Greenhill Trail

Forging a link between the South Riverside Trail (and the smaller, unpaved Trolley Trail) on one end and the Cedar Prairie Trail on the other, the Greenhill Trail is a key component in the expansive network of trails in Waterloo and Cedar Falls. While the trails it connects to make use of former railroad corridors, the Greenhill Trail is built along the side of Greenhill Road; although not the most scenic corridor, it provides off-road access to many parks and destinations and is separated from the roadway by a berm of grass for most of the route (and even chainlink fence for several stretches).

The northern end of the trail meets up with the aforementioned South Riverside Trail, which follows the south bank of the Cedar River into Cedar Falls and Waterloo. Heading south, the Greenhill Trail cuts through Valley View Park, a local park replete with recreational amenities including play and picnic areas, as well as restrooms and water fountains. Several schools are located within easy reach of the trail, making it a useful means for students to walk or bike to school. At El Dorado Heights Park, home to more playgrounds and picnic areas, the trail meets up with the Cedar Prairie Trail, which gives trail users the option of taking its lovely tree-lined corridor up into Cedar Falls. The Greenhill Trail continues just a short distance further west, coming to an end at Hudson Road just past another park operated by the City of Cedar Falls. A few blocks north, the Hudson Road Trail starts up and runs through the campus of the University of Northern Iowa and beyond.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking and restroom facilities are available at Valley View Park near the northeastern side of the trail, on Maynard Avenue just past the intersection with Greenhill Road. Additional parking is available along the trail at Miriam's Park, on Sager Avenue just south of Greenhill Road and east of Progress Avenue. On-street parking may be available at El Dorado Heights Park; be sure to follow any posted parking signs. There is also a trailhead on the Cedar Prairie Trail with restrooms and parking about a half mile south of the park, at the intersection of Quesada Avenue and Kael Trail.