Off-road trails in Iowa

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Off-Road Trails in Iowa

Discover off-road trails in Iowa

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Off-Road Trails in Iowa

Discover the best off-road trails in Iowa. Browse trail maps, check difficulty ratings, and find your next adventure — whether you're looking for a quick ride or an all-day expedition.

Learn more about Hawkeye Wildlife Area Loop
Hawkeye Wildlife Area Loop

Hawkeye Wildlife Area Loop

This route is a mostly gravel loop around Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area with a few sections of Level B road. Level B roads should only be used when completely dry or frozen. Greencastle Avenue takes you to a closed bridge over the Iowa River. The route passes through the unincorporated village of...
Learn more about Hawkeye Wildlife Area Loop

Total Miles
29.6
Tech Rating
2Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Pecatonica State Trail
Pecatonica State Trail

Pecatonica State Trail

Pecatonica State Trail is a 10-mile point-to-point trail rated 2 of 10 located in Lafayette County. The Pecatonica Trail is an east/west running trail between the communities of Belmont and Calamine. The eastern end of the trail connects with the Cheese Country Recreational Trail, which also allows ...
Learn more about Pecatonica State Trail

Total Miles
10.5
Tech Rating
2Easy
Best Time
Spring, Fall, Summer, Winter
Learn more about Waubonsie Creek Trail - Pathfield Road
Waubonsie Creek Trail - Pathfield Road

Waubonsie Creek Trail - Pathfield Road

This trail has beautiful side walls that go up to 20 feet on some parts. There is a bridge at the halfway mark that crosses Waubonsie Creek. On the other side of the bridge, the trail goes to an incline at a steep angle that, if muddy, you will need 4WD.
Learn more about Waubonsie Creek Trail - Pathfield Road

Total Miles
1.3
Tech Rating
2Easy
Best Time
Summer, Winter
Learn more about Riverside Dirt Trail - 735A Road
Riverside Dirt Trail - 735A Road

Riverside Dirt Trail - 735A Road

The start of the trail is easy to get to--right outside of the Peru town and the Peru College campus. The Missouri River can be easily viewed and accessed throughout the trail. There is a boat ramp that's easily accessible when in dry conditions. Camping and fishing are free around this location. Pa...
Learn more about Riverside Dirt Trail - 735A Road

Total Miles
1.7
Tech Rating
4Moderate
Best Time
Spring
Learn more about Practice Track
Practice Track

Practice Track

This is a beginner-level practice track for ATVs, dirt bikes, and SXS that is made up of a dirt/sand mix. This track has relatively tame corners and jumps for new riders to get the feel and build a foundation for becoming a more experienced rider on some basic jumps and corners.
Learn more about Practice Track

Total Miles
0.5
Tech Rating
3Easy
Best Time
Summer
Learn more about Mud Slinging Trail - Raleigh Road
Mud Slinging Trail - Raleigh Road

Mud Slinging Trail - Raleigh Road

At the beginning of the trail, there is a small bridge. Halfway into the trail, there is a small stream that makes a small drop down that can catch you off guard. After the small stream, there is a 35-degree incline that can be very difficult when the ground is muddy. This trail also has beautiful s...
Learn more about Mud Slinging Trail - Raleigh Road

Total Miles
4.3
Tech Rating
2Easy
Best Time
Summer, Winter
Learn more about CCRT - Darlington to Calamine
CCRT - Darlington to Calamine

CCRT - Darlington to Calamine

CCRT - Darlington to Calamine is a 5.8-mile point-to-point trail rated 2 of 10 located in Lafayette County. This is a well-maintained trail consisting of crushed stone and gravel. There are two bridge crossings along the trail. This section of the trail ends just south of the community of Calamine a...
Learn more about CCRT - Darlington to Calamine

Total Miles
5.8
Tech Rating
2Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Perimeter Trail
Perimeter Trail

Perimeter Trail

This trail runs most of the perimeter of the Lake View OHV park. The trail is multidirectional and made up of a dirt and sand mix. The Perimeter Trail will get you to the access of all of the different tracks at the park as well as 3 different "skills courses."
Learn more about Perimeter Trail

Total Miles
2
Tech Rating
2Easy
Best Time
Summer
Learn more about CCRT - Calamine to Mineral Point
CCRT - Calamine to Mineral Point

CCRT - Calamine to Mineral Point

CCRT - Calamine to Mineral Point is a 9.4-mile point-to-point trail rated 2 of 10 located in Lafayette and Iowa Counties. This is a well-maintained trail consisting of crushed stone and gravel. This section of the trail crosses the Pecatonica River in several locations as well as a couple of minor c...
Learn more about CCRT - Calamine to Mineral Point

