The best cycling routes around Hiawatha
4.6
(10)
165
riders
19
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Touring cycling around Hiawatha offers routes through a landscape characterized by forests, rivers, and lakes. The region provides a mix of terrain, from flat, accessible paths along former railway lines to more varied routes through natural areas. Cyclists can expect to encounter diverse ecosystems and water features, contributing to a varied riding experience. The elevation changes are generally gentle, making many routes suitable for different skill levels.
Best touring cycling routes around Hiawatha
- The most popular touring cycling route is…
Last updated: June 25, 2026
33.1km
02:06
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
33
riders
52.5km
03:08
260m
260m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
18
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
riders
28.5km
01:40
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
27.8km
01:38
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Hiawatha
Tips from the Community
Indian Creek Nature Center is a beautiful green space with several miles of trails, a nature playscape, and some bird watching areas. The trails have a mix of easy, flat dirts roads and some trails geared more towards mountain bikes.
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Ely is a historic town in the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area. Settled in 1872, it was an important stop along the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railway. There are still several historic structures in the city, including the Ely School House and Dows Street Historic District.
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The Tree of Five Seasons monument is a symbol of the city's resilience. It is made of five steel pillars, together in the shape of a tree, representing spring, summer, fall, winter, and the fifth season, which is a symbol of Cedar Rapids ability to adapt and thrive. Built in 1976 to commemorate the city's recovery from a devastating flood, it is a beloved landmark of the community.
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This is a great place to cross the Cedar River. The 16th Avenue Bridge (Bridge of Lions) is a locally renowned bridge that is open to cars, bikes, and pedestrians. You can visit the Czech side and the Slovak side of the town via this bridge. Both sides of the town are interesting, with plenty of shopping and eating places. The best thing for the cyclist, however, is that the views over the Cedar River from here are superb, especially upstream.
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West Finger Lake along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail showcases nature's beauty with its serene waters reflecting the surrounding landscape. Lined by lush greenery, the trail offers scenic views of the lake and its tranquil surroundings, providing a peaceful and appealing experience for hikers and cyclists.
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Cedar Lake is a distinctive body of water, bordered by the Union Pacific Rail Yard on one side and the interstate on the other. It remains hidden from view until you reach the Cedar Lake Trail. Despite its urban surroundings, this lake serves as a pleasant escape. The southeast shore features the Cedar Lake Trail, providing nice views over the water and open to pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists.
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The Sac and Fox Trail is a 7.2-mile crushed limestone trail that follows the Cedar River. This trail is the oldest National Recreation Trail in the state of Iowa.
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Cedar Lake Loop is a paved 1.6-mile paved trail that encircles Cedar Lake in Prairie Park. This path connects to the Sac and Fox trail.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Hiawatha?
There are over 15 touring cycling routes around Hiawatha, offering a variety of experiences. These include 9 easy routes and 6 moderate routes, catering to different skill levels.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Hiawatha offers several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. An excellent option is the Prairie Park – Sac and Fox Trail loop from Brendelwood Village Condominiums, which is 14.3 miles (23.0 km) long and leads through parkland and along the Sac and Fox Trail. Another easy route is the Cedar Lake – West Finger Lake loop from Bowman Square, covering 28.7 km.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Hiawatha?
The touring cycling routes in Hiawatha feature a mix of terrain, often characterized by paths along former railway lines, as well as routes through natural areas with forests, rivers, and lakes. You can expect both paved and unpaved surfaces, with generally gentle elevation changes, making many routes accessible for various skill levels.
Are there any longer touring cycling routes for more experienced cyclists?
For those seeking a longer ride, the Tree of Five Seasons – Cedar Valley Nature Trail loop from Brendelwood Village Condominiums is a moderate 37.7 miles (60.7 km) path. This route follows the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, offering scenic views and a more extended cycling experience.
What are the most scenic routes for touring cycling in Hiawatha?
Many routes in Hiawatha offer scenic views, particularly those that follow the Cedar Valley Nature Trail or loop around Cedar Lake. The Cedar Lake Loop via Sac & Fox Trail — Marion, for instance, winds around Cedar Lake, providing picturesque water views. Routes along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail also offer beautiful natural landscapes.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Hiawatha?
Yes, many touring cycling routes in Hiawatha are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Cedar Lake Loop via Sac & Fox Trail — Marion and the Prairie Park – Sac and Fox Trail loop from Brendelwood Village Condominiums.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Hiawatha?
The touring cycling routes in Hiawatha are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 2 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse ecosystems, water features, and the mix of terrain that contributes to a varied riding experience.
Are there any routes that pass by significant natural features or landmarks?
Routes like the Cedar Lake – Tree of Five Seasons loop from Cedar Valley Nature Trail Parking will take you past Cedar Lake and along sections of the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, which is known for its natural beauty. The region itself is characterized by forests, rivers, and lakes, offering a pleasant natural backdrop for your ride.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Hiawatha?
While specific seasonal details are not provided, regions with forests, rivers, and lakes typically offer pleasant cycling conditions during spring, summer, and fall. Fall, in particular, can bring spectacular displays of foliage, enhancing the scenic beauty of the trails.
Are there any touring cycling routes that are particularly good for wildlife spotting?
Routes that traverse natural areas, such as those along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail or around Cedar Lake, offer opportunities for wildlife observation. The region's diverse ecosystems, including forests and wetlands, are home to various birds and small animals, making for a more engaging ride.
Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes in Hiawatha?
Many routes, such as the Cedar Lake – Tree of Five Seasons loop, indicate starting points like 'Cedar Valley Nature Trail Parking,' suggesting dedicated parking facilities are available at trailheads or access points for cyclists.
Most popular routes around Hiawatha
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