|
Fairfield Loop Trail, developed by the Jefferson County Trails Council, managed by Fairfield Park & Rec
B, MB1, W1, XC In and around Fairfield.
Some sections of the The Loop Trail are open. When complete it will encircle Fairfield. For details, look at the TRAILS section of this website (www.jeffersoncountytrails.org).
Chautauqua Park, managed by Fairfield Park & Rec
B, MB1, W1, XC In Fairfield, on US 34 East, at the eastern end of Broadway Ave.
Aside from the trucks going up the grade on the highway, you will think you are way out in the woods. Tall mature oaks mixed with pines, plus hills and ravines, give the feeling that you are in Vermont. A 1 mile paved road circles the park (closed to cars in the winter), but hikers can make their own way through the well-groomed grounds. Picnic tables and shelters. Popular with families. Ride to it on Broadway, or use the sidewalks on Burlington Ave. A new bridge connects the Park with the Fairfield Loop Trail.
O. B. Nelson Park/Middle School
W1, XC Fairfield, Fillmore St., at the south end of 6th St.
A small trail that appears to have been developed for cross-country running is
behind the middle school. Tight curves in and out of pine trees and up and down gentle hills make it interesting. Enter it by going to the right around the fence behind the school.
Waterworks Park, managed by Fairfield Park & Rec
MB1, W1, XC Fairfield, on North B Street
A grassy trail runs completely around the city's reservoir number 1, with loops
running up into wooded areas. Parts can be soggy after a rain. A neat pine-wooded section on the East Side. Very pleasant on a summer evening. Watch the sun set or the moon rise over the water. A covered picnic table is available, and you can fish. The Fairfield Loop Trail runs across the north part of this park.
Fairfield Reservoir # 2, managed by the Water Department
B (on the Loop Trail), W2 (on the walking trails) Fairfield, off Pleasant Plain Rd.
The Fairfield Loop Trail passes through here on its way from B Street to Pleasant Plain Road. There are two walking-only paths, one on each side of the lake, that loop through the woods. A bench is on the West trail.
Lamson Woods State Preserve, managed by Fairfield Park & Rec
W2 Fairfield, at the intersection of S. Park St. and E. Fillmore.
A state preserve, undeveloped trails run through a variety of terrain, hillside
to marshland, all within a wooded area that is unusual in Iowa. Very different in each season of the year. Not a large area, but densely packed. The paths are pretty rough, and stay wet for a while. The Fairfield Loop Trail goes through the northwestern segment. http://www.state.ia.us/dnr/organiza/ppd/lamson.htm
Whitham Woods, managed by JCCB
W1, XC Fairfield, on the north side of US 34 West, 0.4 miles west of intersection with CR H-33.
This 133-acre former nursery (Whitham Nursery) has a variety of plants and trees
(some not seen elsewhere), a woods, a prairie, a pond, a creek, and an old railroad bed. A nice place to eat lunch, if you don't have time to walk the grassy self-interpretive nature trail.
Zillman's Hickory Hills, managed by JCCB
W1 3.5 miles southeast of Fairfield, on Glasgow Road (H-46). Small parking area.
Shagbark hickory, pines, and prairie. Not very big (46 acres), but a pleasant
place to spend time. A variety of plants. A small pioneer cemetery and ponds add interest (this was a farm).
Livingston Timber, managed by JCCB
W2 6 miles Northeast of Fairfield -- Follow Pleasant Plain Rd (W-21) north, then left onto gravel road 145th St., then right onto Orange Blvd. for 0.5 miles.
Seventy-four acres of red and white pines, oak and hickory, and some brushy areas. There are no real trails here - nice for those who enjoy virgin woods. Be aware of
hunting seasons.
Round Prairie Park, managed by JCCB
MB1, W2, XC 12 miles SE of Fairfield -- Follow Glasgow Rd (H-46) south, turn right onto Tamarack Avenue and travel approx. 2 miles on the gravel road.
