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Robertson Bird Sanctuary

4.6 ★★★★★ 38 Google reviews · Running trail in Waterloo, Iowa · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
50 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

Confirmed from Robertson Bird Sanctuary'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.

Paved50 miScenicStroller / ADATrailhead parking

What runners say about Robertson Bird Sanctuary

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (38 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 4 mentions

“So beautiful in the spring with all the bluebells, but it's also a wonderful spot to go walking all year long.”

So beautiful in the spring with all the bluebells, but it's also a wonderful spot to go walking all year long.

★★★★★ — Lauren , May 2025

An amazingly beautiful environment to hike in. Trails are always well-maintained and free of hazardous debris.

★★★★★ — Benjamin , Jan 2021

Viewing birds within the trails with members of PRAS. A few places could use some work such as gravel over the culverts but otherwise a nice walking trail to view birds or enjoy nature.

★★★★☆ — Sarah , May 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 38 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 5 mentions

“A few places could use some work such as gravel over the culverts but otherwise a nice walking trail to view birds or enjoy nature.”

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🛣️ Paved surface

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

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Stroller / ADA accessible

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🏃 Long-run distance (5mi+)

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Plan your run at Robertson Bird Sanctuary

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • Distance50 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — 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

Where to find Robertson Bird Sanctuary

Waterloo, Iowa

Get directions

Running trails near Waterloo

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Katoski Greenbelt

4.4 ★★★★☆ 88 reviews

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50 miMixedScenic

Walking, biking and kayaking spot, with wooded trails and picnic areas, plus bluebells in the spring.

1.1 miles away

Greenbelt Lake

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PavedScenic

Relaxing lake offering paved and dirt trails, fishing and kayaking.

2.1 miles away

Prairie Lakes Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 270 reviews

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Paved

A paved bike & walk trail with exercise stations loops around 2 scenic lakes with fishing & ducks.

2.8 miles away

Hope Martin Memorial Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 164 reviews

Waterloo, IA

Natural surfaceDog-friendly

A large shelter with picnic tables & a water fountains sits in this park with a playground for kids.

3.5 miles away

Cedar Falls Paw Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 131 reviews

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LitDog-friendly

4.0 miles away

Liberty Park

4.1 ★★★★☆ 106 reviews

Waterloo, IA

Dog-friendly

Park offering a children's playground, soccer, and picnic tables.

4.2 miles away

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.