Rolling by the Rivers

Over a period of years and by a cooperative effort between the Iowa City Off Road Riders (ICORR) and the Coralville Lake office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the trails at Sugar Bottom Recreation Area have been designed specifically for mountain biking. The result of this continuing project has been one of the finest trail systems for mountain bikers in eastern Iowa. It is a greatexample of what can be accomplished when biking groups work together with land management people. I was quite happy to discover this trail system after several days of checking out flat rail trail routes. The ICORR group deserves much praise for their work here.

Currently, there are about seven miles of mostly single-track, one-way trails, with several more miles planned, which will bring the system total to over ten miles. The trails are laid out as a series of loops and loops within loops on packed dirt with some grassy sections, providing a range of relatively easy to fairly technical options that should appeal to bikers of most abilities. The area is largely wooded, with some open meadowlands; you'll occasionally see deer, wild turkeys, and other animals. Plan on spending at least a couple of hours here to explore the whole system, and to re-ride some of the fun stuff.

Nearby Iowa City, home of the University of Iowa and the original territorial and state capital, is a lively city worth a visit, and any mountain bikers traveling through the region on Interstate 80 will find this a nice place to take a break.

General location: On Coralville Lake near North Liberty, about 10 miles north of Iowa City in Johnson County.
Elevation change: This moderately hilly area has about 100 feet of vertical relief.
Season: Midspring to late autumn. There is usually snow cover during the winter months, and springtime riding is prohibited until the ground is dried out.
Services: There are a campground, water, and rest rooms at the recreation area. Commercial services can be found in North Liberty or Iowa City.
Hazards: The trails here have been well designed, but the usual hazards of single-track riding may be encountered, such as sharp corners, steep descents, obstructions, and trees. Yield the trail to any hikers and horseback riders that may be encountered.
Rescue index: Help should usually be close by in this area.
Land status: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District.
Maps: There is a trail map posted at the trailhead in the parking lot.

Finding the trail: Both Interstate 80/exit 240 and I 380/exit 4 lead to North Liberty. From there, take county road F28 northeast about 5 miles across the lake to the entrance to Sugar Bottom Recreation Area. Drive about 2 miles through the park to the beach parking lot. An information signpost at the trailhead gives current trail information.

Notes on the trail: Please note the specific rules for this area set by ICORR and the Corps of Engineers: All trails are one way; follow the signs. Do not use the trails within 24 hours following a measurable rainfall. The trails are closed during the spring thawing season. These rules allow the trails to be maintained in excellent condition and make this area one of the top mountain biking areas in Iowa. Follow the dirt access road to the east to enter the various trail loops. The large loop on the north side of the access road makes a nice warm up ride, and the newer, more technical loops are found on the south side of the area.

High water in the Coralville Lake reservoir may result in flooding of adjacent shoreline areas. In times of wet weather, there are a number of alternative places to ride in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids areas, including an ATV area near Solon.

© Article copyright Menasha Ridge Press. All rights reserved.