Looking for a way to make the most of the return of warmer weather? Consider the often underrated pastime of taking in the scenery and fresh air on a walk.
A quick Google search yields seemingly endless results promoting the benefits of walking daily. Countless articles report the perks of regularly taking strolls, like improved outcomes for physical health, a shortcut to curbing your sweet tooth, a tool for improving mental health and boosting mood, better sleep and many more. Luckily, Eastern Iowa has seemingly infinite options for locations to walk, run, or hike.
Whether a promenade along the trail on Kirkwood’s main campus or a trek through the woods in one of the local state parks, the benefits of walking cannot be overstated. For many, walking is a solo endeavor, often an escape from the stress of everyday life, but for others walking is a social event, with groups happily chatting as they stride.
One will come across many people enjoying their time on trails in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City or any other beautiful little town one might encounter while traversing Iowa’s sprawling farmland and forest.
When asked about the benefits of walking, Sustainability Club co-chair Konstantin Titarenko said, “As we head into Spring and the days are getting nicer, walking provides the perfect opportunity to take a breath of fresh air and enjoy yourself outside. Taking a walk on a nature trail, there are many beautiful ones at the Indian Creek Nature Center, or picking some apples from Kirkwood’s orchard, or even just opening a window while inside can improve your mood and let you explore the uniqueness of Iowa’s flora.
“When it’s especially nice outside, consider walking to campus rather than driving. It reduces your carbon footprint and gives you a good few steps to start the day.”
As Titarenko mentioned, the Sac and Fox trail sits only minutes from downtown Cedar Rapids near Indian Creek Nature Center and spans seven miles through wetlands near, along, and over Indian Creek, with a portion of the trail running along the Cedar River. You’ll often find walkers, cyclists and people on their way to fish at the river’s shore.
The Sac and Fox trail was designated as Iowa’s first National Recreation Trail in 1975. On a grander scale one of the best known trails in the corridor, the Cedar Valley Nature Trail, runs a stretch of 63 miles from Evansdale to Hiawatha.
The trail is mostly blacktop with the rest covered in gravel and crushed limestone, making it a great choice for those looking to take in the sights and sounds of Eastern Iowa’s towns and countryside. If you’re looking for more challenging path, there are many beautiful state park trails throughout Eastern Iowa.
With so many winding routes, local footpaths and tough trails nearby those looking to stretch their legs have a plethora of opportunities to explore. So get out there for traipse, trudge, mosey or ramble and take in the fresh springtime air. After all, as they say, walking is great for your health.
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