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Greenbelt Lake
4.5 ★★★★★ 154 Google reviews · Running trail in Waterloo, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Greenbelt Lake'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.
Relaxing lake offering paved and dirt trails, fishing and kayaking.
What runners say about Greenbelt Lake
“Recent updates on the dock, picnic table, benches, well maintained, fishing access throughout the lake.”
“It is a beautiful and pleasant place to relax and enjoy watching people fishing while I just did a little work on my computer at a picnic table near the lake.”
“Nice quiet park with a fairly decent sized lake and groomed trail around it rite on the edge of the city.”
A great place to go for a walk and enjoy nature. The trail around the lake is about a mile long and has several mini trails or stairs down to the water for a nice view which is perfect.
We love this little lake. There are never many people here, so it's a great place for an early morning walk or kayak. No motorized boats are allowed. It's peaceful with plenty of nature sounds and turtles and frogs. There are fish here, but it's hit and miss if they're interested in what you have.
Love the trail that runs around this lake. Perfect length for a nice walk. Connects in two places to the Greenbelt trails, if you want to add some more steps to your walk. It's about 1 mile around the lake and about 2 if you add the trail extension.
Nice little walking path around the lake. Recent updates on the dock, picnic table, benches, well maintained, fishing access throughout the lake. Great place for a short walk around the lake. Dense trees keep you in the shade for most of the walking path.
Trail conditions & character
“It is a beautiful and pleasant place to relax and enjoy watching people fishing while I just did a little work on my computer at a picnic table near the lake.”
“Nice quiet park with a fairly decent sized lake and groomed trail around it rite on the edge of the city.”
“Really nice paved path down to a great dock where we went fishing.”
“Great to take the stroller out to navigate the trails and awesome for a toddler or kid to run.”
Plan your run at Greenbelt Lake
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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitewaterlooleisureservices.org
- Phone+1 319-291-4370
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 5 am–11 pm |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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