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Hartman Reserve Nature Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 481 Google reviews · Running trail in Cedar Falls, Iowa · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Hartman Reserve Nature Center'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.
Sprawling outdoor preserve with paved & unpaved paths, scenic lakes & an interpretative center.
What runners say about Hartman Reserve Nature Center
“It has beautiful streams running, a cute little bridge over it and trails amidst the tall trees, it's everything I had hoped for and more.”
“It is so peaceful and the little display area is so cool!”
Hartman Reserve is a beautiful gem of Nature in the middle of the Cedar Falls community. It has very well kept trails that include small bridges and stairways. You will often see wildlife in their natural habitat. I have encountered deer, squirrels, mink, raccoons, and multitudes of birds.
I cannot believe this place exists in the middle of Cedar Valley! It's so serene and dense inside. I just visited yesterday and most trees had turned to yellow and oh my, was it a sight!
This nature reserve was really nice. We had a large group and the staff was great. We got to see and learn about some of the animals up close. Very clean. Went for a hike on one of the trails and we saw a deer. Highly recommend checking this place out if you have kids or need an inexpensive activity!
Very relaxing walk. Lots of flowers out in May. Got stared at by some deer, lots of squirrels running around, and many birds singing. They are reworking some of the trail So you do have to go down by the main area with the sugar shack to get to most trails.
Trail conditions & character
“I just love it here and love taking long walks and enjoying the views seeing nature, would recommend anyone who needs exercise and loves nature to go there!”
“It is so peaceful and the little display area is so cool!”
“There are both paved and unpaved trails to hike and lots of senic things to see.”
Plan your run at Hartman Reserve Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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
- Websitehartmanreserve.org
- Phone+1 319-277-2187
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 1–5 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.
Lookout Park
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Pfeiffer Springs Park
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Washington Park
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Gateway Park
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Expansive park boasting a lake for swimming and fishing, plus trails for walking and biking.
