George Wyth State Park
George Wyth State Park is located on the Cedar River within the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metropolitan area. Its large expanse of woodland is abundant with many varieties of wildlife. Bird-watchers have observed more than 200 different species and white-tailed deer can be seen year-round. The park has been designated as a National Urban Wildlife Sanctuary. At George Wyth, the visitor can truly "get away" from the busy metropolitan area and take advantage of a variety of outdoor recreation activities in a very natural setting.
The park was dedicated in 1940 as "Josh Higgins Parkway", named for a popular radio character of the day. In 1956, it was renamed George Wyth Memorial State Park after a well-known Cedar Falls businessman and conservationist.
Facilities and Activities
Picnicking/Shelters/Lodge
The scenic beauty of George Wyth State Park makes it a very popular picnic spot. Three open shelters near the river and Fisher Lake may be reserved online through the park reservation system.
A lodge with a fireplace is ideal for group events and can be reserved for a fee. The lodge may be reserved online through the park reservation system.
A growing number of campers are enjoying the experience of camping within a metropolitan area. The campground has 69 camping units modern showers, rest rooms and a trailer dump station. Advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Trails
George Wyth has 5.5 miles of paved multi-purpose trails, which are great for biking, in-line skating and walking. These trails are linked to a 80 mile trail network within the cities of Waterloo and Cedar Falls. George Wyth also has 6 miles of grass hiking trails. In winter, sports such as cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling are also popular.
The Lake-to-Lake State Park Bike Route is a 50 mile route connecting Pine Lake and George Wyth Memorial State Parks. This route primarily utilizes county highways, and established bike routes and paths once inside Cedar Falls/Waterloo.
The Cedar Trails Partnership includes over 100 miles of paved, multi-use recreation trails in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metropolitan area. The trail system provides links for parks, playing fields, lakes, business, shopping districts, schools and neighborhoods in the metro area.
Carry your own gear and "rough it" in the campgrounds or take comfort in a local bed and breakfast or motel along the route. Some bed and breakfasts and park concessionaires offer a shuttle service of gear or luggage for a nominal fee. Reservations for this service must be made in advance. Detailed route brochures available through the DNR.
Lake Activities ( boating, fishing)
The park is unique in that it has several water areas: Brinker Lake (120 acres, open for power boating), George Wyth Lake (75 acres, no wake lake with handicap accessible fishing pier and fishing jetty's), Fisher Lake (40 acres natural lake), Alice Wyth Lake (60 acres, electric motors only) and the Cedar River. Sailboating and windsurfing are also popular. George Wyth beach is one of the most popular swimming spots in the area. The lakes and river provides anglers a variety of fish in a very scenic natural setting. Boat ramps are available on the river and lakes.
The Cedar Valley Paddlers Trail is the first trail to open under the DNR Water Trail Grant and the first looped trail. It starts at Fisher Lake in George Wyth. All four lakes in George Wyth, Cedar River, and two lakes at Hartman Reserve Nature Center make up the trail. The trail is 10 miles with 1.6 miles of portaging and 8.4 miles of water. This can change some depending on the water levels during the year. People of all ages can enjoy this trail because you can create your own smaller or bigger trails within this one.
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