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Mount Trashmore

Mount Trashmore is a former landfill with 6 million tons of garbage transformed into a recreation destination with walking and bicycling trails and a scenic overlook.

Mount Trashmore

Trails are Open

Trails are Closed

Trails are Partially Open

Trails closed for season

Trashmore Access hours

Mount Trashmore closed for the season on November 19th. The site will reopen in the Spring. 

What You Need to Know

Site is closed for season. Site will reopen in Spring 2025.

A unique experience awaits at 2250 A Street SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where visitors can walk, run, or bicycle to the top of Mount Trashmore! The highest point in Linn County, Mount Trashmore is a former landfill turned community asset.

Former Landfill

Mount Trashmore is a former landfill with 6 million tons of garbage. The former landfill transitioned into a recreational site.

Views & Trails

If you like to mountain bike, bring out your mountain bike and ride our unique gravity fed flow trail! It's something you won't want to miss!

Please Check In

All users must check in before using the site. Find more information below.

Where to Start

Check-In at Recreation Building

All users are required to check in before using the site, you will find check-in kiosks inside of the recreation building. Trail users can bike or walk in from the Cedar Valley Nature Trail or use parking lot adjacent to the recreation building.

Inside the building you will find: check-in kiosks, restrooms, hydration station, bike fix-it stations, gathering space, picnic tables, benches, & trail staff.

Man cycling around Recreational Building Recreation Building
Mt Trashmore logo

Trashmore Challenge 2024

Looking for a unique way to get in shape and have some fun?

Sign up for the Trashmore Challenge  for an opportunity to climb our local treasure and earn coupons and prizes along the way! Climbing the mountain 140 times is equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest ~ ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE? REGISTER FOR THE CHALLENGE AT TRASHMORECHALLENGE.COM
Mount Trashmore Mt Trashmore board

Watch for truck traffic! Trails are adjacent to an operational compost facility with a shared entrance and roads.

Please Follow The Rules

Mount Trashmore Rules and Responsibilities

Mount Trashmore Trails are built on a closed and capped landfill. The area is not a public park, but continues to be a regulated and permitted site. Our goal is to provide access to a great view, but with safety as our first priority.

  • Stay on trails! Off-trail use is prohibited.
  • All trail users (bikers & walkers) MUST CHECK-IN at kiosks in recreation building.
  • Bike helmet use is strongly recommended!
  • There are stairs on the Stumptown Trail; strollers can only be used on the Overlook Trail.
  • When the building is closed, the trails are closed.
  • Use trails at your own risk. Agency is not responsible for injury or damaged equipment.
  • No driving to the top of Mount Trashmore (Visitors with a handicap placard are allowed to drive to the top, stop at recreation building for staff assistance)
  • No smoking & no alcohol.
  • Due to time constraints, walkers will need to be on trails 30 minutes before closing time. 
  • 2 inch or wider tires are recommended for Trashmore Trail.  Mountain bikes or fat tire bikes are recommended
Woman with children Hiking the Trails Poster of trashmore stump

Trails at Mount Trashmore

Stumptown Trail

Stumptown trail is for walking and running only. This trail is 5,000ft (appx. 1 mile). No bikes or strollers. This is the longest trail at Mount Trashmore. You will encounter board walks and stairs. Caution: steep grade in sections of trails.

bikeheader_small[1598].jpg Poster for Trashmore overlook

Trails at Mount Trashmore

Trashmore Trail

Trashmore Trail is a downhill bike trail only. No walkers/runners allowed. This trail is a gravity-fed flow trail with mountain biking features and should be ridden carefully. Two inch or wider tires are recommended.

Cildrena and adults doing Biking Poster - trashmore trashmore

Trails at Mount Trashmore

Overlook Trail

Overlook Trail is a multi-use trail that includes bikers and walkers. Overlook of Mount TrashmoreThis trail is 3,400ft (appx. 5/8 mile) and is the shortest way to the top of Mount Trashmore. You may encounter vehicles who are accessing the ADA parking spot at the overlook. 

Mount Trashmore trail map
Man cycling around Recreational Building Mount Trashmore Trails

Get in touch

Trails & Overlook Recreation Coordinator

Zac Hornung is the Recreation Coordinator for the Mount Trashmore trails and overlook. Zac coordinates public access to the trails and overlook, manages the trail system, scenic overlook activities, and promotes the unique site throughout the community. Zac is the contact for tours and event requests at the Mount Trashmore trails and overlook. Interested in volunteering with the trails or working at Mount Trashmore? Give him a call at 319-377-5290 ext. 123 or send him an email.