Biking in Cedar Rapids

Experience Cedar Rapids like many of our adventure seeking locals… on two wheels! Find the best trails, pit stops, gear shopping and more.

Oh the places you could go:

Boyson Trail – Enjoy a 2-mile bike ride on limestone trails in the City of Marion, which wind through several City parks and connect to the Grant Wood Trail as well as other local trail routes.

Cedar River Trail – The Cedar Riv­­­er Trail connects directly to the Cedar Valley Nature Trail making it a seamless transition to continue your adventure from Hiawatha on to Cedar Rapids. The trail totals 13 miles between the north and south section. Bike through Downtown Cedar Rapids and the NewBo Czech Village District to enjoy shopping, museums, dining and more.

Cedar Valley Nature Trail – If you’re in it for the long haul, the Cedar Valley Nature Trail is for you! With nearly 70 miles of trail between Waterloo and Ely, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and offerings of each community you pass through. The Cedar Valley Nature Trail is a key link of both The American Discovery Trail, America’s first coast-to-coast trail and the new Great American Rail Trail. When continuing south, out of Ely, the Cedar Valley Nature Trail joins the Hoover trail in Johnson County.

CeMar Trail - The CeMar Trail is an east/west trail spur off the Cedar Valley Nature Trail extending 2.6 miles from Cedar Lake to Cedar Rapids' eastern municipal boundary. Spending the day in Marion? Explore the Indian Creek Trail which traverses City parks and natural areas for 3.9 miles. Looking to extend the ride? Hop on the Grant Wood Trail for additional miles or continue onto the Tower Terrace Rd sidepaths! A future trail project will complete the connection from Cedar Rapids (the Ce in CeMar) to Marion (Mar) along this trail route spanning a combined 7.8 miles from Cedar Lake to Tower Terrace Rd.

Grant Wood Trail – Want an easy trip? Bike along the paved Grant Wood Trail, a spur off the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, alongan abandoned railway connecting Cedar Rapids and Marion! Travel 7 miles from Cedar Rapids to Waldo’s Rock in Marion, or continue on crushed limestone through Linn County for a longer trip. Make sure to stop in Uptown Marion for shopping, dining, and more!

Morgan Creek Trail/Cherokee Trail - Spanning three local parks, the Cherokee Trail extends Cherokee Park, Cherry Hill Park, and Morgan Creek Park. At Morgan Creek Park the Cherokee Trail transitions into the Morgan Creek Trail and continues northwest towards the Cedar River. Combined, the Cherokee and Morgan Creek Trails provide nearly 6 miles for trail users to explore.

Mount Trashmore – Take your bike on Cedar Rapids’ own mountain; Mount Trashmore! Take on the bikers-only path, “Trashmore Trail,” a gravity-fed flow trail with mountain biking features, or try the shorter route, “Overlook Trail,” that is open to walkers and bikers alike. The best part? Get a beautiful view of the City once you reach the top.

Sac & Fox Trail - Looking for a trail that is in touch with nature? Look no further! The Sac & Fox Trail is a 7.1-mile crushed limestone trail between the Prairie Park Fishery and East Post Road. This trail maneuvers alongside the Cedar River and Indian Creek. Trail users will be able to view wildlife and native environments along the majority of the trail. Many trail users will want to wear hiking boots or use a mountain bike along this route.

Mountain Biking – Thrill seekers rejoice! The Linn Area Mountain Biking Association has all you need to get on the trails around Cedar Rapids. Enjoy your experience at Beverly Park, Wanatee Park, or the Sac & Fox Singletrack.

View the Linn County Trails Map for more ideas

Bites, Brews and Bikes:

Take a break from your travels and stop at some of the local favorites just off Cedar Rapids area trails. Pedaler’s Fork has 108 beers on tap, crafted cocktails and a beautiful outdoor patio to enjoy the weather. Best of all, they are located right on the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. Next try the Sag Wagon near Cedar Lake in Downtown Cedar Rapids where you can start or end your bike rides with a game of bags and a drink. Travel to Czech Village next where you will find Kickstand! Enjoy the casual, fun atmosphere with great food and beer, an outdoor patio and live music.

Buy, Repair and Rent:

Looking for a new bike, a rental or just a tune-up before the season starts? Check out one of our historic area bike shops!

Located downtown directly off the Cedar Valley bicycle trail, Hall’s Bicycles has provided service and repair to the Cedar Rapids cycling community for over 120 years. The professional, full-time mechanics pride themselves on being a 4th generation, family-owned and operated business.

Open since 1925, Northtowne Cycling & Fitness is a 4th generation, family-owned independent bike dealer offering friendly expertise and information to cyclist of all interest and skill levels.

Specializing in everyday commuter bikes, road, cyclocross and adventure riding, Goldfinch Cyclery is a locally-owned place to dream up your next bike or consider your first. Built by people who love bicycles and see them as a perfect combination of design and function.

Don’t have a bike but still want to explore? Check out the Micromobility Program offered in Cedar Rapids! Conveniently check-out and rent a scooter, electric scooter or electric bike for short trips, returning them to a designated parking station once finished using. Bike lines are available in Downtown areas, and users must be 18 years or older to ride the bikes. Use the VeoRide mobile app to find the nearest bike or scooter, or look for bike rack stations throughout the following districts:

  • Downtown
  • New Bohemia
  • Czech Village
  • Kingston Village
  • MedQuarter

Book an overnight stay:

With so many trails to explore, stay at one of our amazing hotels, and explore the mouth-watering culinary scene.