Total Miles
9.4
Tech Rating
2Easy
Best Time
Summer, Spring, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail (Southern Portion)
Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail (Southern Portion)

Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail (Southern Portion)

Route leads from the Illinois border to Sparta. Mostly paved, good mix of gravel roads and trail. Yellow River State Forest in Iowa is a highlight. Make sure to stop at the famous rock overhang. There is a Cabela's in Prairie du Chien if you need any extra camp gear for the ride.
Learn more about Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail (Southern Portion)

Total Miles
245.9
Tech Rating
3Easy
Best Time
Summer
Learn more about A3
A3

A3

Nicholson Ford is all river bottom ground. Besides a couple of drainage ditches and previous flood levees, the terrain is very flat and open. This particular trail is fairly short, flat, and with some curves. The trail surface has some sandy content due to its proximity to the river. 4x4 machine tra...
Learn more about A3

Total Miles
0.3
Tech Rating
3Easy
Best Time
Spring, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Main Road
Main Road

Main Road

This is the main entrance road from the parking lot all the way to the river. This trail divides the park in half. It used to be the main road into Marshalltown a long time ago. It a flat and level gravel road stretching all the way from the parking lot, comes to a T with our perimeter trail, and we...
Learn more about Main Road

Total Miles
0.7
Tech Rating
1Easy
Best Time
Spring, Fall, Winter
Learn more about A2
A2

A2

Nicholson Ford is all river bottom ground. Besides a couple of drainage ditches and previous flood levees, the terrain is very flat and open. This particular trail is fairly short, flat, and with some curves. The trail surface has some sandy content due to its proximity to the river. 4x4 machine tra...
Learn more about A2

Total Miles
0.2
Tech Rating
3Easy
Best Time
Spring, Fall, Winter
Learn more about High Line Divider Trail
High Line Divider Trail

High Line Divider Trail

Nicholson Ford is all river bottom ground. Besides a couple of drainage ditches and previous flood levees, the terrain is very flat and open. This particular trail is very open and straight. The Trail Surface is mostly dirt. This trail has many intersections, allowing the connection of almost every ...
Learn more about High Line Divider Trail

Total Miles
0.7
Tech Rating
2Easy
Best Time
Spring, Fall, Winter
Learn more about A1
A1

A1

Nicholson Ford is all river bottom ground. Besides a couple of drainage ditches and previous flood levees, the terrain is very flat and open. This particular trail is fairly short, flat, and with some curves. The trail surface has some sandy content due to its proximity to the river. 4x4 machine tra...
Learn more about A1

Total Miles
0.3
Tech Rating
3Easy
Best Time
Spring, Fall, Winter
Learn more about Perimeter Trail
Perimeter Trail

Perimeter Trail

This is the outer most trail at Nicholson Ford OHV park. It is bordered by our perimeter fence, the Iowa River, and Linn Creek. It will have the best views from the park. It is a fairly flat trail but you will encounter drainage ditches that are passable by all accepted machines. (up to 65" SXS) Mos...
Learn more about Perimeter Trail

Total Miles
2.2
Tech Rating
3Easy
Best Time
Spring, Fall, Winter
Learn more about B2
B2

B2

This trail is mostly a flat dirt trail. It is Part of the Nicholson-Ford trail system. It is a great way to make a loop around the park if you want to avoid the straight line paths and enjoy one of the more curvy trails in the park. This trail connects from the Main road, Highline trail, Dike Trail,...
Learn more about B2

Total Miles
0.2
Tech Rating
3Easy
Best Time
Spring, Fall, Winter
Learn more about 624 Road
624 Road

624 Road

The trail follows a narrow ribbon of dusty gravel that remains mostly smooth as it winds through open farmland and passes several farmhouses. Along the way, it crosses a paved road, providing access to two campsites and a nearby small town with amenities. However, there are no formal or dispersed ca...
Learn more about 624 Road

Total Miles
23.7
Tech Rating
1Easy
Best Time
Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall
Learn more about 737 Road
737 Road

737 Road

This is a brief stretch of wide, nicely graded gravel that rolls over a series of gentle hills. The surface stays mostly smooth, though loose stones gather at the edges in places, so keep an eye on your line. You will pass a handful of tidy farmhouses--the first stands out for its manicured lawn and...
Learn more about 737 Road

Total Miles
1.9
Tech Rating
1Easy
Best Time
Summer, Spring, Fall, Winter
Learn more about C1
C1

C1

This area of the park is one of my favorites in the park. There is a system of old levees throughout here that make for some fun ups and downs that do a great job of making this river bottom park more fun. Between the trails there are some old remnants of the old landfill that used to be in this are...
Learn more about C1

Total Miles
0.6
Tech Rating
3Easy
Best Time
Spring, Fall, Winter

ATV trails in Iowa

Explore ATV-friendly trails in Iowa. These trails are accessible for vehicles up to 50 inches wide, perfect for ATVs and smaller off-road machines.

