River Trail (Riverdale to Davenport)

14.3 mi

State: IA

Asphalt, Concrete

Mormon Handcart Trail

0.5 mi

State: IA

Asphalt

Mount Pleasant Recreational Trails

8.3 mi

State: IA

Concrete

Running River Trail System (Riverside Park)

5.3 mi

State: IA

Asphalt

Sac and Fox Trail

7.2 mi

State: IA

Concrete, Crushed Stone

Solon-Lake Macbride Recreation Trail

5.3 mi

State: IA

Crushed Stone

Grant Wood Trail (Linn County Segment)

15 mi

State: IA

Asphalt, Grass, Gravel

Great River Trail

63.3 mi

State: IL

Asphalt

Accordion

Hennepin Canal State Trail

93 mi

State: IL

Asphalt, Grass, Gravel

Kent Stein to Deep Lakes Park Trail

4 mi

State: IA

Asphalt

Old Creamery Nature Trail

15.3 mi

State: IA

Cinder, Crushed Stone, Gravel

Boyson Trail

3.4 mi

State: IA

Crushed Stone

Hoover Nature Trail

27.7 mi

State: IA

Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Grass, Gravel

Mormon Trek/Coralville Strip Nature Trail

0.8 mi

State: IA

Concrete

CEMAR Trail

5.4 mi

State: IA

Asphalt

Cedar Street Trail

1.2 mi

State: IA

Asphalt

Coral Ridge Avenue Trail

1.5 mi

State: IA

Concrete

Dovetail Recreation Trail

1.3 mi

State: IA

Concrete

Edgewood Trail

1.2 mi

State: IA

Concrete

Ellis Trail

3.5 mi

State: IA

Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Great American Rail-Trail, Great Plains

567 mi

State: IA, NE

Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel

Hershey Avenue Trail

0.7 mi

State: IA

Asphalt

Highway 1 Trail

1.2 mi

State: IA

Concrete

Highway 6 Trail

1 mi

State: IA

Concrete

Lester Matzen Bike Path

1 mi

State: IA

Asphalt

Lower Finkbine Trail

0.9 mi

State: IA

Concrete

Muddy Creek Trail

1.8 mi

State: IA

Concrete

North Ridge Trail

6.5 mi

State: IA

Asphalt, Concrete

Oakdale Boulevard Trail

3.7 mi

State: IA

Concrete

Ranshaw Way Trail

1.4 mi

State: IA

Concrete

Sycamore Greenway Trail

2 mi

State: IA

Asphalt

Westside Trail (IA)

0.4 mi

State: IA

Asphalt

Willow Creek Trail (IA)

