Hartman Reserve Nature Center

The Cedar River – Cedar River loop from Iowa Northern Railway offers a delightful road cycling experience, guiding you through a rich tapestry of Iowa's landscapes. You'll pedal alongside the Cedar River, enjoying grand views and passing through lush floodplain forests, expansive agricultural fields, and vibrant prairie sections dotted with wildflowers. The route seamlessly blends natural beauty with urban glimpses, connecting you through parts of Waterloo and Cedar Falls, where you can observe downtown areas and residential neighborhoods.

This easy 23.1 miles (37.2 km) road cycling route is largely flat, with a gentle 275 feet (84 metres) of elevation gain, making it suitable for nearly all fitness levels. You can expect to complete it in about 1 hour and 50 minutes. Parking is generally convenient at various trailheads in the connected urban centers. The best time to ride is from spring through fall, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is most inviting.

What makes this route particularly interesting is its connection to the historic Cedar Valley Nature Trail, built on the abandoned right-of-way of the Waterloo, Cedar Falls & Northern Railway. This rail-trail conversion offers a unique blend of history and nature, allowing you to experience diverse ecosystems from dense forests to open prairies. It's a key part of Iowa's extensive trail network, providing a glimpse into the region's past while enjoying its present-day natural beauty.