Rail Trail & Trail System


Welcome to the Waverly Rail Trail! Starting at the 480' Cedar River Bridge in downtown Waverly, the 10' wide asphalt trail proceeds southeast for about 7 miles over 8 bridges and under 2 roads and concludes at US Highway 63. At that point, the Denver- Jefferson Trail takes you into Denver about 2 miles south and the Readlyn-Grump Trail takes you to Readlyn about 6 miles east.

The mostly rural trail exhibits a wide variety of flora and fauna. Facilities include benches and picnic tables at key locations, a modern restroom at the Kwik Star in downtown Waverly, primitive restroom facilities at the 2 and 6 mile mark, and scenery that changes for every season. Several restaurants and shops in downtown Waverly are conveniently close.

The Candlelight Walk is an annual event that generally takes place the first Saturday of November.  This events includes about 400 luminaries for 1.1 miles on the trail edges, bonfire, and Nestles hot cocoa at the turn around point.

In the event of snowfall, all trails in town are cleared, except: Brookwood Park, and the trail South of Red Cedar Park along 8th St. SE. Additionally, the Rail Trail from the trail head behind Kwik Star East traveling East on the trail to Hwy. 63 at the 7 mile mark. These portions of the trail are not cleared to promote winter activities such as cross country skiing, snow shoeing, fat tire biking and more.

Rail-Trail Rules

  • Signal turns or stops
  • Move to single file when an oncoming trail user approaches
  • Move off the trail or stay clear when stopped
  • Show respect for adjacent private property
  • No hunting or firearms allowed on trail or within 50 feet of trail
  • Trail users are encouraged to wear appropriate safety equipment, including helmets
  • When passing, say "on your left" or "passing"
  • Pets should be on a leash and should not leave "anything" behind
  • Keep the trail clean
  • Slow down when the trail is busy
  • Stay alert
  • Have fun

Welcome to Waverly. Great schools. Diverse housing options. Robust job market. Top-flight indoor rec center. Outdoor recreation adventures of all kinds. Prestigious Wartburg College. And a safe and welcoming community of people who value the good life in a beautiful place.