1.6 mi

State: IA

Asphalt

Trail Image	Trail Name	States	Length	Surface	Rating
	Cedar Valley Nature Trail The Cedar Valley Nature Trail follows the fertile Cedar River between Evansdale and Ely. The 70.6-mile trail comprises three former trails—the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, the Cedar River Trail, and...	IA	70.6 mi	Asphalt	35 reviews
	Central City Trail (IA) 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	1 reviews
	Clear Creek Trail (IA) The Clear Creek Trail is a paved trail for cyclists and pedestrians that spans a lengthy, beautifully-wooded corridor along the Clear Creek, which travels along the southern edge of the communities of...	IA	8 mi	Concrete	5 reviews
	Court Hill Trail The Court Hill Trail is a concrete pathway that provides a connection between four local parks in the neighborhoods of eastern Iowa City. Starting in the west at Creekside Park, the trail passes...	IA	2.8 mi	Concrete	1 reviews
	Duck Creek Recreational Trail The Duck Creek Recreational Trail, also known as Duck Creek Parkway Trail, traverses three riverfront cities in the Quad Cities region of eastern Iowa, offering residents the opportunity for a...	IA	13.5 mi	Asphalt	13 reviews
	Eldridge/Long Grove Trail Running between the rural communities of Eldridge and Long Grove to the north of Davenport, the 4.5-mile Eldridge/Long Grove Trail provides a great recreational asset to these small, quiet suburbs....	IA	4.5 mi	Asphalt, Concrete	1 reviews
	Fairfield Loop Trail The Fairfield Loop Trail forms a 16-mile ring around the town of Fairfield, mostly in the outlying areas of the countryside. The trail links two major preserves and connects city and county parks....	IA	16 mi	Concrete, Crushed Stone, Gravel	12 reviews
	Gilroy Rustic Park Trail 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	2 reviews
	Grant Wood Trail (Jones County Segment) 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	3 reviews
	Great American Rail-Trail Note: This developing route is not yet fully contiguous – it is just over 50% complete. Please refer to the Trail Map for more information on the existing sections of trail, as well as the online...	DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MT, NE, OH, PA, WA, WV, WY	3743.9 mi	Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone	11 reviews
	Iowa River Corridor Trail Meandering along the Iowa River through Iowa City and North Liberty, this trail offers residents and visitors alike with an invaluable off-road link between the two cities. Numerous offshoots of the...	IA	18.2 mi	Asphalt, Concrete	3 reviews
	Kewash Nature Trail The Kewash Nature Trail winds for nearly 14 miles between the towns of Keota and Washington. These endpoints were creatively combined to form the trail's name. The trail has a crushed limestone...	IA	13.8 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone	11 reviews
	Mississippi River Trail (Riverdale to Davenport) The Mississippi River Trail in Scott County resembles the setting of a Mark Twain novel as it travels 13.5 miles along its namesake within sight of barges, riverboats, and marine-related businesses...	IA	14.3 mi	Asphalt, Concrete	13 reviews
	Mormon Handcart Trail Located in a creekside park on the outskirts of the campus of the Univeristy of Iowa, visitors who travel on the Mormon Handcart Trail will learn quite a bit about the journey that the Mormon handcart...	IA	0.5 mi	Asphalt	1 reviews
	Mount Pleasant Recreational Trails The small community of Mount Pleasant, Iowa is home to a nice, long series of recreational trails and sidepaths. The trail system enables many residents to easily get around the community by foot or...	IA	8.3 mi	Concrete	2 reviews
	Running River Trail System (Riverside Park) Muscatine’s Running River Trail System offers paved and unpaved routes crossing the riverside city. One of the most beloved segments sits right on the water’s edge: The Riverside Trail is 5.3 miles of...	IA	5.3 mi	Asphalt	3 reviews
	Sac and Fox Trail The Sac and Fox Trail offers 7.2 miles of beautiful, shady recreation along the Cedar River and Indian Creek on the outskirts of Cedar Rapids. The oldest designated National Recreation Trail in Iowa,...	IA	7.2 mi	Concrete, Crushed Stone	3 reviews
	Solon-Lake Macbride Recreation Trail The SolonLake Macbride Recreation Trail runs for 5 miles between the scenic state park and the town of Solon to the east. The popular trail is perfect for cycling or walking and skiing or...	IA	5.3 mi	Crushed Stone	4 reviews
	Grant Wood Trail (Linn County Segment) 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	15 mi	Asphalt, Grass, Gravel	7 reviews
	Great River Trail 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 Chicago, St....	IL	63.3 mi	Asphalt	49 reviews

