The best walks and hikes around Waterloo
5.0
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12
hikers
1
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To help you find the best hikes and walks around Waterloo, we’ve reviewed our full collection of trails and routes in the region. Browse all of the details of each route below — and explore more of the nature around Waterloo.
Last updated: July 25, 2026
5.0
(2)
8
hikers
8.56km
02:13
40m
50m
Hike the Flanagan Lake Trail for a moderate 5.3-mile (8.6 km) journey around the scenic lake. You'll gain a gentle 147 feet (45 metres) in elevation, typically taking about 2 hours and 12 minutes to complete. The route offers pleasant views of Flanagan Lake, featuring both paved and gravel sections. Look for creative benches along the path where you can pause and enjoy the surroundings; it's a multi-use pathway, providing an accessible outdoor experience.
The trail is open year-round, making it a flexible option for any season. When planning your visit, remember that some parts offer little shade, so pack sun protection and plenty of water, especially on warmer days. Within Flanagan Lake Park, you'll find convenient amenities like picnic shelters, restrooms, and playgrounds. These facilities make it easy to extend your outing into a full day of recreation.
Flanagan Lake is known as a fantastic spot for wildlife observation. Keep an eye out for various waterfowl and migratory birds, and you might even spot deer or rabbits. This trail stands out as an accessible way to connect with nature right in Omaha, Nebraska. It's a great option if you're looking for an easy escape into the outdoors without leaving the city.
4.34km
01:08
30m
30m
The Whitehawk Park and Lake Loop offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through a varied landscape of open meadows and shaded woodlands. You'll encounter the tranquil Whitehawk Lake early on, a perfect spot for a break, before the path leads into denser woods and then opens up to expansive prairie meadows. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like waterfowl, deer, and various birds along this mostly flat and well-maintained route.
This easy 2.7-mile (4.3 km) hike, with a gentle 88 feet (27 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 7 minutes to complete. Parking is readily available at the Whitehawk Lake Trailhead and within Whitehawk Park. The trail is accessible year-round, but be aware that some sections can become muddy after rain, so waterproof footwear is a good idea.
Whitehawk Park is a 72-acre urban oasis in Douglas County, Nebraska, providing a refreshing experience that changes beautifully with the seasons. Beyond the loop trail, the park offers additional amenities such as a leisure playground, bike paths, and sports courts, making it a versatile destination for families and anyone looking for a peaceful outdoor activity.
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2.56km
00:39
0m
0m
Enjoy an easy 1.6-mile loop hike through Two Rivers State Recreation Area, offering scenic views along the Platte River.
3
hikers
5.04km
01:18
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Popular around Waterloo
Tips from the Community
The lake is nice and open and you can walk down to the water from the grass the entire way around. A dam blocks the lake at the northern end.
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The Two Rivers State Recreation Area, nestled along the Platte River in Nebraska, provides a picturesque backdrop for cyclists. Encompassing over 600 acres, it offers camping, picnic spots, serene lakes, and stunning river vistas, perfect for a cycling adventure.
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Flanagan Lake is a man-made lake that was created to help prevent flooding and encourage recreation. It is one of the newest in Omaha, and was officially completed in 2018. The lake is excellent for kayaking, biking, running, and fishing.
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The Two Rivers State Recreation Area is a scenic outdoor haven situated along the Platte River in Nebraska. The area spans over 600 acres and offers various activities such as hiking on one of the trails. The park also features camping facilities, picnic areas, various lakes and a fantastic view of the river.
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The trail around Flanagan Lake Park is beautiful, paved, flat, and sunny the entire way. The path is quite peaceful but you are likely to share it with bikers and runners.
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Flanagan Lake Park is named after Father Edward Flanagan and includes a paved trail that circumnavigates the lake. In addition to providing flood control and recreation, the lake creates new habitats for migratory birds and fish.
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Flanagan Lake is a man-made lake that was created to help prevent flooding and encourage recreation. It is one of the newest in Omaha, and was officially completed in 2018. The lake is excellent for kayaking, biking, running, and fishing.
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There are clusters of trees along Whitehawk Creek that offer some shade as the trail loops around past the baseball fields.
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