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Big Woods Lake Recreation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 394 Google reviews · Running trail in Cedar Falls, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Big Woods Lake Recreation Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Lake with opportunities for disc golf, picnicking, and fishing, plus paved bike trails and a kid-friendly hike.
What runners say about Big Woods Lake Recreation Area
“Bathrooms, sadly on opposite end from tent camping area, were clean with a small playground outside.”
“There are beautiful views of the lake and the lake itself is great for non motorized recreation.”
“It’s no wake, so it’s quiet.”
This is a really nice park, connected to lots of trails in the Cedar Valley. There is a campground, a few cabins, and the lake is very fun to explore via Kayaks. We love to go early in the morning to get a really nice experience with mother nature and all the animals.
I love this place! Who knew that a campground could be so fun?! Legitimately, it’s a great place for families. There’s a campground, for camping, (obviously), there’s kayaks for the water, and even better- there’s a Storywalk! Which is exactly like what it sounds.
The park and lake themselves are amazing. I was on the south side and it was clean. Had plenty of parking, a boat launch, a frisbee course and near an extream bicycle track. However, the bathrooms have no running water, which means no sinks for washing hands. The stall also had no doors.
This facility is AMAZING! This is a community park that appears to be well known among the local region. Currently, it is $30/night for full hook ups and is big enough to accomodate our 65ft rig at many sites, there are pull through and back in spots, first come first serve.
Trail conditions & character
“A lovely lake with a great, well-maintained paved trail system all the way around it.”
“There are beautiful views of the lake and the lake itself is great for non motorized recreation.”
“Bathrooms, sadly on opposite end from tent camping area, were clean with a small playground outside.”
“I recommend fishing under the footbridge down to the left of the main parking lot on the south side of the lake.”
Plan your run at Big Woods Lake Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitecedarfalls.com
- Phone+1 319-433-7275
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Cedar Falls
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Gateway Park
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Tourist Park
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This 10-acre recreation area on the Cedar River has an 18-hole disc golf course & a picnic shelter.
Washington Park
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A bike trail surrounds this riverfront park with a ball field, open grassy areas & play equipment.
George Wyth State Park
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Multiple lakes for boating, fishing & windsurfing plus multi-use woodland trails, campsites & more.
Pfeiffer Springs Park
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Riverside park with ball fields & courts, a playground, sheltered picnic tables & walking paths.
Lookout Park
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Modest grassy area overlooking the Cedar River with picnic shelters & a playground.