Accordion

Hennepin Canal State Trail The Hennepin Canal State Trail stretches for 93 miles in northwest Illinois along an old canal towpath. The trail is administered as a State Park by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and...	IL	93 mi	Asphalt, Grass, Gravel	72 reviews
Kent Stein to Deep Lakes Park Trail The Kent Stein to Deep Lakes Park Trail (also known as the Wiggens Road Trail) provides an important connector in the southeast Iowa community of Muscatine, which is separated from Illinois by the...	IA	4 mi	Asphalt	2 reviews
Old Creamery Nature Trail The Old Creamery Nature Trail, running between Vinton and Dysart, is so named for the Old Creamery Theater Company building in Garrison, another tiny farm community through which the trail passes. The...	IA	15.3 mi	Cinder, Crushed Stone, Gravel	7 reviews
Boyson Trail The tranquil, tree-lined Boyson Trail runs along Indian Creek and Dry Creek in western Marion. The crushed limestone trail connects neighborhoods, shopping areas, and several parks (north to south):...	IA	3.4 mi	Crushed Stone	1 reviews
Hoover Nature Trail The Hoover Nature Trail is a developing rail-trail in southeastern Iowa being built on a former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad right-of-way. The trail is named for President Herbert Hoover,...	IA	27.7 mi	Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Grass, Gravel	5 reviews
Mormon Trek/Coralville Strip Nature Trail Passing over the same ground that Mormon pioneers once crossed on their way out west, the Mormon Trek/Coralville Strip Nature Trail provides a welcome dose of historical reflection and natural beauty...	IA	0.8 mi	Concrete	2 reviews
CEMAR Trail The CeMar Trail between Cedar Rapids and Marion, in eastern Iowa, continues to take shape. As of 2023, there are over five miles open for use. The trail was pitched in 1992 and it took a decade to see...	IA	5.4 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Cedar Street Trail The Cedar Street Trail begins on Houser Street in northwest Muscatine and runs until Parham Road over a mile east. It’s a neighborhood trail connecting residents to the homes, schools, businesses,...	IA	1.2 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Coral Ridge Avenue Trail While you might have to look a bit far afield to find any living reefs near the city of Coralville, Iowa, you don't have to look far to find a nice trail for biking and walking, thanks to the Coral...	IA	1.5 mi	Concrete	0 reviews
Dovetail Recreation Trail The Dovetail Recreation Trail is a short community pathway that runs through developing neighborhoods in the eastern edge of the suburb of Coralville, just north of Iowa City. The concrete trail...	IA	1.3 mi	Concrete	0 reviews
Edgewood Trail The Edgewood multiuse trail connects residents along Edgewood Road to the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The concrete trail sits in the grassy margin of the road, and stretches from O Avenue...	IA	1.2 mi	Concrete	0 reviews
Ellis Trail Ellis Trail gets you as close to the Cedar River as you can get without getting your feet wet. The paved path traces the west bank of the river, running for over three miles one-way, with a sidewalk...	IA	3.5 mi	Asphalt, Crushed Stone	0 reviews
Great American Rail-Trail, Great Plains The Great Plains portion of the Great American Rail-Trail runs through Iowa and Nebraska for more than 500 miles and will comprise more than 1,060 when complete. The Great Plains region evokes...	IA, NE	567 mi	Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel	0 reviews
Hershey Avenue Trail The Hershey Avenue Trail, paralleling its namesake roadway for just under a mile, serves as an east-west connector for the City of Muscatine. The paved pathway begins at the intersection of Hershey...	IA	0.7 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Highway 1 Trail The Highway 1 Trail is an urban sidepath trail that follows a stretch of the highway through southwestern Iowa City, providing a useful commuting alternative to the busy roadway. The trail, while...	IA	1.2 mi	Concrete	0 reviews
Highway 6 Trail A sidepath trail that runs follows a section of highway east of the Iowa River in Iowa City, the Highway 6 Trail is a paved pathway that helps connect residents with shopping destinations and...	IA	1 mi	Concrete	0 reviews
Lester Matzen Bike Path The Lester Matzen Bike Path is named in memory of an Eldridge man who is fondly remembered for collecting and restoring bicycles. The trail stretches along Le Claire Road between 1st Street and 18th...	IA	1 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Lower Finkbine Trail A concrete pathway that runs for just shy of a mile, the Lower Finkbine Trail forms a crucial link in the Iowa City area's multi-use trail network, connecting residents of the University Heights...	IA	0.9 mi	Concrete	0 reviews
Muddy Creek Trail The Muddy Creek Trail is a paved, multi-use trail that runs through the suburban community of Coralville, following the route of the small creek through residential neighborhoods and lovely wooded...	IA	1.8 mi	Concrete	0 reviews
North Ridge Trail The North Ridge Trail is a real gem of a trail, located northwest of Iowa City in the suburban communities of Coralville and North Liberty - the trail is the result of the combination of the North...	IA	6.5 mi	Asphalt, Concrete	0 reviews
Oakdale Boulevard Trail The Oakdale Boulevard Trail is a sidepath trail that runs along the north side of Oakdale Boulevard through suburban Coralville, Iowa. While most of the trail is little more than a wide sidewalk,...	IA	3.7 mi	Concrete	0 reviews
Ranshaw Way Trail The Ranshaw Way Trail is a sidepath trail for biking and walking in the suburban community of North Liberty, outside Iowa City. The trail runs along the side of Ranshaw Way/Highway 965 for over a...	IA	1.4 mi	Concrete	0 reviews
Sycamore Greenway Trail Iowa City's Sycamore Greenway Trail is a paved trail running alongside the Sycamore Greenway, a stormwater management system comprising a series of cells planted with native flowers and grasses, which...	IA	2 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Westside Trail (IA) One day spanning 1.75 miles, the Westside Trail will serve as an important connector in the southeast Iowa community of Muscatine, providing access to Kent Stein Park and Discovery Park. Currently,...	IA	0.4 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews
Willow Creek Trail (IA) Located amid residential neighborhoods in southwestern Iowa City, the Willow Creek Trail is a paved, multi-use trail that follows the course of its namesake waterway for about a mile and a half. The...	IA	1.6 mi	Asphalt	0 reviews

