Easy
Iowa River Trail - Waterworks Prairie Park to North Liberty
EasyIowa · United States
- Distance
- 5.3 km (3.3 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 118 m (387 ft)
- Typical time
- 1 hr 17 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- Point to point
- Highest point
- Not recorded
About Iowa River Trail - Waterworks Prairie Park to North Liberty
Iowa River Trail - Waterworks Prairie Park to North Liberty is a 5.3 km hiking route in Iowa, United States. It climbs roughly 118 m (387 ft) along the way. Most people take around 1 hr 17 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. The grade stays gentle throughout, so it works as a first hike of a trip.
The high meadows are grazed in summer, so expect livestock and the occasional working farm. Riverside walking means shade, birdlife and a reliable sense of direction.
It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. Much of the surface is sealed, which makes for fast walking and easy going in the wet. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.
It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The nearest town of any size is Iowa City, about 6.2 km away, which is where most people base themselves.
In short, Iowa River Trail - Waterworks Prairie Park to North Liberty suits families, first-time visitors and anyone looking for a half day outdoors. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Easy5.3 km118 m
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
The route in detail
The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.
Highlights
- River
- Alpine meadow
Know before you go
- Best season
- April to October
- Waymarked
- Not consistently
- Surface
- concrete
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Not recorded
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 55/100
- Adventure
- 27/100
- Difficulty
- 16/100
- Accessibility
- 85/100
- Family
- 73/100
- Dogs
- 70/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
- Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
- Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.
Safety
Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
No one has reviewed Iowa River Trail - Waterworks Prairie Park to North Liberty yet. Be the first.
Trails near Iowa River Trail - Waterworks Prairie Park to North Liberty
Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.
Easy
Easy
Iowa · United States
- Distance
- 4.8 km / 3.0 mi
- Elevation gain
- 105 m
- Typical duration
- 1 hr 9 min
- River
Easy
Easy
Iowa · United States
- Distance
- 0.7 km / 0.5 mi
- Elevation gain
- 16 m
- Typical duration
- 11 min
- Alpine meadow
Easy