The weather is finally getting warmer and the days are getting longer, which means it’s time to hop off the treadmill, leave the dark recesses of the Rec and go workout outside. Now that it’s possible to go out for a run without getting frostbite on your fingers or slipping on ice and cracking your skull open, you may be wondering what the best routes are for you. Maybe you’re new to running and don’t want anything to strenuous. Maybe you love trail running. Maybe you want a hilly route. No matter what kind of run you want to have, Iowa City has plenty of routes to choose from.
1. Rochester Avenue
Hilliness: 2/5
Likelihood of getting lost: 1/5
Scenery: 2/5
Unlike so many busy streets in Iowa City, this road has a sidewalk that doesn’t end for miles. And it has very few hills, making it perfect for someone who’s relatively new to running. This street runs through a residential area, so the scenery leaves a little to be desired. However, the flatness and simplicity of the route makes it perfect for a long run or a speed workout. Just make sure you run with some music or a friend to keep yourself entertained and motivated during the run.
2. Hickory Hill Park
Hilliness: 5/5
Likelihood of getting lost: 5/5
Scenery: 5/5
The name doesn’t lie; this trail is packed with hills, some steeper than others. Located east on Bloomington Street, this park is as beautiful as it is tough. The different can get a little trails can get a little confusing at times so make sure you always run with a friend—and a phone. And possibly a compass. And unless you have a strong love for running in the mud, avoid the park after it rains.
3. Iowa River Corridor Trail
Hilliness: 1/5
Likelihood of getting lost: 2/5
Scenery: 5/5
If I had to pick a favorite route in Iowa City this would be it. You spend the entire run next to the river, surrounded by trees, alone with your thoughts. Turn left at every turn and you’ll end the run running around a small lake. Unlike Hickory Hill Park, it’s very hard to get lost, so feel free to run on your own (but always stay safe)! If you’ve been running for six years or six days, if you’re training for your first 5k or your first marathon, this trail is perfect for runners of any speed or ability.
4. City Park
Hilliness: 1/5
Likelihood of getting lost: 1/5
Scenery: 3/5
Located across from Mayflower Hall, this park is small but flat. Go out on a Saturday morning and you’ll be surrounded by kids playing baseball, families having picnics, and college kids skate boarding. This route is great for new runners: completely flat and literally impossible to get lost. Finish up your run by stretching by the river and just enjoying the sights and sounds around you.
5. Melrose Avenue
Hilliness: 4/5
Likelihood of getting lost: 1/5
Scenery: 2/5
On the west side of the river, this road passes almost every sports field possible, including Kinnick. It’s hilly, but few of the hills are as steep as the ones in Hickory Hill Park. Many of the races that take place in Iowa City (such as the Red Shoe 5k and Half Marathon on May third) run down this road, so it’s perfect if you want to train for those races to get the hang of the route. And there are plenty of side streets you can take back to campus if you don’t want to stick to a boring out-and-back run.
Bonus: Lake Macbride State Park
Hilliness: 5/5
Likelihood of getting lost: 3/5
Scenery: 5/5
If you have a car, a couple of free hours, and an unusual fondness for hills, drive up to Solon and go trail running at Lake Macbride State Park. It’s Hickory Hill Park times ten; it’s bigger, hillier, even more beautiful and much harder to get lost (the routes all have signs directing you where to go). It’s a hard trail to run (and technically not in Iowa City, but hey, it’s close enough) but the feeling of accomplishment you’ll get after the run is worth both the drive out there and the pain of the hills.