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Lake Macbride State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,042 Google reviews · Running trail in Solon, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lake Macbride State Park'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.
Swimming, fishing & boat rentals on an 812-acre lake plus trails, camping & picnic sites.
What runners say about Lake Macbride State Park
“Definitely one of the most accessible and well maintained lakeside walking trails I've had the privilege of exploring.”
“But a winter visit was unexpectedly beautiful and not nearly as cold as you might expect.”
This is a really good state park. The trails are very pretty and have some good areas for fishing. The spillway area is pretty cool to hike around, but definitely watch your step, pretty easy to fall 🥲
Google doesn't know how to get here, and you should be very careful about your destination if trying to use GPS. We camped at the North campground. It is very different than the South campground and on the other side of the lake itself. It is very difficult to get between various areas of the park by vehicle.
“This state park was beautiful! It was a short and worthwhile walk to view the waterfalls. To find the waterfalls you want to go to the part off of State Highway 382 NE by the Lake Macbride campground 😊! “ -Chloe
Living so close by has me visiting Lake Macbride every chance I get. Whether it's kayaking on the lake, hiking the numerous trails, biking along the northern pea gravel trail, or camping/cooking out with friends in one of the many spots throughout, this place has my heart.
Trail conditions & character
“But a winter visit was unexpectedly beautiful and not nearly as cold as you might expect.”
“A nice playground with sand to play in is right next to the immaculately clean, modern restrooms.”
“Definitely one of the most accessible and well maintained lakeside walking trails I've had the privilege of exploring.”
Plan your run at Lake Macbride State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- Websiteiowadnr.gov
- Phone+1 319-624-2200
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 4 am–10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 4 am–10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 4 am–10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4 am–10:30 pm |
| Friday | 4 am–10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 4 am–10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 4 am–10:30 pm |
Running trails near Solon
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Macbride Nature Recreation Area
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Cornerstone Nature Area
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