June 2026 Trail News
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
Trail Shorts:
Trail Story - Todd Toughs it Out! Wanatee Park to Rosedale Rd. Hills, Hills, Hills
CeMar
Exciting news as two of the three bridges to complete CeMar Phase 5 have been delivered! In the coming weeks, bridge deck installation and trail paving will begin on the eastern half of the project, from Tama Street to Grand Avenue. Contractors will also resume substructure work on the final bridge near Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Overall, the project remains on schedule, with the goal of completing the trail work and opening the trail to the public this fall.
Morgan Creek
Morgan Creek Trail Phase 4 (above in blue) from the Covington Rd. underpass to the west side of the Cedar River is in final engineering and design. An agreement was reached to place the trail along the Hwy 100 ROW as originally proposed and designed. Plans will be submitted to IDOT soon to begin the bidding process for this 1.7 mile segment. Construction in 2027!
Interurban Trail
The Linn County Conservation Dept. will be interviewing consultants next week to plan a small section of the trail from Mt. Vernon, west to Irish Ln.  Currently an engineering firm is working on the actual alignment of the trail from Mt Vernon Rd in Cedar Rapids to Mt Vernon. Hopefully this will be completed in about a year.
Cherokee Trail
Phase V -  Construction delayed at least two years as the CMPO did not recommend funding for Phase V. Final decision will be at the July meeting. Cedar Rapids will continue to move forward on design to determine the final alignment (above picture is not final). If you would like to voice your support for this important NW trail segment, please contact the CMPO at these email addresses: e.burke@corridormpo.com, H.Hershner@corridormpo.com
Todd Toughs it Out!
By Todd Goodell
Wanatee Park to Rosedale - Hilly Road Route
If you're preparing for the hills of Ragbrai or the mountains of Colorado, this route is a pretty good local challenge. It offers 1,600 feet of climb in just over 20 miles. It starts and ends in Wanatee Park which is a nice location for its access to parking, bathrooms, and water. As you can see on the map, most of the route is outside the park. Connecting to 31st street can be done via three different worn paths through the tree line at the top of the hill in the back southwest corner after riding through the parking lot. The route features many nice homes, and you'll likely see some wildlife.  Traffic tends to be light. If you want more, it's easy to repeat some of the loops without feeling like you're riding in circles.Â
Notes of caution - A couple of the steeper downhills (in Wanatee and on Aspen Circle) have tight turns at the bottom of the hill. There may also be some sand and/or loose gravel. Best to pump the brakes and stay in control until you get more familiar. The Rosedale Rd. hill (pictured) offers the biggest challenge. This "Bad Boy" has a 16% grade for about a quarter mile. Personally, I choose to not clip in. Turning the pedals over at the top can be a challenge and if I tip, I want my feet free to catch myself. At the time of this printing, the bridge south (Rosedale Rd Bridge) of this hill was being worked on, but the hill can still be accessed from the north.
Choosing which loops to do is always an option, depending on how much burn you want to feel in your legs. Enjoy :-)
Business Donors
We appreciate our individual donors as well. Every dollar counts towards trail progress as most grant funds require an 80/20 match. Your dollars go towards the 20%.
Calendar
Downtown Farmers Markets – join LCTA at Green Square Park, Park your bike with valet parking and learn about trails! Dates- June 20, July 18, Aug 1, Aug 15, Sept 15, Sept 19
June 13 - Ride the District - 9:30 AMÂ Starts and ends at: Anderson Bogert 4050 River Center Court NE, Cedar Rapids. Please register at https://www.cedar-rapids.org/residents/parks_and_recreation/trails_and_bikeways/events.php#RidetheDistricts
Sept 6- NewBo 10K/Half Marathon