Ready to get outside? Council Bluffs is packed with trails made for biking, walking, running, skating, and exploring. With riverfront paths, lake views, wooded routes, and connections to the countryside, there’s plenty of ground to cover.
Pottawattamie County is even known as the Trail Capital of Iowa — so lace up, grab your bike, and hit the trails!
Iowa Riverfront Trail
The Riverfront Trail is a paved trail that spans the western side of Council Bluffs along the Missouri River. The trail connects Big Lake Park, the Narrows River Park, Roberts Park, Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park, Dodge Riverside Golf Club, and the Western Historic Trails Center.
- Trail surface: asphalt, concrete
- Accessible to persons with disabilities
- Pets allowed on a leash
Iowa School for the Deaf Nature Center Trail
Looking for a quick, easy outing? This one-mile paved loop winds through the Iowa School for the Deaf campus and offers a peaceful place to stretch your legs.
- Trail surface: asphalt
- Accessible to persons with disabilities
- Pets allowed on a leash
Lake Manawa Recreation Trail
Circle the lake on this paved trail and take in the scenery along the way. The trail connects to the Wabash Trace Nature Trail and Indian Creek Trail, with mountain biking opportunities nearby for those looking to kick things up a notch.
- Trail surface: asphalt, concrete
- Accessible to persons with disabilities
- Pets allowed on a leash
Valley View Trail
Grab your bike, skates, or walking shoes and explore this versatile trail through residential, commercial, and rural areas of Council Bluffs. It connects with both the Lake Manawa Trail and Wabash Trace Nature Trail.
- Trail surface: concrete
- Accessible to persons with disabilities
- Pets allowed on a leash
Wabash Trace Nature Trail
Ready for a longer adventure? The 62+ mile Wabash Trace follows a former railroad corridor through southwest Iowa, stretching from Council Bluffs to Blanchard near the Missouri border.
Bike, hike, or cross-country ski your way through the countryside — and keep an eye out for the trail's famous Thursday Taco Ride!
- Trail surface: crushed limestone
- Accessible to persons with disabilities
- Pets allowed on a leash
Which Trail Will You Take?
With miles of paths connecting parks, neighborhoods, waterways, and the countryside, Council Bluffs makes it easy to UNleash your next outdoor adventure. Pick a trail, hit the pavement, and see where it takes you!
Remember to respect the trails, pack out what you bring in, and share the path with fellow adventurers.
