Water Trails

The Fairfield City Council is transforming the three retired water reservoirs into water recreation areas (details below).

At present, there are two designated water trails in Jefferson County:

• The 72-mile long Skunk River Water Trail (click here) traverses Keokuk, Washington, Jefferson and Henry counties. The Jefferson County section is 10.5 miles long.

• The Cedar Creek Water Trail (click here) uses about 6 miles of a scenic section of Cedar Creek.

City Lakes

The three retired water reservoirs in Fairfield are being transformed into water recreation areas. Non-wake boats are allowed on all 3 lakes, as well as row boats, kayaks, etc. Gasoline-engined boats are not allowed.

Bonnifield Lake in Waterworks Park now has a beach for swimming in the retired reservoir #1. It was Fairfield's first reservoir, built in 1883 as a result of Fairfield's decision to built a water treatment plant.

A grassy multi-purpose trail surrounds the reservoir, which connects to the Loop Trail at the north section of Waterworks Park.

A swimming dock was built and installed in May, 2006.   Click to see photos.

Pleasant Lake was named in May 2006. This retired reservoir #2 was built in 1898 as a "back-up" reservoir, and is now being developed for water recreation.

There are walking-only trails on the East and West sides -- enter them from the Loop Trail which passes along the south side of the lake.

Lake Walton is being developed for water recreation. It was built in 1924 as a third reservoir for Fairfield's water treatment plant.

The Loop Trail travels along part of the west side of the lake. The Walton Club operates a golf course here, and building lots were recently sold around the lake.

   The Jefferson County section of the Skunk River Water Trail

<<< Coppock Access
























<<< MacCoon Access

The Jefferson County section of the Skunk River Water Trail is 10.5 miles long. Put in at the Coppock Access boat ramp and take out at MacCoon Access.

The complete 72-mile Skunk River Water Trail begins near Sigourney in Keokuk County, traverses Washington and Jefferson Counties, and ends at Oakland Mills Park in Henry County.

See a map of the entire Skunk River Water Trail.

The Jefferson County portion of this water trail is maintained by the Jefferson County Conservation Board. A detailed brochure is available. Their website is here.

Cedar Creek Water Trail

Put into Cedar Creek at the Turkey Run Wildlife Area and take out at Round Prairie Park, about 6 miles downstream.

This water trail is maintained by the Jefferson County Conservation Board. See more about this Water Trail at their website.