The best running trails around Cedar Falls

Cedar Falls offers a wide variety of running experiences with over 20 routes documented on komoot. These routes cater to different preferences, from easy loops to more challenging runs, all within the extensive Cedar Valley Trails System and local parks.

Yes, Cedar Falls has several easy running routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed pace. An excellent option is the Running loop from North Prairie Lake, which is 2.2 miles (3.6 km) and leads through parkland and around the lake, often completed in about 22 minutes. Overall, 5 of the routes in the area are rated as easy.

The running trails in Cedar Falls primarily feature hard-surfaced, multi-use paths as part of the Cedar Valley Trails System, which boasts over 100 miles of paved trails. You'll also find soft trails and wooded environments, particularly within areas like Hartman Reserve Nature Center and George Wyth State Park, offering a mix of surfaces from asphalt to natural earth.

Absolutely. The Cedar River flows through the area, providing picturesque backdrops for many runs. The Cedar River – Hartman Reserve Nature Center loop from Cedar Falls offers scenic river views combined with the natural environment of the Hartman Reserve. Additionally, the South Riverside Trail, part of the Cedar Valley Trail System, follows the southern bank of the Cedar River, offering continuous water vistas.

Many of the multi-use trails within the Cedar Valley Trails System and local parks are dog-friendly, provided your pet is on a leash and you clean up after them. Areas like George Wyth State Park and Hartman Reserve Nature Center are popular choices for runners with dogs, offering ample space and natural surroundings.

Yes, the extensive Cedar Valley Trails System is ideal for families. Its hard-surfaced, multi-use paths are generally flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for all ages and even strollers. Parks like George Wyth State Park and Lookout Park also offer pleasant environments for family outings, often with additional amenities like playgrounds.

Parking is generally accessible at various points along the Cedar Valley Trails System and within the major parks. For instance, you can typically find parking at George Wyth State Park, Hartman Reserve Nature Center, and near Big Woods Lake, which serves as a starting point for routes like the Big Woods Lake – Big Woods Lake loop from Cedar Falls.

Cedar Falls is rich in natural beauty. You'll encounter the Cedar River, which gives the city its name, and its surrounding riverfront trails. The Hartman Reserve Nature Center offers a beautiful, wooded environment with diverse flora and fauna. George Wyth State Park features lakes and wooded areas, while Big Woods Lake provides open views. The entire Cedar Valley Trails System connects these various scenic points.

The Cedar Valley Trails System is perfect for long-distance runners, offering over 100 miles of interconnected trails. You can easily combine different sections to create runs of varying lengths, from a 10-mile loop through George Wyth State Park to a 50-mile journey across the Cedar Valley, providing ample opportunity for extended runs.

Cedar Falls offers great running opportunities year-round. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also popular, though it can be warm, so early morning or evening runs are often preferred. In winter, the hard-surfaced trails are often cleared, making them suitable for cold-weather running, and some parks offer cross-country skiing.

Yes, many of the running routes in Cedar Falls are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to start and end your run at the same point. Examples include the Big Woods Lake – Big Woods Lake loop from Cedar Falls and the Hartman Reserve Nature Center – Hartman Reserve Nature Center loop from Cedar Falls, which is 8.3 km (5.2 miles) and takes about 1 hour 2 minutes to complete.

Runners frequently praise the extensive and well-maintained Cedar Valley Trails System for its variety and accessibility. The natural beauty of areas like the Hartman Reserve Nature Center and the scenic views along the Cedar River are often highlighted. The interconnectedness of the trails allows for diverse running experiences, from peaceful wooded paths to open lakeside routes.