Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Mehaffey Bridge – Clear Creek Trail loop from Macbride Nature Recreation Area

Mehaffey Bridge – Clear Creek Trail loop from Macbride Nature Recreation Area

Moderate

3.3

(4)

riders

Mehaffey Bridge – Clear Creek Trail loop from Macbride Nature Recreation Area

02:10

39.9km

240m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 11, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 5.02 km for 222 m

After 21.5 km for 50 m

After 35.5 km for 222 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

444 m

Iowa River Corridor Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Totaling just over 18 miles, the Iowa River Corridor Trail is an incredible way to explore or commute between Iowa City and North Liberty. There are multiple intersections with other …

Tip by

14.5 km

Clear Creek Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Concrete path along the creek. Shady to sunny, bathroom along the way.

Tip by

15.8 km

Tom Harkin Trailhead

Highlight • Rest Area

In addition to serving as a trailhead for a number of trails, you'll also find shelter, bathroom and bike repair station here. It's a great place to start and/or end your ride.

Tip by

19.0 km

Clear Creek Trail Pedestrian Bridge

Highlight (Segment) • Bridge

This is a paved greenway used by cyclists, walkers and runners that meanders alongside the scenic Clear Creek. There is plenty of shade from the sunshine and a variety of …

Tip by

39.9 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

34.5 km

4.30 km

689 m

398 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

35.3 km

4.21 km

177 m

153 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (250 m)

Lowest point (200 m)

Weather

Today

Friday 10 July

29°C

21°C

42 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 3.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

Want to know more?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Report restricted access

Description

If you're looking for a road cycling route that blends natural beauty with urban convenience, the Mehaffey Bridge – Clear Creek Trail loop from Macbride Nature Recreation Area is a solid choice. This moderate 24.8-mile (39.9 km) ride, with 777 feet (237 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 2 hours and 10 minutes, making it perfect for cyclists seeking a rewarding half-day adventure near Iowa City.

What to expect on Mehaffey Bridge – Clear Creek Trail loop from Macbride Nature Recreation Area

This loop offers a diverse journey, starting from the Macbride Nature Recreation Area with its expansive views of Coralville Lake and Lake Macbride. You'll pedal through scenic wooded areas, often shaded by tall oaks and maples, especially along the Clear Creek Trail, which meanders alongside the creek itself. While much of the route is paved and smooth, expect some hilly sections that contribute to its moderate difficulty rating, requiring good fitness. The scenery shifts from natural prairies and Devonian bedrock outcrops to passing by local points of interest like the Creekside Ballpark and Coral Ridge Mall, offering a varied visual experience.

Planning your visit

The Mehaffey Bridge – Clear Creek Trail loop begins at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area, which provides convenient access for cyclists. The paved sections of the Clear Creek Trail are accessible year-round, making it a reliable option in most seasons. For the best experience, consider cycling during the fall when the corridor transforms with beautiful shades of yellow and red, though any clear day offers pleasant riding conditions.

Trail details