Fat Bike Adventures - Bike Iowa City

Woodpecker Single Track

Miles

Feet of Climbing

This urban single track is a newer addition to the cycling amenities in Johnson County. Starting at the Tom Harken Trailhead, the trails meander and flow through a wooded area along Clear Creek; the east and west trail sections are split by Camp Cardinal Boulevard with a connector passing under the street. Featuring mostly green/beginner difficulty level trails and some pump track-like sections, these are fun trails for riders of all types, from kids starting out to the expert looking to squeeze in some convenient training miles. You’ll find lots of solid wooden bridges over water features and wetlands, sandy soil that tends to drain well after rain, and many urban deer that call these woods home.

In the winter, local riders chip in with snowshoeing to groom snowy trails for fat biking.

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Terry Trueblood Recreation Area

◯ Beginner

Miles

Feet of Climbing

Fat bikes go pretty much anywhere. But the river bottom woods at the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area are the site of the annual I AM FAT (Iowa’s Annual Majestic Fat Ride Around Trueblood) fat bike enduro, and a prime spot in Johnson County for fat bike stomping. Trails are built when possible (depending on fluctuating river levels) and invite exploring.

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Creekside Connection

◯ Beginner, ▢ Intermediate

Miles

Feet of Climbing

Coralville is back at it again with the Creekside Connection trail.

Are those island boardwalks and stream crossings? Yes, yes they are. The new singletrack — which is largely complete as of June 2022 — is being built by Pathfinder Trails and will include the Deer Creek, Dogwoods, Farm Junk, and Flowstyle segments.

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Urban Terrain Tour

◯ Beginner, ▢ Intermediate

Miles

Feet of Climbing

Kick off your journey at Iowa City’s newest gem, the Ice House Singletrack Trail at Terrell Mill Park. Warm up on beginner and intermediate loops winding along the Iowa River, past reclaimed-wood bridges, and around the historic ice house foundation. Don’t miss the skills area—perfect for practicing balance and technique before you hit the next trail.

Next, hop onto paved paths toward Coralville, taking in views of fish and birds at the Iowa River Power Co. Dam before rolling on to the Woodpecker Singletrack: a shady, creekside system dotted with wooden bridges and urban wildlife. Need a quick rest? Pull over at the Tom Harken Trailhead for water, shade, and restrooms.

Continue on via the Pecker Connector and Smokey’s Treat segments into the Creekside area, where freshly minted trails cross island boardwalks and playful stream features. If you’re feeling bold, test your skill on the Creekside Flow Trail with its two gravity-fed routes, or go all-in on the “Deadwood” segment’s sloping berms and alt lines.

When you’re ready to wind down, join the paved trail for a relaxed spin back through Coralville and along the Iowa River to Iowa City. Want to keep the adventure going? Stop by a Bike Friendly Business for post-ride fuel and refreshments. Or make a weekend out of it at one of our Bike Friendly Hotels, where you and your bike will be warmly welcomed. Around here, Bike Iowa City isn’t just a place to ride—it’s a place to relax, refuel, and reconnect.

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