March 2026 Trail News
- 17 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Celebrating Spring!
Check out the 2025 Annual Report. Learn how a trail is born!
Calling all runners (and cyclists)!Â
With the route announced for the upcoming Cedar Rapids Marathon, what better way to get some training miles in than to scope out the first ten miles of the half and full marathons. This loop links together bike and runner friendly streets and trails, and shows off some of the newer trail miles in Cedar Rapids, featuring the Edgewood Trail as well as the just-redone last year Cedar Lake Trail.Â
From Plaza Park downtown, make your way toward Ellis Blvd along First Street and E Ave, then hook onto the Ellis trail. Make sure to check out the houseboats along the way before turning right onto the Edgewood Trail and heading up, up, up across the river. Turn right at Glass Road before bombing back down toward the river along Old Orchard road and J Ave NW.Â
This links up with Shaver Road and the Cedar Lake Trail, making it a perfect spot to rest the legs along the opposite shore, or keep pushing back into downtown along the CVNT and back across the river to the finish. There are plentiful spots for coffee or post-run or -ride snacks and beverages to celebrate a successful run or ride.
Interurban Trail Design Decisions
Funding has been secured including $100,000 from the Linn County Trails Association to assist with design (yeah!). The construction timeline for Segment 1 will start in 2028 with completion anticipated in 2029. Timelines may vary.
Your input is needed as the routes from Cottage Grove Ave SE and Bever Park are determined. There are three possible routes to connect from Cottage Grove Ave (1,2,3) and two routes from Bever Park (4,5). The east west route (6) is set along the old interurban rail line. Connect to the link below to give your opinion. In addition, there will be an open house, date to be determined, to review the routes. The survey will remain open through March 20.
Grant Wood Trail - Paralta Rd. to Springville Rd. Bids reviewed for crushed limestone for this section of the trail and were awarded. The project is approximately ¾ mile in length, with 2 bridges, one approximately 45’, and the other, located over Simmons Creek, is 100’ long. Work will take place starting October 2026. Completion in 2027. This is a very scenic section. The Linn County Conservation Department is working with the IDOT to plan a link to Springville with an overpass over HWY 151. That link will be > 5 years away.
34th St SE - Spoon Creek Ct SE to Bever Ave SE - A Paving for Progress project which includes rebuilding the entire roadway. The roadway will be narrowed to allow for an 8’ to 10’ wide trail on the east side of 34th St from Bever Ave SE to Spoon Creek SE with a future connection to the Interurban Trail. There will also be a 6’ wide sidewalk from the Interurban Trail connected to Cottage Grove Ave SE. The project is out for bid and is expected to be completed in 2027.  Recessed parking areas were also added between the roadway and trail.
Events/news
Eastern Iowa's Premiere Women's Ride Has Arrived!
Celebrate Mother's Day on two wheels!
Pedals & Petals Ride is a women-only bicycle ride along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. It's designed for connection, conversation, and joy. Ride at your own pace, stop in charming trail towns, and spend a spring Saturday doing something just for you. Registration Donations after expenses go to Waypoint Services. To register go to https://pedalsandpetalsride.com/
Other Events
See our Events Page!
Business Donors 2025 and so far into 2026!
