Hey there, outdoor enthusiasts - get ready for a hiking adventure in Iowa! We've rounded up 18 of the best hikes in Iowa you absolutely have to check out in 2023. From flowing rivers to lush forests and serene lakes, these top-rated trails have it all. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting, there's something for everyone. So grab your gear, and let's hit the trails in Iowa.
Best Hikes in Iowa
On the hunt for some one-of-a-kind hikes in Iowa? Explore Brown's Woods Trail, Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trail, and Maquoketa Caves Loop. These trails showcase diverse landscapes and breathtaking views, making them ideal for hikers of all abilities. Whether you prefer a leisurely walk or a moderately challenging excursion, you'll discover something special on these trails.
1. Brown's Woods Trail
- Location: West Des Moines
- Mileage: 3.2-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: Popular birding, cross-country skiing, and hiking trails, where you'll encounter fellow nature enthusiasts. Open year-round, the trail offers breathtaking scenery and welcomes leashed dogs.
The Brown's Woods Trail is a favorite spot for a hike or run. The trail is double-wide and easy to navigate, and the fact that it's only a short drive from the city is a huge plus. Throughout the route, there are benches to rest and take in the scenery. Plus, the port-a-potties at the parking lot are a convenient amenity for those who need a restroom break.
2. Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trail
- Location: Dubuque
- Mileage: 0.9-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: Popular trail for birding, cross-country skiing, and hiking, open year-round. Dogs welcome on leashes. Best times to visit are March to November.
Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trail is a quick but awesome adventure. The incline at the start is worth it for the superb view. And guess what? You can get up close and personal with the mighty Mississippi River. It's like a treasure hunt - discover the multiple levels, social trails, and hidden nooks along the way. Don't rush - take your time to explore all the secrets this trail has to offer.
3. Maquoketa Caves Loop
- Location: Maquoketa
- Mileage: 1.7-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Popular trail for birding, cross-country skiing, and hiking, open year-round. Dogs welcome on leashes. Best times to visit are March to November.
Maquoketa Caves Loop offers a scenic adventure. The trail is well-kept and easy to navigate at your own pace. The caves are impressive, some with lights inside but bring a flashlight just in case. Don't hesitate to explore off the main path and pack water shoes for water caves. It's a great spot for families with kids of all ages, and keep an eye out for wildlife! Remember to bring snacks and water for an enjoyable hike.
Best Short & Easy Hikes in Iowa
Iowa may not be known for its hiking trails, but there are still plenty of beautiful and easy hikes to check out. These trails are perfect for a quick afternoon outing or a relaxing weekend getaway. Ideal for family fun too.
4. Cedar Cliff Trail
- Location: Mount Vernon
- Mileage: 2.1-mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: A popular trail for birding, fishing, and hiking, with peaceful moments during quieter hours. Ideal visit from April to November. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Cedar Cliff Trail at Palisades Kepler State Park offers lots of elevation changes, rocks, and trees to climb over. The well-groomed trail provides stunning views overlooking the Cedar River. Enjoy the challenge of rocky inclines, cross small bridges, and find respite at the covered gazebo. It's a fantastic hike for nature enthusiasts seeking both beauty and excitement.
5. Kruidenier Trail around Gray's Lake
- Location: Des Moines
- Mileage: 2.1-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Popular trail for birding, fishing, and road biking. Best times: March-October. Dogs welcome, some off-leash areas.
Gray's Lake Park in Des Moines, located off Fleur Drive, offers a plethora of enjoyable activities for everyone. The North entrance leads to the beach, playground, boat launch, picnic tables, and grills, making it a perfect spot for family fun. On the other hand, the South entrance grants access to paddle boat rentals, tables, and a bridge overlooking the lake. Don't miss the chance to explore Kruidenier Trail, accessible from either entrance, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding the lake.
6. Dozer Cut and Fox Run Ridge Trail
- Location: Honey Creek
- Mileage: 1.8-mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking, with opportunities for solitude. Open year-round, dogs welcome on a leash. Seasonal closure possible due to prescribed burning.
The Dozer Cut and Fox Run Ridge Trail is a gem. This short but scenic hike offers picturesque green views and spectacular outlooks. The highlight of the trail is the breathtaking view of the vast Missouri River valley from the ridge overlook, especially during sunset.
Hardest Hikes in Iowa
Iowa has some challenging hikes that are not for the faint of heart. Brent's Trail Extension, located in Loess Hills State Forest, is tough. The 11.0-mile trail includes steep inclines and rocky terrain. The Preparation Canyon Overnight Route in Preparation Canyon State Park is another challenging hike, with a total distance of 13.1 miles and 1,571 feet of elevation gain. Finally, the Paint Creek Unit Loop in Yellow River State Forest offers 13.5 miles of difficult terrain and backcountry camping.
7. Brent's Trail Extension
- Location: Little Sioux
- Mileage: 11.0-mile point-to-point trail
- Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: Ideal for backpacking, camping, and hiking, offering solitude. Dogs welcome, off-leash in designated areas.
