From the Clear Creek Trail to F.W. Kent Park, outdoor adventures await in Johnson County
Johnson County offers a number of outdoor adventures primed for exploration. From hiking and biking, there is plenty to uncover.
Here are our favorite spots in eastern Iowa to stretch the legs, pound the pedals, and connect with the beautiful outdoors.
Clear Creek Trail
Where: Stretches east-west between F.W. Kent Park and Iowa City
This miles-long path feels like a completely different world, transporting you out into the quiet forest along Clear Creek. The path was paved in recent years, connecting a number of trails in the area. The Clear Creek Trail stretches as far west as Tiffin.
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The path allows walkers and area cyclists to head to F.W. Kent Park, a conservation area, or east toward Iowa City's numerous paths.
Iowa River Trail
Where: Stretches north-south between North Liberty and Iowa City
A favorite for area cyclists, this classic trail stretches 16 miles between Terry Trueblood Park and the Mehaffey Bridge, which spans the Iowa River.
While not a hidden gem, it has been extended and frequented so often because of its many phases. If you begin in Iowa City, the trail winds along and over waterways, providing both an excellent opportunity to sightsee and to enjoy a long bike ride.
F.W. Kent Park
Where: 2048 Highway 6 NW, Oxford
The largest county-owned area, F.W. Kent Park is at the western edge of the Clear Creek Trail. It features more than 1,000 acres of space equipped with a little something for everyone.
That means 13 miles of trails outfitted for hiking and biking as well as opportunities for kayaking, swimming and even cross-country skiing. F.W. Kent Park has it all.
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Two Horse Farm
Where: 2257 Sugar Bottom Rd NE, Solon
Acquired by Johnson County Conservation in 2022, this spot features grass and gravel trails, a historic building thought to be connected to Sears, and the home of the Raptor Advocacy Rehabilitation and Education program.
The county touts the property as having 364 unique plant species, 15.5 acres of reconstructed prairie, and 64 acres of oak forest.
The trail is open for pedestrian traffic only.
Big Grove Preserve
Where: 3999 Starry Night Lane NE, Solon
Near the Two Horse Farm, The Big Grove Preserve offers plenty of secluded hiking and exploration just outside of Solon. Located off the rural paved Sugar Bottom Road, the landscape carves its way through several miles of woods and small bluffs. The area is located near the Coralville Reservoir and a few miles from Lake McBride State Park.
Ciha Fen Preserve
Where: 5656 145th St. NE, Lisbon
In the northeast corner of the county, about half an hour from Iowa City, sits the undeveloped Ciha Fen Preserve, an 80-acre space available for hiking and protected by the county.
The area features a few endangered plant and animal species, including Blanding's turtles and black-crowned night herons. The county preserve entices hikers, bird watchers, and photographers.
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Cedar River Crossing
Where: 5373 Sutliffe Road NE, Solon
The vast Cedar River Crossing space south of Solon offers hiking opportunities through numerous wetlands. Despite no designated trail, the Sutliff Bridge passes over the Cedar River.
The county also provides a suggested hiking route that circles a large wetland, though the route crosses roughly 300 feet of wetland.
Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: The top hiking and biking trails in the Iowa City area
