Best Mountain Biking in Iowa

Trying to find the best mountain biking in Iowa? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Iowa, Decorah

09 :06 hrs
33.9 mi
125.360535 ft
Moderate

A ride that will take on you on roads shared with cars and on the Prairie Farmer Trail. The surface is made of paved roads and crushed limestone. The climb is steep and long. The scenery changes from farm fields, city neighborhoods and business district. There are restroom facilities and drinking water at the trailhead.

2

South Dakota, Lincoln County

00 :57 hrs
3.7 mi
82.97064 ft
Hard

A network of multi-use trails travel over rolling hill terrain in Newton Hills State Park offering some fun and challenging ride option for mountain bikers. The marked singletrack trails travel through forested areas and open meadows with lots of short but steep climbs and descents. Trail conditions may be muddy at times with small obstacles along the way. The trails can be used to customize multiple shorter loops or one long loop. The trails are The state park also offers camping and picnic areas. The trails are also open for hiking and horseback riding so watch out for other users along the way. There are some other connecting trails to the south but some allow hiking only.

3

Iowa, Burlington

00 :30 hrs
2 mi
39.595657 ft
Easy

Starr's Cave Preserve Trail is beautiful with limestone bluffs shadowing Flint Creek. During the winter you can cross country ski to explore the trails.

4

Iowa, Cedar Falls

04 :34 hrs
17 mi
11.959808 ft
Easy

A ride for spring, summer or fall, the scenery is beautiful at any time. It connects several parks riding through prairie, thick wooded areas, and neighborhoods, going by the Cedar River and going around the Big Woods Lake. This might be the very best ride in Iowa. Because of the parks, it goes through, you have facilities and drinking water throughout the ride.

5

Iowa, Waterloo

00 :42 hrs
2.6 mi
1.5331726 ft
Easy

The park has several trails that are short and multi-use. This mapping illustrates those trails. You can also connect to the Cedar Valley Lakes Trail, which is several miles long. While biking, enjoy the views of lakes, wooded forest and wildlife. These trails are shared with hikers, cross-country skiers, snowmobilers and snowshoers.

6

Iowa, Humeston

08 :29 hrs
15.7 mi
- ft
Easy

The surface of this path is cinder. The views are prairies, farmlands, wooded patches and wildlife to be seen. A rail to trail adventure, you will find hikers and cross-country skiers. There are no facilities or drinking water at either end. It can be done out and back or one-way. There is parking at both ends.

7

Iowa, Davenport

03 :60 hrs
7.5 mi
26.863876 ft
Hard

The Duck Creek Trail can be an out and back or one way trail. On this mapping, it is an out and back. You will cross the river, go through wooded patches; ride by neighborhoods, commercial areas and by parks. The path is paved, mostly flat and free of obstacles.

8

Iowa, Harrison County

02 :31 hrs
4.8 mi
31.079803 ft
Easy

The surface of this path is composed of ballast, mowed grass and dirt. For biking, please use fat tires. Be prepared to share the trail with hikers, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. The ride takes you through farmland, wooded patches and open prairies. Some of the trail is on shared road.

9

Iowa, Mitchell County

01 :40 hrs
3.3 mi
21.533173 ft
Easy

You will enjoy a ride next to the river with lush vegetation and thick woods to ride through. Equestrians, hikers and cross-country skiers also use the trail. No motorized vehicles allowed. The path is made from limestone. Another activity to enjoy on this trail is Birdwatching.

10

Iowa, Sibley

02 :19 hrs
4.3 mi
39.071777 ft
Easy

The surface is natural-groomed. To ride on this trail, use fat tires. The path is shared with hikers, cross-country skiers and equestrians. As far as vegetation goes, you will leave the city and see lots of farmland. There are a few trees on the path. During the hot weather months, bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen.

See more adventures..

Explore complete list