The best gravel rides in Iowa

Komoot features over a dozen gravel biking routes across Iowa, offering a variety of experiences from moderate rides to more challenging adventures. You'll find routes exploring rolling hills, vast prairies, and scenic river valleys.

While most routes are moderate, many offer accessible terrain suitable for those new to gravel biking. For example, the Wabash Trace Trail – Tobey Jack's Steakhouse loop from Vincent Bluff Preserve is a moderate 40.6 km path that provides scenic views of the countryside and passes through small towns, making it a good option for a less strenuous ride.

For a more challenging ride with substantial elevation gain, consider the Gravel loop from West Ridge Cemetery. This difficult 98.6 km route features over 1150 meters of ascent, traversing diverse landscapes. Another challenging option is the Motor Mill Access loop from Elkader, a difficult 77.5 km route with over 950 meters of climbing.

Iowa's gravel trails offer diverse scenery, from classic Midwestern rolling hills and vast prairies to unique geological formations. You can experience the rugged Loess Hills in western Iowa, limestone bluffs and river valleys along the Mississippi, and dense forests in areas like Backbone State Park. Routes often follow rivers or pass through charming small towns.

Many routes offer scenic beauty. The Heritage Trail Truss Bridge loop from Durango leads through picturesque river valleys and past historic structures. For unique natural features, consider exploring areas near the Loess Hills or the bluffs along the Mississippi River. You can also find routes that pass by lakes, such as the Lake Red Rock – Red Rock Reservoir loop from Pella.

Iowa offers several natural attractions. You can visit Dunning's Spring Waterfall or explore the unique rock formations at Pulpit Rock, both near Decorah. The region also features beautiful lakes like Big Creek State Park and Gray's Lake Park, which often have trails nearby.

Yes, many of Iowa's gravel routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Wabash Trace Trail – Wabash Trace Nature Trail loop from South Omaha, the Gravel loop from Pella, and the Prairie Park – Cedar Lake Loop loop from Mount Mercy University.

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Iowa, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm and humid, while winter brings cold temperatures and potential snow, making trail conditions more challenging. Always check local weather and trail conditions before heading out.

Over 75 komoot users have explored Iowa's varied gravel terrain, often praising the extensive network of lightly traveled roads and the diverse landscapes. Riders frequently highlight the scenic rolling hills, vast prairies, and the unique geological features like the Loess Hills and river valleys as key attractions.

The Amana Colonies are known for designated gravel bike routes that traverse back roads between historical villages. While not explicitly listed in this guide's routes, the region offers unique cultural and scenic experiences for gravel cyclists, passing through timberland and areas that inspired artists.

Iowa has an extensive trail network. While this guide focuses on specific gravel routes, many areas offer connections to other popular trails. For instance, some curated gravel routes around Iowa City include sections of the Hoover Nature Trail, which is a crushed-stone pathway offering shaded rides.

Routes like the Prairie Park – Cedar Lake Loop loop from Mount Mercy University and the Cedar Lake Loop – Cedar Valley Nature Trail loop from Mount Mercy University offer moderate terrain, typically featuring rolling hills and scenic views around the lake and through park areas. These routes are generally well-suited for a pleasant gravel ride.