The best cycling routes around Marion
4.6
(10)
165
riders
19
rides
Touring cycling around Marion, Illinois, benefits from the city's commitment to developing bike-friendly infrastructure, including initiatives like the Bike Marion Plan and the upcoming Crab Orchard Greenway. The region is characterized by its proximity to diverse natural landscapes, including vast wildlife refuges, forests, and lakes. These areas offer a mix of flat, paved paths and scenic roads, providing varied terrain for cyclists. The landscape features wetlands, prairies, and woodlands, with some routes offering views of natural rock formations and water…
Last updated: June 23, 2026
33.1km
02:06
210m
210m
The Sac & Fox and Grant Wood Trails Loop offers a dynamic touring cycling experience, blending urban, rural, and riverside scenery across its 20.6 miles (33.1 km). You'll pedal through…
5.0
(1)
33
riders
52.5km
03:08
260m
260m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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16
riders
28.5km
01:40
110m
110m
Embark on a delightful touring cycling journey around Cedar Lake and towards West Finger Lake, starting from Bowman Square. This route offers a pleasant mix of gently undulating farmland and…
7
riders
The Cedar Valley Nature Trail – Tree of Five Seasons loop from Boulder Peak Intermediate School offers a diverse touring cycling experience, guiding you through a mix of dense forests,…
4.0
(1)
4
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Marion
Tips from the Community
Indian Creek Nature Center is a beautiful green space with several miles of trails, a nature playscape, and some bird watching areas. The trails have a mix of easy, flat dirts roads and some trails geared more towards mountain bikes.
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Ely is a historic town in the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area. Settled in 1872, it was an important stop along the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railway. There are still several historic structures in the city, including the Ely School House and Dows Street Historic District.
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The Tree of Five Seasons monument is a symbol of the city's resilience. It is made of five steel pillars, together in the shape of a tree, representing spring, summer, fall, winter, and the fifth season, which is a symbol of Cedar Rapids ability to adapt and thrive. Built in 1976 to commemorate the city's recovery from a devastating flood, it is a beloved landmark of the community.
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This is a great place to cross the Cedar River. The 16th Avenue Bridge (Bridge of Lions) is a locally renowned bridge that is open to cars, bikes, and pedestrians. You can visit the Czech side and the Slovak side of the town via this bridge. Both sides of the town are interesting, with plenty of shopping and eating places. The best thing for the cyclist, however, is that the views over the Cedar River from here are superb, especially upstream.
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West Finger Lake along the Cedar Valley Nature Trail showcases nature's beauty with its serene waters reflecting the surrounding landscape. Lined by lush greenery, the trail offers scenic views of the lake and its tranquil surroundings, providing a peaceful and appealing experience for hikers and cyclists.
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Cedar Lake is a distinctive body of water, bordered by the Union Pacific Rail Yard on one side and the interstate on the other. It remains hidden from view until you reach the Cedar Lake Trail. Despite its urban surroundings, this lake serves as a pleasant escape. The southeast shore features the Cedar Lake Trail, providing nice views over the water and open to pedestrians, joggers, and cyclists.
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Prairie Park is known mostly as a spot for fishing, ice fishing, and water recreation. The park has a large pond known as Prairie Park Fishery and runs parallel to the Cedar River. There is a paved path that travels across most of the park's land.
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The Sac and Fox Trail is a 7.2-mile crushed limestone trail that follows the Cedar River. This trail is the oldest National Recreation Trail in the state of Iowa.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Marion?
There are 15 touring cycling routes around Marion, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. These routes range from easy to moderate difficulty.
What is the overall difficulty level of touring cycling routes in Marion?
The touring cycling routes around Marion are primarily easy to moderate. You'll find 10 easy routes, perfect for a relaxed ride, and 5 moderate routes for those seeking a bit more challenge. There are no difficult routes listed in this guide.
What do other cyclists think about the touring routes in Marion?
The touring cycling routes in Marion are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse natural landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and lakes, as well as the well-maintained paths.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Marion offers several easy touring cycling routes ideal for beginners or families. A great option is the Cedar Lake – West Finger Lake loop from Bowman Square, which is 17.9 miles (28.7 km) long and leads through scenic lake areas.
Are there challenging touring cycling routes for experienced cyclists?
For experienced cyclists looking for a moderate challenge, consider the Sac & Fox and Grant Wood Trails Loop. This 20.6-mile (33.1 km) route connects two notable local trails and offers a more extended ride with some elevation gain.
Are there loop touring cycling routes around Marion?
Many of the touring cycling routes around Marion are loops, providing convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the Cedar Lake – Tree of Five Seasons loop from Cedar Valley Nature Trail Parking and the Tree of Five Seasons – Cedar Valley Nature Trail loop from Mount Mercy University.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see while touring cycling around Marion?
Touring cycling around Marion offers diverse natural landscapes. You can expect to see vast wildlife refuges, dense forests, serene wetlands, and picturesque lakes. Some routes also feature natural rock formations and open prairies, providing a rich variety of scenery.
What initiatives are in place to make Marion more bike-friendly?
Marion is actively working to enhance its cycling infrastructure. The city has implemented the Bike Marion Plan to create safer streets for cyclists. Additionally, the Crab Orchard Greenway is under construction, designed to connect the city with the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and other key locations. You can learn more about the Bike Marion Plan on the city's official website: cityofmarionil.gov.
Are there any scenic touring cycling routes that highlight the region's natural beauty?
Absolutely. The region is rich in natural beauty. Routes like the Tree of Five Seasons – Cedar Valley Nature Trail loop from Hiawatha offer extended journeys through natural areas, showcasing the area's forests, wetlands, and lakes.
What are some notable attractions near the touring cycling routes in Marion?
While cycling, you'll be close to several significant natural attractions. The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is just a few miles away, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing. Further afield, you can explore Giant City State Park with its unique rock formations, or the expansive Shawnee National Forest, which includes the scenic Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.
Are there any routes that pass by lakes or water bodies?
Yes, several routes incorporate lakes and water bodies into their scenery. The Cedar Lake – West Finger Lake loop from Bowman Square is a prime example, leading you directly through beautiful lake areas.
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