Sac & Fox Trail

The oldest National Recreation Trail in Iowa is called the Sac and Fox Trail, and you'll find it in Cedar Rapids. This 7.2-mile out-and-back trail follows the Cedar River and Indian Creek, and it can be enjoyed by the whole family, including your four-legged family members! Dogs must remain on a leash on the trail, and visitors are required to clean up after them and supply their own doggie bags.

In addition to dog walkers, it's not uncommon to see horseback riders, cyclists, and cross-country skiers on the trail during certain times of the year. The crushed-limestone surface and wide path make the Sac and Fox Trail ideal for all sorts of activities.

The first section of the trail follows Indian Creek, and in this area, you'll walk through picturesque forests that the stream runs through. Around the halfway point of the path, you'll come to the Indian Creek Nature Center. This nature preserve has more hiking trails within it, as well as educational centers. There's also a building with special exhibits on the property, but dogs are not allowed inside.

For the second half of the trail, you'll walk alongside the Cedar River. This section of the path features wider paths where you can enjoy the sunshine on warm days.

It takes most hikers around three hours to complete this trail, but if you decide to stop at the Nature Center, plan for a longer excursion. If you'd just like to complete a portion of the trail, there are several access points along the path so you can pick specific areas to walk. Similarly, there are several free parking spaces on the length of the trail, with most of them on the south end.

The Sac and Fox Trail is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and it's a pawpular activity for residents and visitors of Cedar Rapids!