The best traffic-free bike rides in Lake Macbride State Park
4.0
(2)
315
riders
4
rides
Road cycling in Lake Macbride State Park offers routes through diverse landscapes centered around the 940-acre Lake Macbride. The terrain features paths alongside the lake, through oak/hickory forests, and across restored Iowa prairies. These routes provide varied scenery for cyclists, connecting natural areas with local communities. The park's ecosystems support a range of wildlife, enhancing the outdoor experience.
Best no traffic road cycling routes in Lake Macbride State Park
- The most popular no traffic road cycling route is Clear Creek Trailhead loop from North Liberty, a 22.5 miles (36.3 km) trail that takes 1 hour 55 minutes to complete. This easy route winds through varied ecosystems and green spaces.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Clear Creek Greenbelt loop from North Liberty, an easy 14.8 miles (23.9 km) path. This route offers views of natural park scenery and open areas.
- Local road cyclists also love the Liberty Centre Pond loop from North Liberty, a 14.5 miles (23.4 km) trail leading through local green spaces and past water features, often completed in about 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Road cycling in Lake Macbride State Park is defined by routes alongside the lake, through oak/hickory forests, and across restored Iowa prairies. The network offers options for different ability levels, primarily featuring easy no traffic road cycling routes.
- The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape. More than 290 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Lake Macbride State Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 30, 2026
12
riders
38.7km
02:02
110m
110m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4
riders
23.4km
01:11
140m
140m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Sign up for free
5.0
(1)
49
riders
36.3km
01:36
130m
130m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
This is the westernmost access point for Clear Creek Trail, which runs almost eight miles between Coralville and Clear Creek Natural Area.
0
0
Ely is a historic town in the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area. Settled in 1872, it was an important stop along the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railway. There are still several historic structures in the city, including the Ely School House and Dows Street Historic District.
0
0
The Tree of Five Seasons monument is a symbol of the city's resilience. It is made of five steel pillars, together in the shape of a tree, representing spring, summer, fall, winter, and the fifth season, which is a symbol of Cedar Rapids ability to adapt and thrive. Built in 1976 to commemorate the city's recovery from a devastating flood, it is a beloved landmark of the community.
0
0
This is a great place to cross the Cedar River. The 16th Avenue Bridge (Bridge of Lions) is a locally renowned bridge that is open to cars, bikes, and pedestrians. You can visit the Czech side and the Slovak side of the town via this bridge. Both sides of the town are interesting, with plenty of shopping and eating places. The best thing for the cyclist, however, is that the views over the Cedar River from here are superb, especially upstream.
1
0
West Finger Lake along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail showcases nature's beauty with its serene waters reflecting the surrounding landscape. Lined by lush greenery, the trail offers scenic views of the lake and its tranquil surroundings, providing a peaceful and appealing experience for hikers and cyclists.
0
0
Cedar Lake is a distinctive body of water, bordered by the Union Pacific Rail Yard on one side and the interstate on the other. It remains hidden from view until you reach the Cedar Lake Trail. Despite its urban surroundings, this lake serves as a pleasant escape. The southeast shore features the Cedar Lake Trail, providing nice views over the water and open to pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists.
0
0
Cedar Valley Nature Trail is a 52-mile trail from Cedar Rapids to Waterloo. The trail is paved and moves through a variety of scenery, including woodlands, grassland and along the Cedar River.
0
0
Liberty Centre Pond is a beautiful pond and lawn in North Liberty. There are no benches in the park, but you will normally find people relaxing on the grass around the pond. It is a popular location for bird watching.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic road cycling routes are available in Lake Macbride State Park?
Komoot features 4 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes in Lake Macbride State Park. These routes are designed to offer a peaceful experience away from vehicular traffic.
What kind of terrain and surfaces can I expect on these no-traffic routes?
The routes primarily feature paved surfaces, ideal for road cycling. However, Lake Macbride State Park also offers multi-use trails with crushed limestone, so some routes might incorporate segments of these, providing varied terrain through wooded areas and open prairies.
What is the general difficulty level of the no-traffic road cycling routes?
All the no-traffic road cycling routes listed are rated as easy, making them suitable for a wide range of cyclists, including families and beginners. They typically feature gentle grades and manageable distances.
What kind of scenery and natural features will I see along these routes?
You'll experience diverse landscapes, including expansive views of the 940-acre Lake Macbride, serene oak/hickory forests, and restored Iowa prairies with native grasses and wildflowers. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. A notable natural feature is Macbride Falls, located in the northern part of the park.
Are these no-traffic routes suitable for families?
Yes, the easy difficulty rating and the focus on minimal to no traffic make these routes very family-friendly. The varied scenery and opportunities for wildlife observation add to the appeal for all ages.
Can I bring my dog on these cycling routes?
Lake Macbride State Park generally welcomes dogs on its trails, provided they are kept on a leash. Always ensure to check specific trail regulations within the park for any updates or restrictions.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling in Lake Macbride State Park?
Spring and fall are particularly pleasant for cycling, offering mild temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially during migrations for birdwatching. Summer is also popular, but be prepared for warmer weather. Winter cycling is possible, but trail conditions may vary.
Where can I find parking for these no-traffic cycling routes?
Lake Macbride State Park offers various parking areas, including at the Primitive/South Campground Boat Ramp and Mehaffey Bridge Boat Ramp, which serve as good starting points for many trails. The town of Solon also provides access to the Solon-Lake Macbride Recreation Trail.
Are there any circular no-traffic road cycling routes?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Clear Creek Trailhead loop from North Liberty, the Clear Creek Greenbelt loop from North Liberty, and the Liberty Centre Pond loop from North Liberty.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Lake Macbride State Park?
Cyclists frequently praise the peacefulness of the routes, the beautiful lake views, and the diverse natural settings, including forests and prairies. The well-maintained trails and the absence of heavy traffic are consistently highlighted as major positives for a relaxing ride.
Are there places to eat or stay near the cycling routes?
The nearby towns of Solon and North Liberty offer various cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options. Within Lake Macbride State Park itself, you'll find modern and primitive campgrounds, and a beach with a concession stand during peak season.
Is public transport available to reach Lake Macbride State Park?
While direct public transport to specific trailheads within the park might be limited, you can check local transit services in nearby cities like Iowa City or Coralville for connections that might get you closer to the park's vicinity. Planning for car access is generally recommended for convenience.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.
