Cedar Falls is the perfect getaway—where outdoor adventure meets easygoing charm. Spend your days in Iowa’s first designated Trail Town exploring miles of accessible paths and soaking up the fresh air. Then take a well-earned break with standout local dining, unique shopping, and attractions that make this welcoming community such a fun place to explore.
Cedar Falls boasts more than 130 miles of well-maintained, hard-surfaced and soft trails that are a year-round option, so pick your favorite season and get ready to ride! Whether you’re an experienced rider or just getting started, Cedar Falls is a perfect place to get on your bike. More than 140 wayfinding signs are thoughtfully placed to help riders and walkers navigate the trail network with mileage and travel-time information. And there are multiple bicycle repair stations throughout the trails should the need arise.
When you get to town, head to the Cedar Falls Visitor Center to grab a map (day or night – the lobby is open around the clock!). Or pull up an online interactive map to use as you explore. The great news is you can really choose your own adventure – it’s seamless to ride on the trails and then easily pop to Main Street in mere minutes.
Day 1: Nature, a Quick Brewery Stop, and More Cedar Falls Fun
The Cedar River Loop is a great way to explore Cedar Falls by bike. A 17-mile loop, linking downtown Cedar Falls with Waterloo for an easy ride that offers a little bit of everything in one trip. Starting on Cedar Valley Lakes Trail, you’ll roll past Gateway Park, then through the wooded stretches of George Wyth State Park, then make one quick Waterloo stop at Single Speed Brewery before heading back to Cedar Falls through Hartman Reserve Nature Center on South Riverside Trail. Along the way, enjoy river views, quiet trail miles, and an easy finish back into downtown Cedar Falls for food, shopping, and a relaxed evening.
MORNING
Fuel up for the day in downtown Cedar Falls. Enjoy crepes at Tata Yaya, or visit Cottonwood Canyon “The House” for a unique, island inspired meal Start your ride on the Cedar River Loop, a 17-mile trail that links downtown Cedar Falls with Waterloo. One of your first sights will be the incredible Gateway River Park, one of Iowa’s newest and most exciting outdoor experiences - river surfing. Be sure to take in the river views and check out anyone hitting the waves!If you can pull yourself away from the gorgeous river views, get back on the Cedar Valley Lakes trail as it meanders toward George Wyth State Park. Ride alongside scenic wooded paths and forest that will impress as you reach the most Northern Point of the American Discovery Trail, which is one of the US’ national trail routes.
AFTERNOON
Now is a great time to stop for lunch and a local brew, and Single Speed Brewing in Waterloo will meet your needs with handcrafted food options like flatbreads, tacos and wings. Be sure to try the Panther Prowl, a collaboration brew that supports the University of Northern Iowa’s student athletes. From here, jump on the South Riverside Trail to head back towards downtown Cedar Falls.Close out the afternoon with a stroll at the Hartman Reserve Nature Center. Just park your bike and enjoy exploring this 340-acre wooded park, with walking trails open until sunset. Keep an eye out for animals like deer, fox and otters.
EVENING
It’s back to downtown Cedar Falls for a well-earned evening of relaxation or fun. If you have any tune-up needs, or just want to talk shop and exchange some trail tales, stop into Bike Tech, Cedar Falls’ local bike shop. Do a little shopping in the Downtown District and take your pick from the incredible options for a meal, drink or snack options. If you’re still amped from all you saw today, be sure to check the schedule at River Place Plaza to see if you can catch any live, local music.Get a good night’s rest at one of two properties both located in the mecca of trails, shopping and dining: Hampton Inn along the river for a modern spot with a pool and free breakfast, or The Black Hawk Hotel for a historic boutique experience.
Day 2: Trails, River Views, and Downtown Cedar Falls
After a refreshing night’s sleep, another fun-filled adventure awaits and today’s itinerary includes options to add on some disc golf, explore riverfront neighborhoods and more!
Just minutes from downtown Cedar Falls, this 8.3 mile ride stretches out to Black Hawk Park and circles Big Woods Lake before winding back into town. This easy ride blends open space, prairie views, wooded riverbanks, riverfront neighborhoods, and a few classic Cedar Falls spots into one route.
If you have children with you, be sure to enjoy the Story Book Tour on the North Side of the Big Woods Lake loop. Walk along the easy lakeside trail while reading the posted picture book pages along the way. Make sure to stop at the prairie restoration area to enjoy native plants, seasonal blooms, and a quieter stretch of trail.
It’s always the right time to stop at Cedar City Creamery for a well-deserved treat for completing another trail loop in the Cedar Valley. Choose from homemade cookies and more than two dozen flavors of ice cream. Then take a leisurely stroll through the downtown and immerse yourself in its vibrant art scene, with public art sculptures and murals at every turn.
Just minutes from downtown Cedar Falls, this 8.3 mile ride stretches out to Black Hawk Park and circles Big Woods Lake before winding back into town. This easy ride blends open space, prairie views, wooded riverbanks, riverfront neighborhoods, and a few classic Cedar Falls spots into one route.
MORNING
Start the day with another hearty breakfast at Big Foot Betty’s in downtown Cedar Falls before heading out for the Big Woods Lake loop. You may wish to pick up some picnic items to enjoy lunch or a snack in one of the peaceful parks you’ll pass through during today’s ride. Start at Tourist Park, where the 1st Disc Golf course in Iowa is located. The trail will guide you along the scenic Cedar River, and be sure to spend some time admiring the riverfront homes along Cottage Row. This scenic loop will connect you with Black Hawk Park, one of the biggest county parks in Iowa.AFTERNOON
Head back on the trail back toward downtown Cedar Falls.If you have children with you, be sure to enjoy the Story Book Tour on the North Side of the Big Woods Lake loop. Walk along the easy lakeside trail while reading the posted picture book pages along the way. Make sure to stop at the prairie restoration area to enjoy native plants, seasonal blooms, and a quieter stretch of trail.
It’s always the right time to stop at Cedar City Creamery for a well-deserved treat for completing another trail loop in the Cedar Valley. Choose from homemade cookies and more than two dozen flavors of ice cream. Then take a leisurely stroll through the downtown and immerse yourself in its vibrant art scene, with public art sculptures and murals at every turn.
