Cedar Rapids  Tourism Office

Hiking in Cedar Rapids

Check out all the amazing hiking locations around the Cedar Rapids area.

Who says you can’t hike in Cedar Rapids? We do have a mountain after all – * cough, cough Mount Trashmore. * Check out all the amazing hiking locations around the Cedar Rapids area.

Sac and Fox Trail - Cedar Rapids

The Sac and Fox Trail was designated as Iowa’s first National Recreation Trail in 1975. This seven-mile hike, made mostly of limestone, follows Indian Creek and the Cedar River. All skill levels are welcome for the trek through forest any time of the year! Dogs Allowed? Yes, if on leash.

Trail Map

Three people stand over a shallow body of reflective water along the Sac and Fox Trail in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Mount Trashmore - Cedar Rapids

Turning trash into treasure is a gift of ours, and we are proud of it! Mount Trashmore is a former landfill reborn into a recreation site for bikers, hikers, runners and walkers alike. Featuring three different trails: No motorized vehicles are allowed on any of the trails. If you make it all the way to the top, you will find one of the best views of our beautiful city. Dogs Allowed? Yes, if on leash.

More on Mount Trashmore

Blue, partly cloudy skies above a biker riding along a trail on Mount Trashmore with the Cedar Rapids skyline in the background.

Palisades Kepler State Park - Mount Vernon

Located just outside of Cedar Rapids, Palisades Kepler State Park in Mount Vernon is a hiking destination ready to be explored. Over five miles of trails weave along the bank of the Cedar River through trees, flowers and a variety of wildlife. Discover the small pavilion overlooking the Cedar River, find a quiet location off the beaten path for a picnic or extend your adventure and stay over night in one of the park cabins or campground. Dogs Allowed? Yes, if on leash.

Trail Map

A man walks a dog as sun beams through trees and over a body of water in Palisades Kepler State Park in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Morgan Creek Park - Cedar Rapids

Four miles of all-purpose trails make up Morgan Creek Park! Gravel and paved walkways run through steep and rolling hills to make this a hike for all skill levels. On your trek, keep your eyes peeled for wild life and stop at the Morgan Creek Arboretum to see over 250 species of trees and shrubs and the butterfly garden. Dogs Allowed? Yes, if on leash.

Trail Map

A dog sniffs the grass to the side of a rustic trail in Morgan Creek Park in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Indian Creek Nature Center - Cedar Rapids

The Indian Creek Nature Center has nearly five miles of trails running through their 210 acres of prairie and wetland nature preserve. Don’t let the winter snow stop you from your hike! The center has snowshoe rentals for the coldest times of the year. After exploring, stop into “Amazing Space” for information on the area and a gift shop with local honey, maple syrup and more. Dogs Allowed? Yes, on the grounds if on leash, but they are not allowed inside the buildings.

Trail Map

A group of young hikers explore the trails of Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Pinicon Ridge Park - Central City

With over ten miles of trails to hike, Pinicon Ridge Park is a great spot for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. March through areas of restored prairies, wooded hills and wildlife along the Wapsipinicon River to witness beautiful scenic views of Iowa, climb the observation tower and find the small water cascade locally known as “horseshoe falls.” Dogs Allowed? Yes, if on leash.

Trail Map

A rustic, winding trail through the wooded Pinicon Ridge Park in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Gear Up

Prepare for the trek ahead by stocking up on hiking supplies at a local shop! SOKO Outfitters has all you need from water bottles, backpacks and camping gear, to clothing and shoes. Add in a hammock so you can pitch a spot to relax and take in the view. For other supplies on your list, take a look at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Eddie Bauer or Play It Again Sports! 

A man in jeans scales an indoor rock climbing wall at SOKO Outfitters in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Hiking with Kids

Take it easy with the kids, and enjoy a short hike at Wickiup Hill in Toddville! With groomed trails as easy as 1/8th of a mile, you and your kids can enjoy the wildlife without getting too tired. While there, take a look at the observation deck, or stop into the Wickiup Hill Learning Center for a break and play.

Trail Map

Children play and jump off of rocks during the fall in Wickiup Hill in Toddville, IA.

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Featured Partners
Sac & Fox Trail

Sac & Fox Trail

This is the oldest National Recreation Trail in Iowa. It is 7.2 miles in length and is crushed limestone. The trail follows the…

Indian Creek Nature Center

Indian Creek Nature Center

Escape into the beauty and wonder of nature at Indian Creek Nature Center, featuring four miles of well-groomed trails through…

Palisades-Kepler State Park

Palisades-Kepler State Park

10 miles east of Cedar Rapids on U.S. Highway 30. Dramatic bluffs along the Cedar River invite hiking, exploring and picnics.…

Morgan Creek Park

Morgan Creek Park

Check out the Morgan Creek Arboretum which has over 250 species of trees and shrubs, a modern campground, reservable open shelter,…

SOKO Outfitters

SOKO Outfitters

SOKO Outfitters is your source for the best outdoor gear in Eastern Iowa. We're located in the heart of Czech Village in Cedar…