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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 through Court Hill Park, Scott Park, and comes to an end in the east just a short distance away from Cardigan Park; taken as a whole, the trail gives nearby residents a fantastic means of exercise and transportation.
The Court Hill Trail follows the route of the small, quiet Ralston Creek as it winds its way through a series of parks and residential neighborhoods - the creek creates a surprisingly beautiful green corridor for the trail, with trees lining the route to provide shade and a natural, secluded feeling despite the nearby homes. The pathway is particularly lovely in the fall as the leaves turn, although be sure to exercise additional caution on wet days as leaves on the trail can make some of the slight up-and-down grades extra slippery.
On the western end, the trail passes just north of a popular shopping center off of Muscatine Avenue, giving residents a great option to walk or bike to their destination instead of driving. In the east, the trail reaches near the end of the city's current development, with massive expanses of gorgeous Iowa farmland lying just past the homes at the trail's end - the trail's presence helps to ensure that these areas remain connected with the rest of the city, joining disparate neighborhoods together.
Be advised that the trail does utilize a narrower stretch of sidewalk along Brookside Drive and Arbor Drive, between Court Hill Park and Scott Park, before returning to the wider path along the creek - cyclists should be prepared to slow down or bike on these quiet neighborhood roads for this short stretch.
Parking is available along the route at Creekside Park (6th Ave. & 7th Ave. Ct.), Scott Park (S Scott Blvd.), and at Cardigan Park in the east (Cardigan Lane). The city's Towncrest bus line also has a stop right outside Creekside Park and the trail at 5th Avenue and Muscatine Avenue.
This is a paved path that follows a nice wooded creek through the east side of Iowa City. Lots of little park areas & connector paths to various neighborhoods. Friendly people, attractive, safe & mostly tree-lined as well as with the ability to hear & see a creek. Occasional ducks! Perfect for dog-walking, kid walking & biking, indoor toilets & a drinking fountain mid-path. Includes a dog park at Scott Park. Not a hiking path for outdoor adventurers but perfect for a stroll or as part of a more strenuous walk, run, or ride.
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