Treasured for its vibrant rolling hills and quiet beauty, there’s so much more to explore in our state than meets the eye. Fortunately, Iowa’s best hiking trails lead to some absolutely breathtaking places! From river corridors and overlooks with panoramic views of our undulating terrain to our state’s most intriguing geology, the Hawkeye State has it all (and then some). Narrowing it down to just a few must-do family hikes in Iowa was no easy task, but here are just a few of our top picks for easy trails in the state that offer unique, kid-friendly beauty without the crowds.
Skip the crowds at some of our state's busiest rock formations like those at Horseshoe Bluff and Maquoketa Caves, in favor of a more relaxed stroll through Iowa's geologic history. Pictured Rocks County Park is a 1,100-acre hidden gem in Iowa, although it's well-loved by local rock climbers. The quiet, one-mile out-and-back trail here offers unique, up-close views of massive ancient limestone formations, houses small caves for kids of all ages to marvel at, and offers lovely glimpses of the Maquoketa River.
In contrast to Iowa's iconic "waves of grain" scenery, the Eddyville Sand Prairie is quite unusual with its seemingly incompatible patchwork landscape of wind-blown sand banks and quiet woodlands. Like a slice of the Southwest tucked away in Iowa, this vibrant 55-acre preserve is home to unique cacti, lizards, and other species rare to the Midwest - and is considered by many to house the most diverse set of plant and animal species in the state. Since the small preserve is comprised of open wetlands and pretty wildflower meadows in addition to rugged sandy patches, the Eddyville Nature Trail is ideal for getting a taste of multiple unique ecosystems at once! Kiddos will love keeping their eyes open for insects and flowers along the way.
For an idyllic waterfront stroll through nature, the self-guided Pine Lake Loop at Pine Lake State Park is a lush interpretive trail that offers a little something for everyone. Picnic areas, beaches, mini waterfalls, and plenty of quaint bridges all add up to a lovely, photo-worthy day out with the family. The 250-year-old white pine trees are especially gorgeous!
While Hitchcock Cove isn't a hidden gem, like many of the others on this list, it's still an incredible place for a family excursion. One of the last remaining stretches of rolling, wind-deposited prairie, the Loess Hills are an iconic Iowa landscape. The Hitchcock Nature Center, deep in the hills, is an incredible place to view, explore, and learn about this unique and fragile slice of the Midwest. 10 miles of connecting trails of varying difficulty can be hiked here, with the quick and easy Equal Access Trail offering some of the sweetest scenic rewards in the 1,000-plus acre preserve. While most of the trails here are perfectly doable for all ages, this boardwalk trail helps keep younger visitors safely on the trail. Kids of all ages will love the observation tower at Hitchcock!
Learn more about the trails at the Hitchcock Nature Center by visiting their website.
This lush urban forest is the largest in the state, so you'll feel miles away from the masses on your visit! The Gateway Trail here is short and sweet (under a mile!), but four miles of easy-to-follow paths all interconnect for a create-your-own adventure that fits your family's needs. Small streams provide a comforting babble, while the leaves. logs, and towering oaks entice the littles.
There’s no shortage of natural beauty to discover here. What’s your favorite place to explore with your family? Do you have any family hikes in Iowa to share? If so, please mention them in the comments.
If you’re craving some scenic hikes that are off the radar but packed full of scenery, ditch the crowds and check out these little-known trails in Iowa.
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