Export to Trail Guide
Create Guidebook 
Download GPX 
Print Friendly MapThe Fairfield Loop Trail forms a 16-mile ring around the town of Fairfield, mostly in the outlying areas of the countryside. The trail links two major preserves and connects city and county parks. Along the way you'll pass through woodlands, meadows and prairie, and hilly sections.
Most of the trail surface is crushed stone, but there are about 2.5 miles total of concrete surface in four different locations. A 0.8-mile on-road segment follows Mint Boulevard (a gravel road) southward from Lamson Woods toward the trail section that parallels US 34. Other trails, such as the 4.5-mile Cedar View Trail, connect to the Fairfield Loop Trail.
The most spectacular feature of the trail is the BNSF bridge over the railroad tracks near Walton Lake. The bridge features 171 ceramic tiles created by high school art students, which are inset into the bridge's concrete curb. Many small bridges, some with artistic enhancements, cross brooks on the Fairfield Loop Trail.
There are numerous access points and places to park all along the loop. Check the Jefferson County website link (under Related Links to the right) for more information.
I rode this trail in late Sept 2024. I started at 9th street and Gear Ave and attempted to ride clockwise but the trail was closed near Chautauqua Park and I got lost on the detour so I rode through town back to where I started and rode counterclockwise. I was going to ride around to the closing on the other side but I got side tracked by the Cedar View Trail which was also great. The Loop is a treasure for the people that live in the area. Much of the in town parts are paved and the rest is smooth crushed rock. I give this trail 5 stars! Traveling cyclist Facebook In
Overall I was pleasantly surprised at the scenery and variety along this trail. I started at the Maasdam Barns (next to the Health Center) and went clockwise. The first issue I encountered was a closure at Kale Blvd a little over a mile in. I didn’t see any indication the trail was going to be closed at this area ahead of time. Fortunately there wasn’t a work activity at the time and others had been going around the barriers. The other trail closure at Chautauqua Park had better signage for the detour. The trail was a mix of crushed limestone, concrete path and a section of gravel road.
I live just a couple of blocks from the Lamson Woods entrance and travel this trail ALL the time - biking and walking. The views and wildlife will feed your nature-loving soul. A section winds through the edge of the city, but very biker friendly. You can take sweet side rides through Chautauqua, Waterworks, and Jefferson County Park, as well as the Cedar View section. It includes both open and tree-lined portions and a few manageable hills. The trail is well-kept in all kinds of weather and shows off all four Iowa seasons. You can park and hop on this trail at more than a dozen spots. Do it!at
This trail is so beautiful, changes seasonally, has so many different kinds of nature scenes ranging from pine forest to meadow to wild flower marshes. It is a dream for me to ride my bike on. I have spent many hours of this diversified nature trail. Thank you Fairfield!
Started at the hospital and went east. after navigating through the steep gravel and getting on a paved road, the signage stopped. we floundered about riding through nice neighborhoods looking for signs and getting frustrated. we finally found a signed intersection and using map reading skills managed to pick up the trail in a different neighborhood. Turns out that the TH at Lamson Woods State Preserve was being rebuilt and the big equipment blocked or removed the TH signs so we missed that turnoff completely. the trail is alot of fun (loop trails always are), over hill over dale through wetlands, neighborhoods, across rail lines w/ trains on them and then through the industrial section of Fairfield past the Walmart. At about this time and through Witham Woods, there was no-one else on the trail. Thick gravel and hills along Hiway 34 back to the start point.
I love the landscape diversity I get to experience on this trail. There are some great views with a mix of hills and flat stretches. Gives you a great view of what southeast Iowa has to offer. Everyone should come out and check out this 16 mile loop. Also there are plenty of places in Fairfield to stop. I would suggest biking to the Fishback and Stephenson Cider House. It’s right off the the trail near Pleasant Lake. They are only open for supper and brunch only on Sundays.
I like loop trails. this one takes you along small lakes, forest areas, and across beautiful bridges.
Wish it was more a fine crushed limestone. Very gravely.
If you camp in Jefferson Co Park, it is very hard to find your way out of the park and to the loop trail. The loop trail is great, but we got very frustrated trying to get to it from our campsite in Jefferson Co Park
Was visiting for 2 weeks, would take the trial and go to the park for a swim and continue the ride. Nice ride, some parts are opened to the wind which makes it a bit hard but otherwise fantastic!
restrooms and benches along the way also
This trail will be beautiful when the leaves start showing their full fall color. The trail is mostly crushed and loose gravel. Some areas are packed a little better than others. This is a rather hilly path which is not good for recumbent bikes. Personally, we do not like the crushed/loose gravel for hills, makes it too easy to skid going down the hill and around the curves. The trail goes through a a few nice forest preserves and some pasture areas and hills and valleys. The hills are not bad but a few are very long and gradual when climbing up.
A five-minute slideshow set to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach's "Sheep May Safely Graze".
Visit: http://vimeo.com/7655914
A stirring walk on the 17-mile Fairfield Loop Trail (Fairfield, Iowa) -- including the beautiful reservoir lakes; the farmland trail to Chautauqua Park; Chautauqua Park in the morning light; and the mysterious Lamson Woods and wetlands ... with transcendental views of nearby Interstate Highway #34, and a journey through the ever-peaceful Jefferson County Park (see Trail Map at http://www.jeffersoncountytrails.com; or visit my college on-line, located along the trail in Fairfield, at http://www.mum.edu).
This inspiring art film is set to the melody of Bach's "Sheep May Safely Graze", a beautiful Cantata. It is to be followed (soon) by part two of the "Fairfield Loop Trail" -- from Jefferson County Park back to the reservoirs, via: Cedar Valley Trail; Whitham Woods; Rock Island Railroad; and Maharishi University of Management, where visitors weekends may afford one inexpensive venue for walking this magnificent trail. Camping is also available in Jefferson County Park, on the trail.
Notes:
Five minutes of late summer and autumn majesty ... captured on film from October to November of 2009! All photos are adjustment-free except for cropping, and are therefore "brim-full" with the essence and color of rural and natural America.
.
_124736_nb.jpg)
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!