Recent Trail Reviews

Old Creamery Nature Trail

Sunny Sunday ride

August, 2026 by traillink user

We parked at the trailhead in Dysart; first riding west to the end of the paved trail, then on to the main trail. The first several miles are not maintained all that well; lots of small sink holes that need repair, and one very large low portion completely flooded by recent rains. The trail is basically rural along its entirety; not much population nor competition with other users. We did occur several people walking dogs so be conscious of their needs. Sections where there is heavy shade, as well as exposed to the sun. Overall the trail is nice and relatively private. At the “midpoint” in Garrison, there is a nice rest stop that has water as another stated, as well as a bike repair station. Trail arrives in Vinton; not sure where it leads to there as we turned around. There’s are some sections where it’s clear the trail nee

Cedar Valley Nature Trail

Great ride Laporte to Center Point

June, 2026 by lindag01bike

While I’d ridden the northern portion from Evansdale to Gilbertville which is a bit bumpy , this was my first ride past Urbana on newly paved trail. We started in LaPorte City and rode 26 miles to Center Point and back. Very nice smooth riding. Loved the coffee / ice cream shop right next to the trail in Urbana. Center Point has a restaurant just a block off the Iowa cross street . It’s a beautiful trail with lots of birds and we saw a couple deer. Plenty of other cyclists , more the further south we went. Great portion of the trail , I’ll look forward to exploring further south .

Hennepin Canal State Trail

Sterling to Tampico ride

June, 2026 by ericevan

Hennepin segment in this review: Sterling to Tampico
Bike: Specialized Sirus hybrid
Type of biker: casual, but I bike daily and can handle 25-35 mile rides
Weather: sunny, warm, upper 70's and dry.
Trail conditions: dry
Bike recommendation: no street bikes. Perfect for hybrid and mountain.
Other recommendations: sun protection, excess water, small protein bar or similar, phone, sunglasses, small towelette for sweat.

I started this trail at its entrance on the Sterling side of the Rock River.
Crossing the Rock was a nice starter. On the western dam side, a group of pelicans and their babies swam in the water. Can't say I've ever seen pelicans in Illinois before.
Once you reach the Rock Falls side the trail adjoins the Hennepin canal for the rest of the ride. In warm weather you're likely to see a lot of people fishing all the way down to the I88 underpass.
Heading south of I88 you aren't likely to see anyone. The trail is in decent shape being earthen based and I didn't see much more than small twigs on my ride south. There's easily a good 7-8 miles where you don't see much of anything manmade with the exception of crossing a road.
If you're a bird lover, this area will highly appeal. During my 25-mile journey I must have seen at least 50-75 orioles, a variety of blue colored birds, cardinals, several colors of finch, and a bird that has white tipped feathers that I've never seen before. I'm not a birder but they are beautiful to watch. The canal itself is clean with occasional turtles perched on logs.
There was only one spot on my segment with bathrooms, and that was closer to Tampico. The rest of the trail is devoid of bathrooms, benches and other amenities.

Some additional observations regarding this part of the trail:

Google maps indicate that a sunflower field is near the intersection of the trail and Star Road. There isn't. The area is entirely corn fields.

