10 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Iowa
The best hikes in Iowa show off areas where you can enjoy the woods, wildlife, fields, and other sights and sounds of nature in our beautiful state. No matter what season we’re in, it’s worth it to find time to get outdoors and enjoy some of the great hiking Iowa has to offer. Here are 10 easy hikes in Iowa that will get you outdoors and showcase beautiful scenery.
The trails in the beautiful Mines of Spain Recreation Area are varied, both in scenery and difficulty, so make sure to assess the difficulty level before choosing a trail. You’ll see all kinds of sights as you hike, from forests to prairie to limestone bluffs. A visit to the historic Mines of Spain belongs on every Iowan's bucket list.
Stone State Park is situated next to the Big Sioux River. Overall, there are 8 miles of hiking trails, two of which are around the beautiful Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center.
Stone State Park has some of the prettiest trails around.
Pine Lake State Park has plenty of trails perfect for hiking, all with gorgeous views. The park is large, with 565 acres and two scenic lakes. Pine Lake is truly an underrated state park in Iowa.
Clear Lake has trails that travel all around its beautiful lake, so you’ll have a water view along the whole way. Visit Clear Lake State Park for scenic hiking in the Hawkeye State.
The Wabash Trace Nature Trail contains 63 miles of trails running through Council Bluffs, Mineola, Silver City, Malvern, Imogene, Shenandoah, Coin, and Blanchard. Part of the trail runs through the unique and beautiful Loess Hills. The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is one of Iowa's most fascinating man-made wonders. It's also where you'll find the Wabash Trace Taco Ride!
Wapsipinicon State Park was one of Iowa's first state parks, and provides a variety of lovely scenery, with the river, limestone bluffs, woods, and wildlife. There are multi-use trails you can hike that will lead you through all of the scenic beauty. It's easy to enjoy this gorgeous park in Iowa all year long.
This park is a great place for hiking. There are six miles of trails, with a plethora of wildlife, trees, and flowers to admire as you walk. Palisades-Kepler State Park is a great family-friendly destination for hiking, camping, and fishing.
This 4-mile round trip hike starts at Elkader’s City Park and takes you along the old Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad beds. The view is definitely worth the trip, and this trail in Clayton County, Iowa is one you're sure to enjoy.
Yellow River State Forest provides 45 miles of beautiful, multi-purpose trails ranging from easy to moderate. On the hike, you’ll have access to scenic overlooks, wildlife, streams, and gorgeous wooded areas. Be sure to visit this forest when you explore one of the most historic regions of Iowa.
Des Moines has an extensive trail system with a total of 60 miles of trails that are in the city or pass in and out of the city. The Downtown Des Moines Trail Loop has a trail that passes around the beautiful Gray Lake in Gray’s Lake Park.
Gray's Lake Park features an extensive network of trails in Des Moines.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Iowa
June 17, 2022
Kim Magaraci
What are the most scenic hikes in Iowa?
Iowans are lucky because some of the best hikes in Iowa are tucked away in underrated parks. We love the hike to the Crow's Nest in Ledges State Park, and the Sunset Ridge Trail in Waubonsie State Park shows off views that will make you forget you're in the midwest. For more of our favorite low-key hikes that show off unforgettable views, read about 8 Of The Best Hikes In Iowa and start planning out your hiking season.
Are there any easy waterfall hikes in Iowa?
If you love the idea of chasing waterfalls in Iowa, be sure to add these easy waterfall hikes to your bucket list! You'll want to head to Decorah for the most "bang for your buck". You can find three beautiful cascades in the same town! Dunnings Spring Falls is the easiest to access, while Malanaphy Falls requires a short hike. Siewers Springs Falls is just outside of town, but it's one fo the most photographed landmarks in Iowa.
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