Best Local Off-Road Trails Near Cedar Rapids & Coggon, IA

By Dave Barrette, Owner of Bold Off-Road

Living in eastern Iowa puts you close to excellent off-road riding. Cedar Rapids and Coggon sit within easy driving distance of several quality OHV parks. An OHV Park is a designated area for recreational use by off-highway vehicles such as ATVs, dirt bikes, and side-by-sides. But which trails offer the best riding for your skill level? Which parks drain quickly after rain?

At Bold Off-Road in Coggon, we ride these trails on a regular basis. Over the past 25 years, we've learned which parks deliver the best experiences for different riding styles. This guide covers the top local trails and what makes each one worth the drive.

Lakeview OHV Park (20 Miles from Cedar Rapids)

Lakeview sits near Solon between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. This 160-acre park is the closest quality off-road riding to our area.

The trail system includes wooded sections, sand trails, hard-pack dirt, mud bogs, and hill climbs. Multiple motocross tracks accommodate different skill levels.

Lakeview works well for mixed groups. Kids have designated tracks. Beginners find approachable trails. Experienced riders enjoy technical sections with ravines and obstacles.

"We recommend Lakeview to customers who want to test their machines after service," says Dave Barrette, owner of Bold Off-Road. "It's close enough for an afternoon ride. The variety lets you see how your suspension and tires perform. If something needs adjustment, you're only 30 minutes from our shop."

The park provides parking and restrooms. No camping is permitted, but Lake Macbride State Park offers camping nearby. Ely and Solon provide fuel and supplies within five miles.

Iowa OHV registration is required. Check the Iowa DNR website for current status before traveling.

Tama County OHV Park (75 Miles West)

Tama County operates one of Iowa's larger OHV parks. The 300-acre property features 15 miles of trails through wooded areas along the Iowa River with scenic bridge crossings.

The hard-packed soil drains well. This park opens sooner after rain than parks with heavy clay soil. Trails accommodate all skill levels.

A motocross track and kids' track serve specialized riders. The campground offers 23 sites, with 10 providing electric hookups. This makes Tama County ideal for weekend camping trips.

Gypsum City OHV Park (90 Miles Northwest)

Gypsum City near Fort Dodge ranks among Iowa's best OHV destinations. The 800-acre former mining site features 60 miles of trails. This extensive network means you can ride all day without repeating routes.

Open prairie sections suit novice riders. Wooded areas challenge advanced riders. Water crossings and mud areas add obstacles. Multiple motocross tracks include a 1.5-mile main track, supercross track, kids' track, and beginner circle track.

"Gypsum City is worth the drive," Barrette explains. "The trail system is massive. The soil drains well, so the park opens earlier in spring than most locations. We take our own machines there several times each season."

The park includes shelter, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and fishing ponds. Open year-round from sunrise to sunset when conditions permit.

Bluff Creek OHV Park (95 Miles South)

Bluff Creek near Eddyville started as an abandoned strip mine. The terrain creates dramatic elevation changes and rocky sections. Twenty miles of wooded trails wind through 800 acres.

Steep rocky climbs define this park. Several motocross tracks open for general riding. The rustic campground operates first-come, first-served.

This park challenges machines and riders. Bring recovery gear and ride with experienced partners.

Preparing for Local Trail Rides

Eastern Iowa trails vary significantly. Lakeview's sandy sections demand different tire choices than Bluff Creek's rocky terrain. Before heading out, check tire pressure, inspect suspension settings, and pack recovery straps.

Weather impacts trail conditions dramatically. A week of rain closes most parks. Three days of sun reopens Gypsum City and Tama County. Check the Iowa DNR website or park Facebook pages before traveling.

Bold Off-Road Trail Support

We service machines for riders throughout eastern Iowa. Regular maintenance between trail rides prevents breakdowns. We offer pre-trip inspections and stock items you'll need: spare belts, air filters, skid plates, and recovery gear.

Stop by our Coggon location to discuss which trails match your riding style and to get current trail conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which park is best for beginners?

Lakeview OHV Park offers the best beginner experience near Cedar Rapids. The designated beginner trails and kids' tracks let new riders build confidence safely. Tama County also provides good beginner options with clearly marked perimeter trails that avoid technical sections.

Do I need special registration to ride Iowa trails?

Yes. All off-road vehicles need Iowa OHV registration to ride public trails. Out-of-state riders must have current registration from their home state. Riders aged 12-17 also need ATV education certification. Helmets are required for all riders at most parks.

Can I ride year-round?

Most Iowa OHV parks stay open year-round but close when conditions make riding unsafe or damaging to trails. Wet conditions, snow, and maintenance work cause temporary closures. Always check park status before traveling. Gypsum City and Tama County typically offer the longest riding seasons due to better-draining soil.

Planning a trail ride? Stop by Bold Off-Road in Coggon or call (563) 277-8830. We'll prep your machine and share current trail conditions for the area.