This 101-acre park has undeveloped trails, but has potential. Ride your bike to the park and eat lunch there. Timberland, bottomland, and grassland mix with ponds; an historic schoolhouse and a canoe access to the Cedar Creek. Camping, picnic shelters, and playground equipment make it nice for families. A limestone quarry was abandoned some time ago.
Jefferson County Park, managed by JCCB
B, MB1, W1, XC 1 mile SW of Fairfield -- Main entrance is on Libertyville Rd (H-43), west of SR 1 South.
So close to Fairfield that you can bike to it. A new walking and biking entrance, the Erma Hartman Trail, is located on Jackson Ave., west of 7th St. There is a small parking lot here, but why not ride your bike to this entrance? The park has more than 7 miles of looping trails, often with well-packed gravel. Its close proximity and easy trails make it good for bike beginners (but everyone can get a good workout on the hills). After a while people seem to find a particular loop they like to do (can you ride across the swinging bridge?). Combined with a brisk ride to and from the park, this can be a very good workout on a bike (or on foot, for that matter).
Many people often overlook the Jarvis Memorial Trail loop. Look for it. And new trails have been built around the new pond in the southwest corner of the park. The Libertyville Rd and 32nd St. park entrances can be used as part of your loops, but since they connect to highways, watch for cars. The park is popular with walkers. Be careful. Be polite.
The 4.5-mile Cedar View Trail extends westward from the 32nd St entrance to Libertyville. It crosses the Cedar Creek on a new bridge. www.jeffersoncountyconservation.com
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, managed by IDNR
MB2, W2, XC Keosauqua. Follow SR 1 south, cross the Des Moines River. About 22 miles from Fairfield.
Ten or more miles of excellent trails. There are three sections of trails. A map of the park, available at A. J's Bicycle Shop, will help you get from one to the other.
A good hike (or bike warm-up) is the trail around the lake. If you go counter clock-wise from the swimming area, you can continue on to the next area, the trail along the Des Moines River, by getting on the boat launch road at the end of the grassy dam. Follow signs to the picnic shelter.
The trail along the river is a wonderful looping and swaying singletrack. If you go downriver you can go into the town of Keosauqua for a snack. Heading up the river will eventually take you to the end of the park at a picnic lodge. The last hill is a doozy. Return via the trail, or turn left onto the paved road, go a short ways, then take an unmarked sharp right onto a grassy trail. This will lead you into a large maze of forest roads and cross-country trails that are a bit complex.
Have fun exploring! After the ride have a swim at the lake. http://www.state.ia.us/parks/laceykeo.htm
Shimek State Forest, managed by IDNR
MB2, W1, XC, E Farmington. Take SR 1 south to SR 2, and turn left (east) to Farmington. About 37 miles from Fairfield. Watch for signs. There are several places to park. Horses allowed south of SR 2.
AJ's Bicycle Shop has maps for a small fee. It's worth it because this is a huge
area, good for relaxed exploration, but easy to get lost in. You can find gorgeous lakes and dark pine groves, both rare in our area. Even a short "boardwalk."
The trails are wide and
bumpy, but not very hilly. The Headquarters off SR 2 is a good place to start (look for the sign in Farmington).
http://http://www.iowadnr.com/forestry/shimek.html
Indian Lake City Park Trail, managed by City of
Farmington
B, MB1, W1, XC Farmington. Take SR 1 south to SR 2, and turn left (east) to Farmington. Turn right onto SR 81, then left into Park. About 36 miles from Fairfield.
A three-mile trail goes around Indian Lake in the Indian Lake City Park, on a
hard packed crushed rock surface, with hills and curves. There is also a short dirt path along part of the lakeshore (don't fall in!). Have a picnic, or fish, but swimming is not allowed.
Lake Geode State Park, managed by IDNR
MB2, W2 Near New London (South of New London). You can get there from US 34 (watch for signs at exit # 244 at New London) or from CR.J-20 (see a state map). About 38 miles from Fairfield.
