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Lookout Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 168 Google reviews · Running trail in Cedar Falls, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lookout 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.
Modest grassy area overlooking the Cedar River with picnic shelters & a playground.
What runners say about Lookout Park
“The park is well maintained and a lovely place to spend time with the family.”
“A quiet sorta fancy but not to fancy neighborhood sits to the south with spaghetti roads winding about.”
“Lots to do for all ages and very well maintained.”
Nice little park up on the bluff over looking the Cedar River and GW State Park if you take the time to look. The elegantly run down Mandalay Mansion is the parks western border and “hill road” to the bike trail and hiking paths on its eastern side.
Great park at the top of the hill next to a overlook to part of Hartman reserve, open to lots of sun but there are some trees, a shelter large enough for parties, restrooms and it's next to the woods leading to both the bike trail and walking trails.
This was a nice little park that seems ti be a well kept secret. Nice playground equipment and 2 fairly good sized shelters. The shelters are not electrified, that's the one bad thing. A lot of people seem to use the area for dog walking so be awate of that.
Great place for the entire group; employer function, school extravaganza, church outing, or family/friend gathering. Hiking, basketball court, maple syrup gathering, wildlife display, bike trail. Fun and entertaining for all ages and preferences
Trail conditions & character
“Fun little park that has a playground and a view over the river bluffs.”
“It was a nice little park it has a small playground and bathrooms good spot to turn your kids loose and burn off some energy and have fun doing it”
“The elegantly run down Mandalay Mansion is the parks western border and “hill road” to the bike trail and hiking paths on its eastern side.”
“A quiet sorta fancy but not to fancy neighborhood sits to the south with spaghetti roads winding about.”
“Walking on paved road that circles the park with just enough foliage.”
Plan your run at Lookout Park
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
- Websitecedarfalls.com
- Phone+1 319-273-8600
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10:30 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.
Hartman Reserve Nature Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 481 reviews
Sprawling outdoor preserve with paved & unpaved paths, scenic lakes & an interpretative center.
Pfeiffer Springs Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 271 reviews
Riverside park with ball fields & courts, a playground, sheltered picnic tables & walking paths.
Washington Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 94 reviews
A bike trail surrounds this riverfront park with a ball field, open grassy areas & play equipment.
George Wyth State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,043 reviews
Multiple lakes for boating, fishing & windsurfing plus multi-use woodland trails, campsites & more.
Gateway Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 179 reviews
Expansive park boasting a lake for swimming and fishing, plus trails for walking and biking.
