Baby's First Stroll: Paved Paths in Iowa City & Cedar Rapids

Looking for a path to take baby and stroller on you inaugural outing? Here is a list of paved path locations you may enjoy in the Corridor. These are also perfect options for wearing baby without having to worry about the terrain underfoot or little walkers who do best on an even surface.

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Pelican on the Iowa River
Photo credit Erin Payne-Christiansen

Riverwalk Trail, Iowa City
​This short paved trail makes for a pleasant walk along the river. For more adventure nearby, you can check out the bird blind at Veterans Trail or explore the Devonian Fossil Gorge (though note the Fossil Gorge is NOT stroller friendly).

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Playground stop and jog in Lower City Park
Photo credit Suzanne Halekas

Lower City Park, Iowa City
Enjoy the ducks and geese on this flat paved path near the Iowa River.

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Summer prairie in bloom
Photo credit Becca Dirks

Slow snail at Waterworks Prairie
Photo credit Erin Payne-Christiansen

Waterworks Prairie, Iowa City
This quiet park features prairie and wetlands - perfect for spotting butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.

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Fall at Terry Trueblood
Photo credit Heather Trana

Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, Iowa City
​Enjoy a 2-mile stroll around Sand Lake. The recreation area also features water rentals and a playground constructed of a natural materials.

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Little walkers on Mormon Handcart
Photo credit Heather Trana

Mormon Handcart Trail, Coralville
​For a walk in the woods, check out this path with historical markers along the way. The trail connects to Clear Creek Trail, which makes a great opportunity for a longer walk, stroll, or jog.

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Strolling on the Northridge Trail

Northridge Park, Coralville
​This figure-eight paved path features a pond with fountains. Take the trail under the interstate for access to the Coral Ridge Mall or follow it out of the park for a stroll on the Northridge Trail into North Liberty. This trail does feature some elevation changes as it winds through the Coralville neighborhood, so keep that in mind as you plan your outing.

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Little walker on the Clear Creek Trail

Clear Creek Trail, Tiffin
For a quiet walk punctuated by the occasional train, take the Clear Creek Trail starting at the Half Moon entrance.

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Hand in hand on the Fishery path
Photo credit Kelly Dugan

 Prairie Park Fishery, Cedar Rapids
​This 2-mile loop showcases the fishery as well as the Cedar River. For a longer adventure, find the connection to the crushed stone Sac and Fox Trail.

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Cedar River Trail - South, Cedar Rapids
​Hop on the Cedar River Trail at the quiet Hoover Park. Head north to take the trail under the interstate or south for a walk in the woods. This stretch of trail is part of the American Discovery Trail that stretches coast to coast.

Heading toward Ely

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Train watching at Cedar Lake

Cedar Lake, Cedar Rapids
​For an urban stroll, check out the 1.5 mile loop around Cedar Lake. While a portion winds through some trees, the majority edges along railroad tracks, which may delight any kiddos who are train fans. For more mileage take the Cedar River Trail north or south.

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A sweet stop at Dan and Debbie's

Hoover Trail, Ely
​For another launching point on the American Discovery Trail, hop on the Hoover Trail section at Ely Pond. To make your walk a bit sweeter, stop in at Dan and Debbie's Creamery and grab some delicious ice cream.

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South Troy Park Trail

South Troy Park Trail, Robbins
​The short and sweet South Troy Park Trail connects to the Cedar Valley Nature Trail - another stretch of the American Discovery Trail! Enjoy the a short stroll in the park or connect to the trail heading north or south for more distance.

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Bridge and creek on Donnelly Park section of Boyson Trail

Lindale Trail, Marion
​To access the paved Lindale Trail via a short stretch of crushed stone trail, park at Thomas Park and head north or park at the quieter Donnelly Park and head south. 
For a longer adventure on crushed stone, take the Boyson Trail in either direction.

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Waldo's Rock Park and Iowa sky

Waldo's Rock Park, Marion
​The short paved loop around the pond includes the focal piece, Waldo's Rock. The park connects to the nearby Grant Wood Trail (currently undergoing resurfacing to be complete spring 2019).

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Do you have another favorite paved path in the Corridor? Share it in the comments below! Looking for more family adventures in the Corridor? See all posts on that topic here.

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