An approximately 8-mile trail goes around the lake. Park at almost any of the
picnic areas and access the trail. Good packed singletrack with lots of curves and short hills, a few very steep. Hardy riders can do the loop twice. Go swimming at the beach afterwards. (Parts of the trail are closed when it is wet. Please respect the signs and help preserve the trail).
http://www.state.ia.us/parks/geode.htm and www.icorrmtb.org
Pioneer Ridge Nature Area, managed by WCCB
MB1, W1, XC South of Ottumwa. Take US 63 south from Ottumwa for about 6 miles. Look for the sign near the county line. About 32 miles from Fairfield.
Twelve miles of mowed grassy trails, and one singletrack nature trail. Obtain a map at the nature center for loop possibilities.
Trails are closed when wet - please respect the signs.
Lake Wapello State Park, managed by IDNR
MB3, W2 West of Drakesville. Take US 63 south from Ottumwa to SR 273, and turn right and follow signs to Lake Wapello State Park. About 52 miles from Fairfield. For a scenic route,go through Eldon & Floris on CR J-12.
Eight miles of trail going around the lake with a few dead-end spurs. Trails can be rough, recommend front suspension or hardiness. You go through woods, fields, steep gullies, and over a dam. Park at campground guest lot. Recommend going counter-clockwise around the lake. About ¾ around the lake you will be in a Scout camp. From the boathouse follow the road uphill. Near the A-frame "church" look for a gate on the left. Go on to that trail. You will intersect with a paved road that will get you back to the start. A swimming area awaits you.
Hikers, remember there is no short-cut back to the start. http://www.state.ia.us/parks/wapello.htm
Sockum Ridge County Park, managed by WCCB
MB3, W2, E North of Wayland. Take SR 1 North to Brighton. Continue east onto SR 78 to Wayland. Turn left onto CR W-55. Go 4.5 miles and turn right onto 305th St., a dirt road. The park is 0.5 miles east, on your left. About 34 miles from Fairfield.
Over 10 miles of trail with more being built. This place was built by the Men On Bikes club from Washington, Iowa. Short but sweet loops of narrow winding trails, short climbs, and one beautiful cliff-top view of Iowa grandeur, best seen when the corn is high. Technically challenging at high speed. (There are also a variety of dirt and gravel roads in this area, which help make a whole day of riding). Closed when wet and some other times. Yield to horses.
Bring water, as there are no services, except in Wayland. Information and a map is
available on the Internet at: http://www.icorrmtb.org.
For background, see http://co.washington.ia.us/departments/conservation/parkdesc.htm#sockum,
Lake Darling State Park, managed by IDNR
MB2, W2, XC West of Brighton. Take SR 1 north towards Brighton. About 16 miles from Fairfield.
Twelve miles of grassy maintained trails through open grassland and wooded timber, going completely around the lake, but it may be muddy at the dam. Surface can be rough. Suspension or hardiness recommended. High potential for seeing wildlife. Or you can stay on the paved roads - they wind around through wooded areas. For an adventure, ride your bike from Fairfield to the park on gravel and dirt roads (you will need to take a bit of Rt. 1 to get to the park entrance), have a swim, then ride back on different roads -- about 36 miles.
http://www.state.ia.us/parks/darling.htm
and www.icorrmtb.org
Brinton Timber, managed by WCCB
E, MB3, W2 West of Brighton. Take Pleasant Plain Rd (W-21) north to the junction with SR 1. At the Stop sign go straight onto the gravel road and follow it to the end. About 18 miles from Fairfield.
Over six miles of trails in color-coded loops. It is rather hilly, bumpy,
and muddy and buggy in the summer. Used a lot by equestrians. Use caution and discretion. Horses have legal right-of-way over bicycles. Part of the trail goes along the Skunk River. A variety of terrain. Spring or autumn is nice (when it is dry). Not a large area, but the trails are challenging because of the hills and variety.
http://co.washington.ia.us/departments/conservation/parkdesc.htm#brinton
Camp Arrowhead
MB2, W2 South of Agency. Turn left onto Old Agency Rd., 0.5 mi. west of Agency on US 34. Left onto Camp Arrowhead Rd.
A fifteen-acre lake is hidden in this old YMCA camp. A trail goes down to the
lake, or follow the gravel road down. For adventure, cross the dam, go down the side, and take the old railroad bed to the west, then take gravel roads back. Or cross the river and ride to Ottumwa.
