August 2026 Trail News
In this edition:
American Discovery Trail (ADT) Relay is coming to Linn County!
In 1989 the American Hiking Association and Backpacker Magazine proposed the idea of a coast-to-coast trail that could be the backbone of a National Trails System. Over years the ADT was mapped and the Midwest expressed such interest that a northern and southern route were created. Iowa, being a leader in trail development, lobbied hard to get the northern route and we are delighted that Linn County, with the 52 + mile Cedar Valley Nature Trail is right in the middle of the ADT.
On October 3-5, the ADT Relay will pass through Linn County and you are invited to sign up to bicycle, walk or run the route with ADT reps. Several of our LCTA Board Members plan to ride the route. This is a great time to get some miles in and meet the folks who continue to keep this dream alive!
For more information click here!
Let’s be courteous!
As trails become more and more popular, sharing the trail with all types of users is important for safety and FUN. With that in mind, LCTA is placing info on trail kiosks to remind folks of safe, courteous trail use. Remember horses, children, walkers, and runners always get right of way so slow down please. That said all users, please stay in your lane, remind children not to weave and if you stop, pull OFF the trail.
The state of Iowa has a great review on types of e bikes that are allowed on trails (local govt may have different rules). Remember under 750 W and keep speeds under 20 mph.
For more information check out our Safety and Courtesy page.
Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy – needs your help!
In 2010, 63% of voters approved a constitutional amendment to create the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. Clean water, protecting soil and wildlife were the mainstays of the funds as well as more money would be allocated for trails. Unfortunately, this was never funded as it required a 3/8 percent increase in state sales tax and the legislature has not voted a state tax increase since this fund was created.
Please write to your state legislator and candidates and request that this important work be funded. For more information check out https://www.iowaswaterandlandlegacy.org/
Quick Trail Updates
CeMar Trail is nearly complete. The bridges are in, the paving almost done. The Ribbon Cutting will be September 21 at 4:00 pm - Mount Calvary Cemetery (Rain date: September 28 at 4:00 pm)
Lucore Road and Bridge side paths will be completed in 2027.
Morgan Creek Phase 4. Covington Rd. underpass to the west side of the Cedar River is in final design and project document submissions to IDOT in preparation of a spring letting. The trail will run along the south side of HWY 100. Construction would be anticipated to start in 2026 and be completed in 2027. (section in blue below)
Grant Wood Trail- Paralta Road to Springville Rd. Work will start this fall and be completed in 2027. This includes two new bridges.
Single Track Mountain Bike Trails in Pinicon Ridge Park- Currently 5.5 miles of the overall 6-mile route have been completed. Work on the total project continues with completion expected this summer. This 6-mile mountain bike trail will be the longest, continuous single track trail in the State. While there, check out the Gravity Park at Pinicon Ridge as well!
Dows- Maniti Trail With the Lakeside Dr. underpass complete, future trail layout and design work has begun. The County is applying for a trails grant for the section from the new underpass, north, through Wanatee Park up to Hwy 100. Final Plans are currently being finalized for the bidding and construction of the trail section from the Lakeside Dr underpass, south to Mt Vernon Rd. The final phase of this segment will connect Wanatee Park to the main line of the Interurban Trail.
We are excited to announce two grants awarded from the Hall Perrine Foundation to spur on two projects! $25,000 was awarded to the Emmons Street Bridge in Hiawatha that will be trail friendly and $25,000 was awarded to the Edgewood Road Trail for design and planning. This will keep these important connections moving forward!
Thanks to the Hall Perrine Foundation and our LCTA grant writers, Tim and Robin Costas and Thomas Peffer.
THANKS TO OUR BUSINESS SPONSORS!
