There’s something about fall in the Cedar Valley! The cooler air and bright colors are a perfect excuse to slow down and get outside.

1.) Hartman Reserve Nature Center (Black Hawk County) – A wooded, prairie and wetland escape with trails made for a crisp autumn walk.

2.) Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens (Black Hawk County) – A leafy 40-acre oasis east of Waterloo, ideal for slower strolls, changing leaves and photo moments.

3.) Waverly Rail Trail (Bremer County) – A paved trail from downtown Waverly into the countryside, perfect for a fall ride or walk with foliage around you.
4.) Heery Woods Nature Center (Butler County) – Two self-guided interpretive trails take you through prairie, wetlands, and forest for a perfect autumn nature stop.
5.) Grundy Center Main Street (Grundy County) – Walkable downtown with local charm, changing trees and that small-town feel that works especially well in fall.

6.) Tribe Trail (Chickasaw County) – Enjoy close to six miles of paved, concrete trail that runs from one side of New Hampton to the Other.

7.) Heartland Acres Agribition Center (Buchanan County) – Where agriculture meets history, and fall just adds golden tones to the grounds.

8.) Little Brown Church in the Vale (Chickasaw County) – The iconic church made famous by the song “The Church in the Wildwood.”” A beautiful, timeless stop in the fall.

9.) Wapsi River Water Trail (Buchanan County) – Paddle, stroll or simply take in the river corridor as the leaves turn.

10.) Heritage Historical Hiking Trail (Buchanan County) – A scenic trail winding through historic sites and fall scenery.

11.) Cedar Valley Nature Trail (Black Hawk County) – This long trail stretches through the region and gives you lots of options for a fall walk, run or ride.

Grab a jacket, fill up your thermos and make a little room in your weekend plans. Fall doesn’t last long, but it sure looks good here.