Blue Ridge Parkway Day #1
Sunday, October 19, 2025
When my wealthy doctor colleagues go on vacation, they travel to Europe, Australia or the Far East. But, when we travel, we visit Mount Trashmore in Cedar Rapids, Iowa!
From ChatGPT:
Mount Trashmore in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is a reclaimed landfill turned popular outdoor destination. Once a city dump, it was capped and closed in 2013 and now features walking, running, and mountain-biking trails leading to Linn County’s highest point with scenic views of the city and Cedar River. Visitors participate in hikes and challenges on varied trails, blending recreation with a striking example of sustainable land reuse.
Click on Image for Map.
The daunting hike to the far peak of Mount Trashmore! Glad we brought our oxygen tanks.
Commanding views from the peak of Mount Trashmore. The highest elevation in all of Linn County.
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On such a clear day, you can see FOREVER - or perhaps a mile or two into Cedar Rapids.
We joked about needing oxygen tanks. But, in truth, it might have helped the olfactory senses. These vents were located all over the capped trash heap.
I kind of want one of these signs for my office door!!
A little history lesson for day #1 of our trip east.
And when my rich doctor colleagues travel, they eat at Michelin-starred restaurants. We, on the other hand, chose to dine at the world famous I-80 Truckstop.
From ChatGPT:
The Iowa 80 Truckstop, off I-80 exit 284 in Walcott, Iowa, is widely known as the world’s largest truck stop. It covers about 220 acres with parking for roughly 900 trucks and serves around 5,000 visitors daily. More than a refueling stop, it offers restaurants, showers, a movie theater, barber, dentist, laundromat, gift shops, and a trucking museum, making it a one-stop travel hub.
Click on Image for Map.
And, in case your vehicle needs some trailer-hitch bumper nuts; well, the I-80 Truckstop has you covered. They come in an assortment of sizes and colors!
