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Pappy Dickens Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 22 Google reviews · Running trail in Iowa City, Iowa · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Pappy Dickens Preserve'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.
What runners say about Pappy Dickens Preserve
“Pappy Dickens forest preserve is quiet and out of the way, and its right in town!”
Secluded little easy trail to hike. We enjoyed it. Lots of wild life to watch.
Beautiful trails and a lovely chance to see thriving native wildflowers. There was bathroom access in the vicinity. The trail I walked was not wheelchair accessible, and the mud made things slippery--I would assess mobility needs of anyone you might be hiking with.
Trail conditions & character
“Pappy Dickens forest preserve is quiet and out of the way, and its right in town!”
“The trail I walked was not wheelchair accessible, and the mud made things slippery--I would assess mobility needs of anyone you might be hiking with.”
Plan your run at Pappy Dickens Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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.
- 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.
- Websiteburoaklandtrust.org
- Phone+1 319-338-7030
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Iowa City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Hickory Hill Park
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Harvest Preserve
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Longfellow Nature Trail
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Waterworks Prairie Park
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200-acre park with 3 mi. of paved paths around ponds & prairies, plus trailhead parking & benches.
