The City of Cedar Falls has recently been recognized by the American Discovery Trail as a Trail Town. Cedar Falls is the first Trail Town in Iowa and the second in the United States. This initiative recognizes cities that support outdoor recreation as a means to enhance the quality of life, a healthier community, and foster economic development while promoting the American Discovery Trail as a national jewel.

Mayor Danny Laudick will recognize this designation with an official proclamation at City Hall Council Chambers on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Attendees at the proclamation reading will include Butch Niebur, ADT Iowa coordinator, Cedar Falls Trail Town Committee members, and Cedar Falls Tourism staff.

The American Discovery Trail (ADT) is America’s first coast-to-coast, non-motorized trail, extending 6,800 miles between Delaware and California and passing through 15 states and the District of Columbia. It provides millions of people with access to a trail system and encourages protection of natural, scenic, and cultural resources along the trail.

"Cedar Falls is the first city west of the Mississippi to be a Trail Town, and we are pleased they wanted this designation to promote the town for tourism and economic development," said Eric Howard, American Discovery Trail executive director. "Because Cedar Falls is home to the University of Northern Iowa, we hope that your younger residents will also enjoy use of the trail, be it hiking the 159 miles to Illinois, the 353 miles to Nebraska or the 2,000+ miles in either direction to the Atlantic or the Pacific."

Hikers and bicyclists are encouraged to plan their visit to an officially designated ADT Trail Town to rest, resupply, and recharge. The ADT route through the Cedar Valley utilizes the Cedar Valley Trails entering Cedar Falls from George Wyth State Park at Krieg's Crossing via the South Riverside Trail and exits Cedar Falls on the Cedar Prairie Trail. A local advisory committee has been formed to show a commitment to the American Discovery Trail of our community support.

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Another feature here: https://www.cedarfallstourism.org/blog/things-to-do/cedar-falls-named-first-trail-town-in-iowa.aspx

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