For rides longer than 5-10 miles, make sure to bring your own hydration and food. I bike daily and can handle long rides. But back here it gets rather warm. Water consumption for me was a little bit greater, and I even found a need to eat a protein bar to steady my energy level.

Importantly; a 25-mile ride back here will feel like well over 35. While the trail is in good shape, you do make a lot of dodges to avoid branches, twigs, holes, hanging bushes and other deterrents. The earthen path also slows your speed.

I didn't quite make it to downtown Tampico as I had original set out to do. My halfway point became Fargo Rd, at which point, I could see the little city of Tampico from a distance.

This leg of the trail completed my third on the Hennepin Canal Trail. It's a very peaceful trail with a lot of upside.
Cheers.

Accordion

Hoover Nature Trail

Over grown with grass most of the way. The underlying surface is reasonable. All that is needed is to be mowed. Then this section of Trail would be quite serviceable.

June, 2026 by kenbird07

Over grown with grass most of the way. The underlying surface is reasonable. All that is needed is to be mowed. Then this section of Trail would be quite serviceable.

Cedar Valley Nature Trail

quite rough

June, 2026 by julieganser

There’s some nice scenery but the asphalt is very rough in some parts. There’s a smooth stretch south of Waterloo…maybe 5 miles. We started at a park in Evansdale and intended on riding to Brandon but turned around at Gilbertsville…just wasn’t fun and there’s better trails in the area.

Great American Rail-Trail

Airbnb right on trail in Burgettstown

June, 2026 by dowiakp

Discovered this comfortable place with great accommodations for two bike travelers. They offer a pullout sofa if you do not wish to share a bed. Indoor bike storage with a comfy bed and a hot shower! Distillery right next-door and two restaurants to fuel up in the morning to get back on the trail. Close to the panhandle of West Virginia. Their name is Harmony Trail Haven on Airbnb.

Mississippi River Trail (Riverdale to Davenport)

industrial

May, 2026 by mlawlor72

Rode 12 miles out and back on this trail. Parked at Credit Island Park - lots of spaces for parking - and rode north. There are active and busy train tracks next to the trail and then on the other side is the Mississippi River. The route is industrial vibe scenic on the section I rode. I really enjoyed the trains. There is a section of the trail that is a detour onto the sidewalk for about 3 blocks around Quinlan Park (hope I remembered that name right). The blacktop/concrete trail surface is typical for this kind of ride next to industry. Some roots heaving up here and there but nothing too crazy. I’d recommend the ride because how Often do you get a chance to ride with trains, barges, and the mighty Mississippi River?!

Clear Creek Trail (IA)

Wonderful Trail

May, 2026 by tkoeppel

Wonderful trail from Iowa City to Tiffin. Fun to see how it winds under the interstate. Some shade, some sun. Could use a little more directional signage. Nicely maintained and ample benches to relax and enjoy nature.

Great American Rail-Trail

Highly recommend this beautiful and well kept trail. Beautiful to ride along the trees and over the 2 epic ohiopyle bridges.

May, 2026 by sarahraekratz

Highly recommend this beautiful and well kept trail. Beautiful to ride along the trees and over the 2 epic ohiopyle bridges.

Eldridge/Long Grove Trail

Have not walked but biked and very fun also little off road side trails very fun

December, 2025 by bloomingdalex3

Have not walked but biked and very fun also little off road side trails very fun

Clear Creek Trail (IA)

Great Trail

October, 2025 by hanrahanmaggie

Well maintained trail. Busy with very curved paths, must pay attention. Beautiful scenery

Hennepin Canal State Trail

September Ride

September, 2025 by danielkarl1957_tl

My son and I rode from the visitor center east to the first aqueduct, about 20 miles round trip. It was beautiful day, we took our time, looked for turtles and stopped at a Casey's in Wyanet for lunch. Keeping to a healthy diet I went for sausage pizza, Yoo-hoo and an iced sugar cookie. The trail was rough, and rougher in spots but not a problem on my gravel bike with 40 mm tires. My son rides a Synapse with 35 tires and did it have a problem. If you ride a road bike or prefer smooth trails this might not be for you. we enjoyed it.

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