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Cedar Bluffs Natural Area Trailhead
4.4 ★★★★☆ 12 Google reviews · Running trail in Oskaloosa, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cedar Bluffs Natural Area Trailhead'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.
What runners say about Cedar Bluffs Natural Area Trailhead
“The trails are easy to follow and meander around the area, giving lots of options.”
This place is out in the middle of rural Mahaska County. Miles from nearest town. But once you find it, it will surprise you. One of the gems of Iowa is how I put it. Don't be fooled by its commonplace appearance. Small parking area.
Have visited the Natural Area several times and the trail is well maintained, but there are no clear distances or routes marked. The trails are easy to follow and meander around the area, giving lots of options. There is a very nice overlook on the main loop that gives a view of the Des Moines River.
The trail surround starts as prairie then turns to forest as you approach Cedar Creek. There is a variety of plants and creatures to be seen. I saw or heard rabbits, red-winged black birds, red-eyed vireos, indigo bunting, and butterflies. Although there is no trail map, the trail network is well marked and maintained.
The main parts of the trails are mowed nicely, but the park ranger needs to get off his mower and trim the trails he can't mow sitting down. Pure laziness on their part and guests could be in for bad day with poison ivy in the area.. Other than that, a beautiful hidden gem of a nature reserve.
Trail conditions & character
“There is a very nice overlook on the main loop that gives a view of the Des Moines River.”
“There is a very nice overlook on the main loop that gives a view of the Des Moines River.”
Plan your run at Cedar Bluffs Natural Area Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Loop distance2 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitemahaskaconservation.com
- Phone(641) 673-9327
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 12–1 AM |
| Tuesday | 12–3 AM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 4 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | 5 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | 12–1 AM |
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