Council Bluffs Trail Flat Loop

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Council Bluffs, IA, US

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Route Overview

Melissa Peterson

Southwest Iowa Adventurer

23 mi.

231 ft.

This route is a popular flat loop of Council Bluffs, Iowa incorporating as many city trails as possible. There are many amenities along the route including several restaurants and bars plus scenic areas including the riverfront, Big Lake Park and Lake Manawa.

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Route Details

This route is a flat loop of Council Bluffs, Iowa incorporating as many of the paved city trails as possible. There are many options for parking but one option is to start at the Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park. The route loops clockwise around the city and counter-clockwise around Lake Manawa for approximately 23 miles with 231' of climb. Along the route you will find many resources including restrooms, gas stations, restaurants and parks. There is no fee to ride on the Council Bluffs trail system.

# Route

* Park at the @poi[Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park](89728573) where you can check out the @poi[Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge](88892847) and the "@poi[Looking Up](88892848)" statue. 
* The paved trail heads north to @poi[Big Lake Park](89728628) where you can watch locals fishing and admire several pieces of artwork. 
* The route then heads south on a smooth residential road before jumping onto the trail and then back to more residential streets. In this area, make sure to look for the @poi[Railway Inn](89728463), a restaurant known for breakfast and volleyball courts.  
* Soon, you'll jump back on the winding Southside Bike Trail and remain on the trail system for the majority of the ride.
* You will loop around Council Bluff's @poi[Lake Manawa](89728970), pass through a @poi[sports complex](89728977) before wrapping up back at the river front riding near the city's casinos.

#
# Notes

* This route is great in all seasons and in all weather. Please watch for snow/ice on the trail in the winter. 
* One variation would be to incorporate the brand new @poi[FIRST AVE trail](89728743) into your ride. This trail cuts right through the heart of Council Bluffs and would take you straight back to the river front.
* There are not @poi[one](88892846) but @poi[two](89728459) Heartland Bike Share bike rental stations on this route. 
* This route is suitable for all bikes and all levels of fitness/experience. Please be sure to be careful at all street crossings.

Other routes by Melissa Peterson

Melissa Peterson

Southwest Iowa Adventurer

63 mi 1,731 ft

Pottawattamie County, IA, US

Mostly unpaved

This is the full Wabash Trace Nature Trail (one way) with points of interest and services along t... more

This is the full Wabash Trace Nature Trail (one way) with points of interest and services along the route. The Wabash Trace is a crushed limestone bike trail that runs from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Missouri with several small towns in between. This route is popular for bikepacking as there are several campsites on the route. (less)

Pottawattamie County, IA, US

Melissa Peterson

Southwest Iowa Adventurer

Melissa Peterson

Southwest Iowa Adventurer

Council Bluffs Trail Flat Loop

Route Overview

Route Details

Other routes by Melissa Peterson

Wabash Trace Nature Trail

Rock Island Old Stone Arch Nature Trail Loop

T-Bone Trail

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