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Rock Island Botanical State Preserve
4.2 ★★★★☆ 25 Google reviews · Running trail in Cedar Rapids, Iowa · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Rock Island Botanical State 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 Rock Island Botanical State Preserve
Trails are well defined and cared for with some off shoots that are slightly less cared for with fallen debris (but if you stick to the wide trails, instead of going down the narrow ones, you won't experience this). The parking lot is small but there was only one other vehicle when we went, so not a problem for us.
Beautiful little park! We didn't go hiking since we were just doing a quick picnic before getting back on the road so only saw the trail head. But it was very nice, clean, and had lots of shade!
Small preserve with 0.6 mile mowed grass trail. Make sure to do a tick check when you leave.
Trail conditions & character
“The parking lot is small but there was only one other vehicle when we went, so not a problem for us.”
Plan your run at Rock Island Botanical State Preserve
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 trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitemycountyparks.com
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Cedar Rapids
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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McLoud Run Park
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Cherokee Park
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