George Wyth State Park
4.6(1.0K)google
4.6(7)yelp
OutdoorLakeHikingCamping
Overview
The George Wyth Memorial State Park is a public recreation area on the Cedar River, located two miles west of Cedar Falls and four miles northwest of Waterloo in Black Hawk County, Iowa, United States. The state park features camping, over 10 miles of paved and unpaved trails for hiking and biking, and fishing and boating on four different lakes: Brinker, George Wyth, Fisher and Alice Wyth. The park was named Josh Higgins Parkway when it was dedicated in 1940 and later renamed in honor of Cedar Falls businessman George Wyth.
Practical Info
Every day4:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Suggested Duration3-6 hours
Best TimeSummer and early autumn from May to September offer the premier window for lake kayaking, woodland cycling, and bird watching. Hiking the paved loops surrounding George Wyth Lake between 6:00 AM and 8:30 AM is highly recommended; early morning mist hangs over the wetlands as white-tailed deer forage along the trails under a soft golden sunrise canopy.
Getting TherePerched within the forested river flats bridging Waterloo and Cedar Falls at 3659 Wyth Road. Driving is remarkably straightforward: cruise along IA-57 W (Grand Boulevard) and follow the prominent brown parkway signs directly onto Wyth Road straight into the gates. Well-developed, free asphalt parking fields are stationed at all major lakeshore beaches and boat ramps.
Travel Tips
- This riverfront state park routinely faces extensive seasonal flooding along the Cedar River; hikers must verify current DNR trail alerts to avoid active high-water closure cordons.
- All four interior lakes enforce permanent No-Wake Speed vessel laws; personal watercraft and paddleboard operators must wear externally visible US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices.
- The dense woodlands harbor intense deer tick and mosquito vectors; leaving marked trails is banned, and a strict carry-in, carry-out refuse mandate requires packing out all personal garbage.
Reviews
Positive
- Features multiple interconnected blue lakes and dense riverfront woods, providing amazing natural water scenery that matches the hype.
- A top natural oasis for camping, kayaking, and lake fishing; picnic spots and waste bins are kept impeccably clean.
- Charges zero general admission fees; engineered with miles of wide, flat, fully paved accessible bike trails offering immense value.
- Completely free from commercial clutter; weekday crowds are sparse, letting visitors enjoy a peaceful lakeside walk safely.
Heads up
- Bordered by major lake webs, summer months breed brutal mosquito swarms and biting flies; outdoor stays are impossible without repellent.
- Seasonal spring floods easily trigger lake overflow, submerging low camp lots and unpaved access links under muddy waters.
- Branch trails into deep woods are pure mud, turning slick after rain and lacking safety rails, rendering them inaccessible for wheels.
- Lacks any indoor drink kiosks or concessions inside the park boundaries, so travelers will go hungry without packing their own meals.