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Routes
Road cycling routes
United States
Iowa
Black Hawk County
Waterloo

Brinker Lake – Cedar River loop from Iowa Northern Railway

Routes
Road cycling routes
United States
Iowa
Black Hawk County
Waterloo

Brinker Lake – Cedar River loop from Iowa Northern Railway

Moderate

3.1

(26)

57

riders

Brinker Lake – Cedar River loop from Iowa Northern Railway

02:30

50.6km

140m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 12, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 45.5 km for 64 m

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1

32.6 km

Fisher Lake

Highlight • Lake

Fisher Lake is a natural water body with a bikeway to the south and a quiet road in the north. You may spot people fishing here for bluegill and largemouth bass.

Tip by

2

34.5 km

Fisher Lake

Highlight • Lake

Fisher Lake is a natural body of water. There is plenty of parking, nearby boat ramp, some picnic tables and kids' playground. Fishing is permitted here, and there is a …

Tip by

3

38.1 km

Brinker Lake

Highlight • Lake

The views out over Brinker Lake here on the Cedar Valley Lakes Trail are simply stunning. The trail is a paved byway, and here it is right next to the …

Tip by

4

41.0 km

Cedar River

Highlight • River

The Cedar River, spanning 338 miles (544 km) through both Minnesota and Iowa, is a tributary to the Iowa River, which merges with the Mississippi River. It got its name …

Tip by

5

45.1 km

Soldiers & Sailors Park

Highlight • Monument

Soldiers & Sailors Park displays granite monuments and bronze plaques to remember the service men and women in all wars. There is also a small replica of the Statue of …

Tip by

B

50.6 km

End point

Train Station

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

35.9 km

10.1 km

3.95 km

213 m

188 m

< 100 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

40.4 km

9.66 km

278 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

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Weather

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Today

Wednesday 15 July

33°C

20°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h

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Description

If you're looking for a rewarding road cycling experience that combines natural beauty with an accessible ride, the Brinker Lake – Cedar River loop from Iowa Northern Railway is an excellent choice. This moderate 31.4-mile (50.6 km) route, with a gentle 447 feet (136 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 2 hours and 29 minutes, making it perfect for a wide range of cyclists seeking a scenic and enjoyable outing.

What to expect on Brinker Lake – Cedar River loop from Iowa Northern Railway

This loop offers a journey through the picturesque landscape of George Wyth Memorial State Park, providing continuous views of Brinker Lake and the winding Cedar River. You'll ride mostly on paved surfaces, enjoying a smooth experience through wooded areas and natural settings. The section around Brinker Lake is particularly stunning, with the path running right along the water's edge, creating a tranquil setting. With minimal elevation changes, the route is generally easy to moderate, making it suitable for all skill levels and varying fitness levels, whether you're out for a leisurely spin or a quicker workout.

Planning your visit

The Brinker Lake – Cedar River loop is a notable part of the extensive Cedar Valley Trails system, which boasts over 110 miles of hard-surfaced, multi-use trails. The area is well-equipped with amenities, including clear wayfinding signs that indicate mileage and travel time. You might also encounter the Cedar Trails Patrol, a group of volunteer cyclists who can offer assistance if needed. Given its accessibility and well-maintained paths, this route is enjoyable throughout the cycling season.

Trail details

  • Distance: 31.4 miles (50.6 km)
  • Elevation gain: 447 feet (136 metres)
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Estimated time: 2 hours and 29 minutes

Nearby routes

Easy

17

Hartman Reserve Nature Center – Cedar River loop from University of Northern Iowa

01:13h

22.9km

70m

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