Off-Road Adventures - Bike Iowa City

Sugar Bottom

Miles

Feet of Climbing

One of the premier mountain biking destinations in Iowa is located in the midst of hardwood forest along the Coralville Lake, just north of Iowa City and between North Liberty and Solon. The Sugar Bottom mountain bike trail system, in the Sugar Bottom Recreation Area, includes roughly 12 miles and 1,400 climbing feet of outstanding hand-built trails. The one-way trails range from beginner to expert and are configured in a stacked loop system. You can enjoy a green ride on a continuous loop through the whole system, or check out the blues and blacks that loop off of the main trail. Along the way, you might hear the calls of barred owls, startle a group of deer or turkeys, or see an osprey working on its nest.

Races are held at the trail system several times a year and draw riders from across the Midwest.

Trail status is updated here and via signage at the trails; fines are imposed for riding closed trails.

Camping is available at the Sugar Bottom Recreation Area, along with disc golf, a beach area, playground, barrier-free asphalt trail, nearby boat access, and more. There is plenty to do between mountain bike rides!

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Woodpecker Single Track

◯ Beginner, ▢ Intermediate

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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Creekside Flow Trail

◯ Beginner, ▢ Intermediate, ♢ Advanced

Miles

Feet of Climbing

One of the newest additions to our off road adventures is the Coralville Flow Trail, a gravity-fed smooth textured dirt roller coaster. Starting at the Coralville Creekside Cross Trailhead, you’ll venture your way along a tree-lined climbing path, emerging at a clearing where you can Choose Your Own Adventure: the fun and flowy Flow Trail #1 or the fast and furious Flow Trail #2. Further along — if you’re up for the challenge — take a lap on the Sand Crane Trail which features sloping berms on the corners and a wood frame that drops riders over the remains of an old car.

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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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