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Cress Creek Nature National Recreation Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 661 Google reviews · Running trail in Rexburg, Idaho · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Cress Creek Nature National Recreation Trail'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.
Paved family trail for creek exploration and viewing the Snake River.
What runners say about Cress Creek Nature National Recreation Trail
“Some parts of the path are more steep than others, but the path was well maintained, and fairly easy to traverse.”
“Hike is beautiful scenery the whole way & once you get to the creek you can take either the left trail or the right and they both lead back to the creek.”
“Nice easy hike with side paths for more challenging hikes with better sites”
I love Cress Creek! I’ve hiked it a handful of times and it is a great trail. It’s not too steep and it’s well shaded. I also love the little stops because there are benches to rest and great look outs and views like little waterfalls and streams.
Beautiful trail with some great views!! I marked it as a "moderate" trail in terms of difficulty but I don't normally hike and I also did it with 2 dogs so it was likely much harder for me than for most people. There is a small pond, about half-way through the trail, which is great! It's definitely worth the hike.
This is a great little hike (about 1.78 miles if you do the loop at the end of the paved trail). Very well maintained! Lots of places to sit and enjoy the views! There are also lots of picnic tables to bring a lunch or dinner and eat while overlooking the great scenery!
Great hike for kids 5 and older. It’s paved the whole way up to the creek and there is shade around the creek for eating & a picnic bench during the summer. Bathrooms at the parking lot.
Trail conditions & character
“Hike is beautiful scenery the whole way & once you get to the creek you can take either the left trail or the right and they both lead back to the creek.”
“The trail starts out as a paved sidewalk switch backing up the hill.”
“I marked it as a "moderate" trail in terms of difficulty but I don't normally hike and I also did it with 2 dogs so it was likely much harder for me than for most people.”
“The first half is paved and wheelchair accessible as well as has park tables for picnicking.”
“It’s paved the whole way up to the creek and there is shade around the creek for eating & a picnic bench during the summer.”
“There is a small parking area and a non flush toilet at the start of the trail.”
“The only thing is the restrooms are gross and dirty, no toilet paper and no hand washing.”
“Lots of gravel to slip on, when you go off the sidewalk.”
“78 miles if you do the loop at the end of the paved trail).”
Plan your run at Cress Creek Nature National Recreation Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteblm.gov
- Phone(208) 524-7500
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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