Tom Harkin Trailhead – Skills course loop from Iowa City
Tom Harkin Trailhead – Skills course loop from Iowa City
4.8
(7861)
7,862
riders
Tom Harkin Trailhead – Skills course loop from Iowa City
02:11
30.6km
140m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
7.97 km
Tom Harkin Trailhead
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
18.4 km
Skills course
Highlight • MTB Park
Tip by
18.7 km
Woodpecker Trail
Highlight • Trail
30.6 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
17.7 km
9.23 km
2.43 km
605 m
381 m
285 m
Surfaces
14.6 km
10.5 km
5.17 km
292 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Sunday 5 July
29°C
20°C
66 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a versatile and accessible touring cycling route near Iowa City, the Tom Harkin Trailhead – Skills course loop from Iowa City delivers a moderate 19.0 miles (30.6 km) ride with a gentle 470 feet (143 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 2 hours and 11 minutes. This route is perfect for cyclists of most fitness levels seeking a pleasant, mostly paved journey through varied scenery, offering a great option for a relaxed day out on two wheels.
What to expect on Tom Harkin Trailhead – Skills course loop from Iowa City
This route primarily follows the Clear Creek Trail, a paved path that offers a smooth and enjoyable ride. As you head west from the Tom Harkin Trailhead, you'll find the terrain mostly flat, winding through attractive natural settings with wooded corridors of tall oaks and maples, interspersed with open green spaces. Heading east towards Iowa City, the trail introduces some gentle hills, keeping things interesting while still remaining within a pleasant wooded area. While the Clear Creek Trail is ideal for touring cycling, the route also provides access to a "Skills course loop" and the Woodpecker Singletrack Trail, which can offer a fun change of pace with their pump-track-like sections and wooden bridges, though the main touring experience remains on the paved sections.
Planning your visit
The Tom Harkin Trailhead itself is an excellent starting point, offering essential amenities like restrooms, a shelter, an information kiosk, and ample parking. This central access point connects you to a broader network, including the Iowa River Corridor Trail System, making it easy to extend your ride or explore different areas. The trail system is generally accessible year-round, but spring and fall offer particularly pleasant temperatures for cycling. No special permits or fees are required for this route.
- Distance: 19.0 miles (30.6 km)
- Elevation gain: 470 feet (143 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 11 minutes
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