Find the top rated mountain biking trails in Marion, whether you're looking for an easy short mountain biking trail or a long mountain biking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a mountain biking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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,...
The Great American Rail-Trail highlights some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, well-known geography and storied history across a 3,700-miles-plus route between Washington and Washington....
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...
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...
The Great American Rail-Trail highlights some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, well-known geography and storied history across a 3,700-miles-plus route between Washington and Washington....
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...
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,...
Although short, the Lindale Trail provides an important off-road east-west connection between Cedar Rapids and Marion. The tree-lined route, along the former Canadian National Railway, is nestled...
About 8 miles of the Grant Wood Trail in Linn County has been constructed so far (2012) along a former Milwaukee Road right-of-way between Marion and Martelle. The trail currently is in three separate...
About 8 miles of the Grant Wood Trail in Linn County has been constructed so far (2012) along a former Milwaukee Road right-of-way between Marion and Martelle. The trail currently is in three separate...
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...
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,...
Although short, the Lindale Trail provides an important off-road east-west connection between Cedar Rapids and Marion. The tree-lined route, along the former Canadian National Railway, is nestled...
The Great American Rail-Trail highlights some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, well-known geography and storied history across a 3,700-miles-plus route between Washington and Washington....
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...
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...
Had a nice, slightly windy 70 degree day in november and rode from Vinton to Dysart. Only saw 3 or 4 people on the round trip. Ride is flat and trail well maintained except near Dysart where there were a few trees down (but you could get around) and one bridge that was blocked with a detour sign although i did cross it and it seemed fine. Nice views of farms, a few bridges over creeks and once over the Cedar River. You can stop midway in Garrison and there is about a mile paved extension in Vinton. You could do it on a road bike if its dry although a hybrid might be a bit better. I had my mt bike and that was fine. It was past the nice leaf time but earlier in the fall and I would guess spring/summer there are enough trees it would be quite pretty. Very nice overall and i liked the low usage for the solitude. There are about five parking spots at the trailhead in Vinton (right at the end of 8th street and in Dysart it runs right through town so seemed like a lot of spots.
This is a beautiful section of trail for walking, running, biking. It is one of my favorite trails to ride when in Iowa. Rather flat paved path that runs along the river, and tree covered for a shady ride on warmer days.
If you enjoy biking on non-paved trails, the Solon - Lake Macbride Recreation Trail is a five star trail. If you prefer wider, paved trails, then this is a four-star trail for you. I prefer paved trails but I wanted to explore this route, and I’m so glad I did! The difficult thing for me was the loose rock and the occasional ruts. I really had to pay attention to the path. But the best thing about this trail is the location. You ride through wooded areas and Prairie, and along the lake. It’s unbeatable for the view! Park at the Solon Recreation and Nature Area, where there is a huge parking lot. There are also restrooms there. The Hoover Nature Trail to Ely starts at the north end of the parking lot. This is where you go to catch the Solon - Lake MacBride Trail. After a couple miles of paved trail, you will see the starting point of this trail on the left, heading west. As noted the trail is crushed stone, but about halfway there is a short section where you ride on the park road before getting back to the crushed stone trail. The trail is mostly flat, but there are a few gentle hills on the east/beginning point. However at the west/end of the trail, there is a huge hill! If you are not used to climbing hills on this kind of trail, you might just want to turn around at the base of the hill. I rode this trail on a beautiful August Saturday morning and there was not a lot of traffic. There were a few people walking or jogging, mostly on the east end, but I had the rest of the trail basically to myself with the exception of 2 or 3 bicycles. If you’re riding with kids or if you are a naturalist at heart, there are some great places to pull over and sit at the lake or explore the Prairie.
I rode this trail from Sageville to Farley and back for a total of 41 miles. I exited at Farley and rode through the town and re-entered the trail at Boge Road for the return ride. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the trail and all it's beauty. It was as though I was riding on a paved trail. I'm from Southern California and currently on a motorhome trip visiting relatives in the area. I highly recommend that anyone traveling through the area take the time to ride any portion of this trail.
I’ve ridden this trail from the Mehaffey Bridge South to the I-80 overpass. It’s a nice wide paved trail in great condition. It goes through North Liberty and then south into Iowa City. There are some pretty big hills in this section, but nothing unmanageable. There’s lots to look at along the way, and some opportunities for side trips, like through Waterworks Prairie Park which was very nice! At the far south end the trail loops around Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, which is a great place to spend some time. They have kayaking and other water sports. You could easily spend half a day enjoying this trail.
A moderate level trail primarily because has some loose gravel and a few grade changes. Worth the trip along the lake and many beautiful wildflower prarie restorations. Doesn’t disappoint.
Well maintained wide crushed limestone trail with a few gentle upgrades good for all levels of riders. Beautiful tree canopies, rustic bridges, and streams. Many people access points from Dubuque to Dyersville
Only did upper half. Lower half is having a bridge replaced and is closed. Talked to Parks and Rec they said it was a two year project so probably won’t be open the full way until 2022. Upper part is a nice walk and mostly shaded.
I was riding west on the American Discovery Trail. When I reached the Hoover Nature Trail I was extremely disappointed. My wife was meeting me there to ride this section but it was totally overgrown! No way to ride it. I would have rated this a zero if possible.
This 26 mile trail is beautiful for running and biking. It follows a small river valley over many bridges with great scenery. It is a popular trail for fitness enthusiasts and families alike.
We rode this trail from Toulon to Princeville today. It was great! The path was very good. It is mostly shaded. Excellent. We stopped in Wyoming on our way back for lunch. Ate at 111 Coffee Shop. Don’t be fooled, this is NOT just a coffee shop. The lunch was delicious. And it is decorated all with bikes! Perfect for us bikers. And check out the bathroom. Cute!!! Can’t wait to do more of the route from Princeville going south.
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