Oakland Mills Park Nature Center
MB1, W1 Near Mt. Pleasant. Follow US 34 East, take W-55 South, cross the river, take next left. 22 miles.
A nature trail runs along the top of the wooded bluff and down to the river. At
the start of the trail a map is posted (follow the driveway past the Nature Center building to the picnic area). Mushroom picking is allowed (!). Not on the map is a trail down to the dam. An old wagon bridge crosses to the north shore (you can swim here if you dare). Gravel roads provide ride opportunities to follow the river downstream or ride to Salem and back, or....
Belva Deer Nature Area, managed by KCCB
MB1, W1 Three miles east of Sigourney on SR 92. Turn north on 240th Ave. Follow the signs on the gravel road. About 40 miles from Fairfield.
A new dam has flooded many of the trails, but there is a 6.3 mile trail around the new lake. The trail is generally smooth grass and wide enough for two abreast. One entrance to it is at a small parking lot just before the road heads down to the South Boat Ramp. Picnicking, camping.
Website: http://www.sigourney.com/tourism/wildlife/facts.html although it has not been updated for a while.
Sugar Bottom Recreational Area at Coralville Reservoir
MB only Take SR 1 North to I-380 North. North of the I-80 Intersection, take the CR F-28 North Liberty Exit, and follow F-28 until you see a sign for Sugar Bottom. Turn right there and continue to the end of the road.
Only for mountain bikes (there are other trails around the lake for hiking). Ten
miles of excellent trails with many technical spurs. Beautiful pine grove sections. Lots of other bikers. Trails are one-way only so you can really let go, and are rated for difficulty. There is swimming at the beach where you park. It's worth the trip.
Other parts of the reservoir area have hiking trails, swimming, etc. Note: Information and a
rated map is available on the Internet at: http://www.icorrmtb.org or call ICORR at 319-626-1160. Trails are closed at
times.
There are some rail trails (and other trails) in the area. The book Bicycle Trails of Iowa (available at A. J's Bicycle Shop), published by American Bike Trails, lists over 85 trails in Iowa.
The guide published by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is also loaded with information. Look at http://www.inhf.org/, and click on "Explore Iowa."
Some other trails of note nearby:
Kewash Nature Trail, a rail trail between Washington and Keota, managed by WCCB
B, MB1, W1, XC Follow SR 1 North to Washington. Stay on SR 1 at the Stop sign. At the Hawkeye Motel turn right onto W. Main St., then in 0.4 miles turn left onto "N Ave. H" and then left into the Sesquicentennial Park parking lot. A paved trail takes you to the start of the Kewash Trail. About 30 miles from Fairfield.
This rail trail goes 14 miles from Washington to Keota on crushed limestone. Woodland area with a stream at the eastern end, with prairie and cultivated areas at the west. Chance to see deer, as well as small animals and birds. There is a convenience store in Keota (as well as Washington). The small fee can be paid at collection boxes or certain convenience stores.
http://co.washington.ia.us/departments/conservation/parkdesc.htm#Kewash
Cinder Path, a rail trail between Chariton and Humeston
B, MB1, W1, XC Follow US 34 West to Chariton. You will cross over the trail - then turn right to go around to the parking lot - near Hardees's. About 70 miles from Fairfied, but it is an easy drive and scenic for Iowa.
This rail trail from Chariton to Humeston is the first rail trail in Iowa. For 16 miles is goes along a river and through wooded and prairie areas on a cinder and crushed stone surface, mostly shaded. Sixteen wooden bridges, one covered, and a 20' wooden observation tower add interest. Many birds and plants. There are no services, so bring water and snacks. Some of the surface can be a bit soft when wet. Recently extended to Humeston.
Volksweg Trail, from Pella to and along Lake red Rock
B, MB1, W1, XC Pella, Lake Red Rock. Take US 34 west to Ottumwa, then US 63 and SR 163 North to Pella. About 70 miles from Fairfield.
