Posted in Iowa Hiking, Nature April 30, 2022 by

8 Low-Key Hikes In Iowa With Amazing Payoffs

If you’re ever feeling a little burnout from your busy Midwestern life, take a weekend to tackle these best hikes in Iowa that show off some incredible views along the way. You’ll get to take in miles of Iowa’s best natural and historic treasures as you are reminded just why you love to live in the Hawkeye State. Next time you search “hiking trails near me” in Iowa, keep an eye out for these short and sweet gems!

1. Wildcat Den Trail, Wildcat Den State Park
Flickr / John W. Iwanski
The Wildcat Den Trail is one of the best trails in the entire state, and it combines history and geology to create a truly unique landscape. Not only will you see the Devil's Punchbowl and Fat Man's Squeeze, but you'll walk past historic buildings and fixtures. The Pine Creek Grist Mill dates back to the 1840s and is one of the oldest mills still standing in the entire country.
Wildcat Den State Park, 1884 Wildcat Den Rd, Muscatine, IA 52761, USA
2. Crow's Nest Loop, Ledges State Park
Flickr / Carl Wyckoff
You can hike Ledges State Park just by covering four miles of trail. Try the Crow's Nest Loop or Inspiration Point to see the best views from the sandstone gorges that formed the park. The view from the lake will make you feel like you're at a mountain retreat.
Ledges State Park, 1515 P Ave, Madrid, IA 50156, USA
3. Eagle Rock Trail, Effigy Mounds National Monument
Flickr / Keith Ewing
The view from Eagle Rock Trail at Effigy Mounds National Monument is one of the best views of the Mississippi Valley you can find in America. The Eagle Rock trail is 7 miles round trip, but you'll be so fascinated by the views, outcroppings, and Effigy Mounds that you'll hardly notice the time passing. Learn more about this incredible historic park here.
Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, USA
4. Backbone Trail, Backbone State Park
Flickr / JD Adelmund
There are over 20 miles of trails to explore in Iowa's oldest state park, but any hiker can conquer the Backbone Trail, and it's so worth it. Though it's less than a mile long, the trail takes you to one of the tallest spots in Iowa, and the views are breathtaking. It's definitely one of the best hikes in Iowa!
Backbone State Park Beach, Iowa 52038, USA
5. Any Trail At All, Maquoketa Caves State Park
Flickr / Michael Kappel
Anyone will be able to enjoy the stunning caves in this Iowa State Park - it truly is one of the best places on earth! The surreal landscape and access to caves is something you can't find anywhere else. Be sure to walk through the Natural Bridge cave - it's 50' tall! You'll quickly realize why this is The One Place In Iowa That Looks Like Something From Middle Earth.
Maquoketa Caves State Park, 9688 Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060, USA
6. Overlook, Pikes Peak State Park
Flickr / Jason Mrachina
One of the most beautiful overlooks in all of Iowa is just a 50' walk from the parking lot to the edge of a 500' cliff, where you can look down to the mighty Mississippi. You can also hike up to the park's overlooks via scenic trails from any of the lower trailheads.
Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
7. Sunset Ridge Trail, Waubonsie State Park
Flickr / Vincent Parsons
Waubonsie State Park has miles of trails that show off the best views in the Loess Hills region of Western Iowa, but the Sunset Ridge Trail is the one that you can't miss. It's a loop trail that's less than two miles long, and the ridge takes you to some of the most stunning overlooks you'll ever find.
Waubonsie State Park, 2585 Waubonsie Park Rd, Hamburg, IA 51640, USA
8. Cedar Cliff Trail, Palisades-Kepler State Park
Google Local / Dan McCann
The Cedar Cliff Trail at Palisades-Kepler State Park will take you around the stunning Cedar River and show off breathtaking views from up high. This underrated state park is one of the prettiest in Iowa, and it's certainly worth a trip to explore its cliffs, overlooks, and wild river.
Palisades-Kepler State Park, 700 Kepler Dr, Mt Vernon, IA 52314, USA

Have you taken any of these best hikes in Iowa? Share your best trail photos in the comments below, or in our Iowa Nature Lovers Facebook Group.

Do you have a favorite easy hike in Iowa? Tell us about it on our nomination page, and you just might see your suggestion featured in an upcoming article.

Address: Backbone State Park Beach, Iowa 52038, USA
Address: Ledges State Park, 1515 P Ave, Madrid, IA 50156, USA
Address: Wildcat Den State Park, 1884 Wildcat Den Rd, Muscatine, IA 52761, USA
Address: Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, USA
Address: Maquoketa Caves State Park, 9688 Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060, USA
Address: Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
Address: Waubonsie State Park, 2585 Waubonsie Park Rd, Hamburg, IA 51640, USA
Address: Palisades-Kepler State Park, 700 Kepler Dr, Mt Vernon, IA 52314, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes in Iowa

May 05, 2022
Katie Lawrence

Where can I find kid-friendly hikes in Iowa?

Hiking is such a great family bonding activity, so it’s a good thing there are so many kid-friendly hikes in Iowa. One of our absolute favorites is the Bridal Veil Trail at Pikes Peak State Park. Only about a mile round-trip, this scenic hike takes you along a boardwalk en route to a lovely waterfall. You can even walk behind the falls, an activity that kids will especially love. The trail also offers stunning views of the Mississippi River. If you’re looking for ways to get your family outdoors, the Bridal Veil Trail in Iowa is a solid place to start.

Are there any easy hikes in Iowa?

When it comes to easy hikes in Iowa, it’s hard to beat Ledges State Park. Located near Boone, this popular destination is named after the towering sandstone “ledges” that rise up on either side of Pea’s Creek. The park is home to over 13 miles of hiking trails, several of which – including a gorgeous interpretive trail that skirts around Lost Lake – are short, sweet, and easy. No matter your skill level, there’s something for everyone at Ledges State Park!

What are some of the most scenic hikes in Iowa?

Taking a hike is one of the best ways to experience Iowa’s beautiful nature. One of the most scenic hikes in Iowa is the Maquoketa Caves Loop at Maquoketa Caves State Park. Just under two miles long, this easy loop leads through a lush landscape on the way to a remarkable series of caves. Not only does the hike boast incredible views at every turn, but it’s also easy, so almost everyone can enjoy it.

Address: Backbone State Park Beach, Iowa 52038, USA
Address: Ledges State Park, 1515 P Ave, Madrid, IA 50156, USA
Address: Wildcat Den State Park, 1884 Wildcat Den Rd, Muscatine, IA 52761, USA
Address: Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, USA
Address: Maquoketa Caves State Park, 9688 Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060, USA
Address: Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
Address: Waubonsie State Park, 2585 Waubonsie Park Rd, Hamburg, IA 51640, USA
Address: Palisades-Kepler State Park, 700 Kepler Dr, Mt Vernon, IA 52314, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.