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 Tiffin and Coralville on the outskirts of Iowa City. The trail is currently broken up between Tiffin and Coralville due to the highway interchange, although work is underway to fully close the gap with highway underpasses (officials hope to complete the work by the end of 2021).
In the meanwhile, however, trail users can enjoy a smooth and relatively flat ride or jog along the side of the creek. The corridor offers shade for the majority of the route, with the tall oaks and maples providing a lovely accompaniment for the trail - particularly during the fall, as the corridor is transformed into gorgeous shades of yellow and red. Winding along the creek as it heads east to the Iowa River, the trail passes by a number of popular local destinations such as the Creekside Ballpark, the Coral Ridge Mall, and the athletic facilities at the western edge of the campus of the University of Iowa.
The Clear Creek Trail also acts as an integral part of the Iowa City area trail network, with connections to multiple other trails in the regional system. At the Coral Ridge Mall, the trail leads to the beginning of the North Ridge Trail, which continues north all the way into the suburb of North Liberty. On the eastern end of the trail, a number of smaller paths link up with the Clear Creek Trail, as well as a segment of the lengthy Iowa River Corridor Trail, enabling trail users to continue their journey along the shores of the Iowa River.
Giving nearby residents and visitors alike the chance to get out and experience the wonderful natural environment that surrounds Iowa City, the Clear Creek Trail also helps to connect communities together and gives people a safe and pleasant pathway for off-road transportation.
Parking is available along the trail at the trailhead located off of Camp Cardinal Boulevard in Coralville, and at the eastern end of the trail at the athletic field lots located off of 1st Avenue and Hawkeye Park Road. Parking for the trail in Tiffin is available at the baseball and soccer fields on the eastern side of town, off of E Marengo Road.
Parking for the Tiffin segment can be found at the Ireland Avenue trailhead and at the current endpoint at Half Moon Avenue. Work is underway to extend this segment west to Kent Park.
Beautiful path, partly through woods. Scenic, quiet and not very busy.
Great trail paved and clean. Still under construction though. Will give 5 stars once its finished.
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