If There Are Only 5 Hikes You Ever Do In Iowa, Make Them These
When the weather is warm, it’s time for hiking! There’s no better way to get out and truly appreciate the beauty of nature than by immersing yourself in a magical trail. One of the great things about the Hawkeye State is that we have a seemingly endless supply of trails. We can’t imagine a situation in which you’d only want to take five hikes, but if you were going to, these five are some of the very best hikes in Iowa.
The rails-to-trail Wabash Trace Nature Trail runs for 63 miles. It travels all the way from Council Bluffs to Blanchard. Obviously, the entire trail is a bit much unless you have a bike and multiple days, but there are multiple entry points, so hop on your favorite section and explore. The trail features more than 70 restored bridges, and you'll see plenty of beautiful scenery along the way. Rails-to-trails are such a great use of abandoned railway that is no longer being used.
2. Nature Trails at Mines of Spain Recreation Area: 8991 Bellevue Heights Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003
EB Lyons Interpretive Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003, USA
The Mines of Spain Recreation Area has five different nature trails for you to explore. All together, they total 12 miles in length. The trails vary in difficulty, but each has something special making it worth your while. You'll see scenic overlook, water views, forests, and plenty of wildlife. This is such a historic, beautiful place that's one of the best parks in Iowa.
3. The Trails at Brown's Woods: 465 Brown's Woods Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Brown's Woods Drive, Brown's Woods Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA
The Devil's Punch Bowl trail is just one of several at Wildcat Den State Park that are worth exploring. When it comes to scenic views and hiking, this is definitely one of the best parks in Iowa. The Devil's Punch Bowl trail is one of the shorter ones at the park, measuring just a single mile long. It's one of the best kid-friendly hikes in Iowa thanks to its interesting rock formations. This hike proves that a trail doesn't have to be lengthy to be worth your while.
5. Pikes Peak Trail at Pikes Peak State Park: 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157
Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
The 4.1-mile Pikes Peak Trail will take you along boardwalks, past a waterfall, and to the stunning view at the top. You'll be at an elevation of over 1,100 feet, allowing you bird's eye views of the Mississippi River. If you're looking for a trail with a great view, this is definitely it.
If you were going to make a list of the five best hikes in Iowa, what trails would you include?
Address: Brown's Woods Drive, Brown's Woods Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA
Address: EB Lyons Interpretive Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003, USA
Address: Wildcat Den State Park, 1884 Wildcat Den Rd, Muscatine, IA 52761, USA
Address: Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
Address: Wabash Trace Nature Trail, Mineola, IA, USA
What are some of the best parks in Iowa for hiking?
If you’re looking for some of the more underrated parks in Iowa, check out these quiet state parks. They’re not as popular as some of our better-known locales, but that just means there’s more to discover!
Address: Brown's Woods Drive, Brown's Woods Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA
Address: EB Lyons Interpretive Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003, USA
Address: Wildcat Den State Park, 1884 Wildcat Den Rd, Muscatine, IA 52761, USA
Address: Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
Address: Wabash Trace Nature Trail, Mineola, IA, USA
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Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
