Type: Nature Trail
Length: 3 miles
Surface: Paved
Condition
Average
Grade - Gentle Grades
Amenities
Description
Moments from downtown Cedar Falls, this trail connects to the Cedar Valley Lakes trail on the south at Gateway Park and on the north end with the Lone Tree Road Trail. The Cedar Valley Trail system has a designated 8.3 mile Big Woods Loop that travels around Big Woods Lake and to Black Hawk Park. Starting at Gateway Park enjoy a wooded ride to Big Woods Lake, cycle along open spaces and residential areas, the forested bank of the Cedar River, Cottage Row's homes, and Island Park on your return to downtown Cedar Falls. This loop utilizes the Big Woods Lake Trail, Lone Tree Road Trail and Cedar Valley Lakes Trail.
Location - Where is this Trail?
Big Woods Lake Campground is located at 1501 East Lake Street, Cedar Falls.
From Highway 218: Take exit 189 for Lone Tree Rd, turn west onto Lone Tree Rd & take the 1st left onto Big Woods Rd, then turn left at E Lake St, the campground will be on the right.
Trailheads
- Big Woods Lake - Big Woods Road and Ironwood Street
- Big Woods Lake - Big Woods Road and E. Lake Street.
- Gateway Park - Lincoln and Main streets downtown Cedar Falls
Sites & Attractions
The Big Woods Lake Recreation area provides a myriad of outdoor recreation opportunities including access to the metropolitan recreation trail system, boating, fishing, hiking, disc golf, camping, and picnicking and the Cedar Falls Rotary Club's 10-acre prairie restoration. The remaining park grounds consist of floodplain-associated woodlands and wetland areas interlaced with small lakes, which were once old quarries and are now used for fishing. For more information regarding campground reservations, contact Black Hawk County Conservation Office at (319) 433-7275.
You can rent a kayak or paddle board to enjoy a leisurely paddle on the lake, watch eagles hunting, or play a round of disc golf.
Camping - The 12-acre site holds 55 RV campsites, three permanent cabins, tent camping, hard surface roadways and wireless internet service.
more info
History of the Trail
Contributors
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This trail was last edited by CedarFallsVisitor on May 29, 2020.