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 trail connects residents to a number of parks and destinations, including Kiwanis Park, Willow Creek Park, and West High School - making the trail an excellent option for walking or biking to school, and providing families with an easy means of getting to playgrounds and recreation sites. The city's parks and recreation department completed a total overhaul of the facilities at Willow Creek Park in 2019, with new, inclusive playground equipment and updated picnic and restroom facilities; all of which are conveniently located right off the trail!
The asphalt trail is wide and flat, beginning in the south at the end of Willow Creek Drive, just off of busy Highway 1. Most of the trail runs along a tree-lined corridor along the creek, offering plenty of shade for trail users, as well as some gorgeous foliage to accompany your walk or ride. There is only one road crossing on the trail, at the busy intersection of Benton Street and Mormon Trek Boulevard - the crossing is signalized and well-marked, but trail users should exercise caution as always. Follow the signs after the crossing to where the trail picks up again on the creekside, continuing west along the southern edge of the high school campus before coming to an end.
An excellent neighborhood recreation path that connects the community to local parks and schools, the Willow Creek Trail is another fine example of the region's commitment to providing residents with access to quality trails.
Parking is available along the trail at Kiwanis Park via the lot on Teg Drive just south of Woodbury Court, and on-street at Willow Creek Park further north on Teg Drive.
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