This paved trail runs 5 miles from Pella to Lake Red Rock, and then 9 more miles
from below the dam and up along the northeastern side of the lake to Fifield Park. There are spectacular views of the lake as it winds its way though woods and prairie and over high bridges. Most slopes are less than 5%, but a few slopes approach 7%. Go west across the trail bridge (below the dam) for an older trail.
You can park below the dam or in Pella on University St. Note: Sections of the trail are closed during deer hunting season.
See http://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/RedRock/recreation/trails/default.htm
and http://www.pella.org/
Cedar Valley Nature Trail, a major rail trail between Cedar Rapids and Waterloo
B, MB1, W1, XC Follow I-380 North through Cedar Rapids. Exit onto Boyson Rd East. The parking lot is about 0.5 miles east. About 90 miles from Fairfield.
A nationally designated recreation rail trail in Iowa. Fifty-two miles of crushed
limestone run from Cedar Rapids to Waterloo (which has an extensive set of trails of its own). It is part of the American Discovery Trail, which may someday connect the East and West coasts(!). Make a weekend of it - stay in Waterloo and return the next day. Certain weekends are free.
http://www.cedarvalleytrail.com/
Hoover Nature Trail
B, MB1, W1, E in sections Burlington to Cedar Rapid. Only a few sections are completed.
Don't get too excited. This trail, which was originally envisioned as being built on the former Rock Island Railroad right-of-way (about 115 miles), may never be completed. However, there is a chance the northern portion may be completed from Cedar Rapids to Muscatine. Segments in Cedar, Louisa, Linn, Johnson and Muscatine counties are currently surfaced with crushed limestone.
A 7 mile section from Nichols to Conesville is complete. To proceed south from Conesville to Columbus Junction (about 5 miles) you must ride on SR 70. City streets are utilized within Columbus Junction. And 2 miles of the trail are complete south of the city - parking is available at the trailhead. Go south on Am. Legion St., off of Walnut Ave (at the CarQuest store).
Four more sections, each two or three-miles long, are complete in Morning Sun, West Branch, West Liberty, and Ely.
Though not a trail, the designated South East Iowa Bike Route starts at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park http://www.state.ia.us/parks/laceykeo.htm and follows SR 1, CR J-40, and CR X-23 to Geode State Park, http://www.state.ia.us/parks/geode.htm going through Bentonsport, Bonaparte, West
Point and Lowell. It also includes J-20 and W-55 through Salem & Houghton. Some of this route has been designated a national Scenic Highway.
See these internet sites:
http://www.state.ia.us/parks/twowheel.
http://www.800-tourvbc.com/
The Woodlands Scenic Byway is one of seven Iowa state- designated scenic byways. It can be used as a bike route, although it is primarily for cars.
Quoted from the website, http://www.dot.state.ia.us/scenic_byways.htm, is the following paragraph:
"Travel the Woodlands Scenic Byway and explore the magnificent state forests of southeast Iowa. Lose yourself as you wind through deep stands of hickory, oaks, and evergreens. Enjoy the scenic beauty as you pass by mirror-like farm ponds. Trace history as you follow the westward trek of early Mormon pioneers. Or see a bit of living history as you near Bloomfield, where Old Order Amish still travel by horse and buggy. Stop in one of the Amish shops and enjoy the taste of home made baked goods, or purchase a hand made quilt. If you are attracted to water, visit the historic Villages of Van Buren steamboat ports of call on the Des Moines River."
IOWA TRANSPORTATION MAP FOR BICYCLISTS
To encourage safe bicycle transportation, the Iowa Department of Transportation
has published its first Iowa Transportation Map for Bicyclists. This statewide map shows hundreds of miles of bike trails that pass through woodlands, prairies and parks -- all
highlighting the beauty of Iowa's landscapes. In addition to the off-road trails, traffic levels are indicated on all paved roadways so bicyclists can choose the road routes that match their levels of riding experience. Go to their website, http://www.dot.state.ia.us/bikeinfo.htm,
or pick up the map at DOT offices and elsewhere.
Produced by A J Steiner and Jeffrey Fitz-Randolph, 03/1998, updated 05/2004
|