Cloie Creek Park: Dubuque's Hidden Gem for Easy Riding and Family Fun

Quick Facts

• Distance: 3 miles (loop system)
• Level: Very Easy
• Route type: Loop
• City: Dubuque, Iowa

Introduction: A Compact Ride with No Shortage of Fun

Cloie Creek Park, nestled in Dubuque, Iowa, offers a delightful trail system that belies its modest size. Though only 3 miles in total, the park boasts three loops filled with twisting singletracks, small jumps, and moderate climbs, making it an ideal destination for riders of all skill levels, particularly beginners and families.

How to Get There

Driving is simple: from Asbury Rd, turn onto Hales Mill Rd. A mile later, you'll find the city park on the left, complete with a parking lot that leads directly to the trailhead.

Route Overview: Small Loops with Big Rewards

Key Features

• Twisting Singletracks: Perfect for honing your technical skills.
• Small Jumps: Offers riders a taste of airtime.
• Some Climbing: Enough to keep the ride interesting without tiring you out.

The trail system is designed as a series of three short loops, offering a quick yet thoroughly enjoyable ride. One standout section, "One More Time," lives up to its name, enticing riders to loop back and experience its tabletop jumps multiple times.To navigate the trail, simply descend from the parking lot and take a right upon entering the treeline. The trail system is intuitive to follow and allows for multiple passes without feeling repetitive. "Rise and Shine" leads to "One More Time," which is filled with more jumps and an irresistible flow that will have you looping back for more.

Cyclist Insights: More Than Meets the Eye

Don't let the "Very Easy" rating fool you; Cloie Creek has been a pleasant surprise for many riders who initially expected a basic, beginner-level experience. The well-constructed trail, with its berms and jumps, is described as an "absolute blast" and "very easy to navigate."The trail has been increasingly popular among family riders. It’s not just a great cooldown after a rigorous ride elsewhere but a stand-alone destination worth the drive. As one rider notes, "We have driven from Cedar Rapids several times to ride Proving Grounds, but will always hit Cloie and Freddy's for ice cream before returning home."

Final Thoughts: A Bite-sized Adventure Awaits

Cloie Creek Park may be small in size, but it packs a punch when it comes to rider satisfaction. Whether you're wrapping up a rigorous ride elsewhere or looking for a family-friendly destination, Cloie Creek offers a little bit of everything: flow, climbs, and the pure, unadulterated joy of mountain biking. A trip here is time well spent—make sure to plan yours soon.