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Hills Loop

Iowa City, IA, US

Route Overview

Iowa Bikeways

From the Iowa Bicycle Coalition

Ambassador

14 mi.

280 ft.

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Route Details

Don't let the name [Hills, Iowa](http://hills-ia.org/) fool you. This route is obviously not named for it's topograpy. This 14-miles of flatness is a great ride if you are visiting Iowa City and one of the local's favorites.

This ride starts at [Trueblood Park](https://icgov.org/city-government/departments-and-divisions/parks-and-recreation/parks-and-forestry/parks/parks-29) on the south end of Iowa City. You can follow the trail system to the park or drive down Gilbert Street until you reach McCollister Blvd. There is plenty of parking and restrooms available.  During the summer months, there is a concession area with food and kayak/SUP rentals.

The trail at Trueblood goes all the way around the lake.  Choose either direction to start. At the south end of the lake, cross onto Sand Road.

There are signs indicating turns along this route. When you reach the four-way stop, turn west towards Hills.  You will pass the [Hills Access](http://www.johnson-county.com/dept_conservation.aspx?id=4011) area.  There is camping available.

# Route

* Paved shoulders nearly the entire route.
* Stop at the @poi[218 Tap](1521855) in Hills for a cold beverage.
* @poi[Casey's General Store](1521854) has water and food.
* Return route has one hill with a max 4% grade.
* Oak Crest Hill road turns right onto a 4 lane road. Use outside lane.
* Follow signs past Johnson County Fairgrounds for right turn onto McCollister Blvd.
* Return to Trueblood Park.

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From there, we continue through Gray's Lake across the trail bridge over the lake. We continue on to Exile Brewery for another safety stop and regroup.

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The trip home incorporates the Red Bridge that Andrea has claimed as her own. We return to Embassy Suites as, I'm sure, better people.

If you are bringing your own bike, please have lights and a lock. B-Cycles have locks on the bikes. (less)