Learn more about Pecatonica State Trail
Pecatonica State Trail

Pecatonica State Trail

Pecatonica State Trail is a 10-mile point-to-point trail rated 2 of 10 located in Lafayette County. The Pecatonica Trail is an east/west running trail between the communities of Belmont and Calamine. The eastern end of the trail connects with the Cheese Country Recreational Trail, which also allows ...
Learn more about Pecatonica State Trail

Total Miles
10.5
Tech Rating
2Easy
Best Time
Spring, Fall, Summer, Winter
Learn more about Waubonsie Creek Trail - Pathfield Road
Waubonsie Creek Trail - Pathfield Road

Waubonsie Creek Trail - Pathfield Road

This trail has beautiful side walls that go up to 20 feet on some parts. There is a bridge at the halfway mark that crosses Waubonsie Creek. On the other side of the bridge, the trail goes to an incline at a steep angle that, if muddy, you will need 4WD.
Learn more about Waubonsie Creek Trail - Pathfield Road

Total Miles
1.3
Tech Rating
2Easy
Best Time
Summer, Winter
Learn more about Riverside Dirt Trail - 735A Road
Riverside Dirt Trail - 735A Road

Riverside Dirt Trail - 735A Road

The start of the trail is easy to get to--right outside of the Peru town and the Peru College campus. The Missouri River can be easily viewed and accessed throughout the trail. There is a boat ramp that's easily accessible when in dry conditions. Camping and fishing are free around this location. Pa...
Learn more about Riverside Dirt Trail - 735A Road

Total Miles
1.7
Tech Rating
4Moderate
Best Time
Spring
Learn more about Practice Track
Practice Track

Practice Track

This is a beginner-level practice track for ATVs, dirt bikes, and SXS that is made up of a dirt/sand mix. This track has relatively tame corners and jumps for new riders to get the feel and build a foundation for becoming a more experienced rider on some basic jumps and corners.
Learn more about Practice Track

Total Miles
0.5
Tech Rating
3Easy
Best Time
Summer

UTV/side-by-side trails in Iowa

Find UTV and side-by-side trails in Iowa. These trails accommodate vehicles up to 60 inches wide, ideal for UTVs, side-by-sides, and wider off-road rigs.

Learn more about Waubonsie Creek Trail - Pathfield Road
Waubonsie Creek Trail - Pathfield Road

Waubonsie Creek Trail - Pathfield Road

This trail has beautiful side walls that go up to 20 feet on some parts. There is a bridge at the halfway mark that crosses Waubonsie Creek. On the other side of the bridge, the trail goes to an incline at a steep angle that, if muddy, you will need 4WD.
Learn more about Waubonsie Creek Trail - Pathfield Road

Total Miles
1.3
Tech Rating
2Easy
Best Time
Summer, Winter
Learn more about Riverside Dirt Trail - 735A Road
Riverside Dirt Trail - 735A Road

Riverside Dirt Trail - 735A Road

The start of the trail is easy to get to--right outside of the Peru town and the Peru College campus. The Missouri River can be easily viewed and accessed throughout the trail. There is a boat ramp that's easily accessible when in dry conditions. Camping and fishing are free around this location. Pa...
Learn more about Riverside Dirt Trail - 735A Road

Total Miles
1.7
Tech Rating
4Moderate
Best Time
Spring
Learn more about Practice Track
Practice Track

Practice Track

This is a beginner-level practice track for ATVs, dirt bikes, and SXS that is made up of a dirt/sand mix. This track has relatively tame corners and jumps for new riders to get the feel and build a foundation for becoming a more experienced rider on some basic jumps and corners.
Learn more about Practice Track

Total Miles
0.5
Tech Rating
3Easy
Best Time
Summer
Learn more about Mud Slinging Trail - Raleigh Road
Mud Slinging Trail - Raleigh Road

Mud Slinging Trail - Raleigh Road

At the beginning of the trail, there is a small bridge. Halfway into the trail, there is a small stream that makes a small drop down that can catch you off guard. After the small stream, there is a 35-degree incline that can be very difficult when the ground is muddy. This trail also has beautiful s...
Learn more about Mud Slinging Trail - Raleigh Road

Total Miles
4.3
Tech Rating
2Easy
Best Time
Summer, Winter

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