The Brent's Trail Extension in Loess Hills State Forest - Little Sioux Unit is an Iowa favorite for hikers who want to work up a sweat. With its rugged terrain, it promises an exciting and challenging adventure. Be prepared for a butt-kicking hike that will test your skills and endurance. The brown metal oak leaves trail markers help guide your way through this wilderness, so keep an eye out for those along your trek.
8. Preparation Canyon Overnight Route
- Location: Moorhead
- Mileage: 13.1-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: A popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping with moments of solitude. Note that dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Ready for an epic backpacking adventure? Get set to explore the Preparation Canyon Overnight Route in Preparation Canyon State Park and the Loess Hills State Forest. They've got it all - well-marked trails, ten cozy hike-in campsites with fire rings and picnic tables at the park (just $9 per tent per site), and even primitive camping near Jones Creek Pond, that offers a serene setting for a memorable night under the stars. Get ready to create lasting memories on this captivating backpacking loop!
9. Paint Creek Unit Loop
- Location: Waterville
- Mileage: 13.5-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Hard
- FYI: This trail is ideal for backpacking, birding, and camping, with fewer crowds. Best time to visit is from April through October.
If you're searching for an epic adventure in Iowa, you're in luck! The Paint Creek Unit Loop at the Yellow River State Forest is an incredible 13.5-mile loop trail with fantastic views and four free backcountry campgrounds (remember to register at the forest headquarters to secure your spot). With seven trailheads and ample parking, beginning your hike couldn't be easier. However, keep in mind that there is some road walking on gravel, and you may encounter equestrians in certain areas.
Best Waterfront Hikes in Iowa
Discover the beauty of Iowa's waterfront with these best waterfront hikes. From peaceful lakeshores to winding riverbanks, these trails offer wonderful views and serene surroundings.
10. Squire Shore, Weasel Run, Mushroom Forest Trail
- Location: North Liberty
- Mileage: 5.0-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: This area is popular for birding, camping, and cross-country skiing, offering year-round beauty. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
You'll be strolling right by the lake when you take on Squire Shore, Weasel Run, Mushroom Forest Trail. This trail has it all – cool shade to beat the summer heat, pretty lake views, and gentle ups and downs that won't wear you out. In the fall, it's like walking through a postcard with all the colorful leaves, a must-visit in the North Liberty area.
11. West Lake and East Lake Trail Loop
- Location: Dundee
- Mileage: 6.3-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: This trail is ideal for birding, camping, and hiking, with opportunities for solitude. Best times to visit are from April to October. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
We highly recommend going on the Backbone State Park's West Lake and East Lake Trail Loop, a 6.3-mile loop trail. The walk through the grassy area at the beach is quite pleasant, and the east side of the lake has rocky bluffs and is very scenic. There are plenty of interesting sights to take in throughout the trail, and if you have more time, there are many ways to make the route longer and explore more.
12. High Trestle Trail
- Location: Ankeny
- Mileage: 24.9-mile point-to-point trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Popular area for road biking, running, and walking. Open year-round, beautiful scenery. Dogs welcome on a leash.
The High Trestle Trail, a rail trail stretching from Ankeny to Woodward, takes its name from an old 1913 bridge that once crossed the Des Moines River connecting Madrid and Woodward. This popular trail sees an estimated 3,000 weekly visitors, attracting both locals and tourists eager to explore its scenic beauty and historical significance.
Best Winter Hikes in Iowa
Embrace the winter wonderland in Iowa with these best winter hikes! With crisp air and snow-covered landscapes, these trails offer a unique and enchanting wintertime experience. Whether you're seeking snowy vistas or serene wooded paths, these winter hikes in Iowa are perfect for embracing the beauty of the season.
13. Carlson Park
- Location: Decorah
- Mileage: 2.0-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- FYI: Hiking trail with few crowds. Dogs allowed on a leash.
Carlson Park offers a delightful 2.0-mile loop trail near Decorah, Iowa. Although it's generally considered a moderately challenging route, taking around 42 minutes to complete, the effort is well worth it. The trail is perfect for hiking, and during the winter, it transforms into a nicely groomed ski trail. The best part is that there's no need for a park pass or trail fee, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience for all. Keep an eye out for the abundance of deer tracks in the fresh snow, adding to the charm of this beautiful trail.
14. Lake Meyer Trail
- Location: Calmar
- Mileage: 1.8-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Ideal for camping and hiking. Few crowds, leashed dogs allowed.
If you're looking for a laid-back hike near Calmar, Iowa, the Lake Meyer Trail in Lake Meyer County Park is a great option. It's a 1.8-mile loop that's pretty easy and takes around 39 minutes to complete. Not only can you enjoy the beautiful scenery, but the clear water makes it perfect for fishing, kayaking, and even ice fishing in the winter, making it a year-round destination.
15. Cedar River Crossing Conservation Area Loop
- Location: Solon
- Mileage: 4.9-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Perfect for birding, hiking, and walking. Few crowds, leashed dogs allowed.
Cedar River Crossing Conservation Area Loop is ideal for a lovely winter stroll with scenic views. This 4.9-mile loop trail offers serene river views, surrounding trees, and a beautiful marsh. It's a nice and easy trail, perfect for a relaxing walk amidst nature's winter beauty.
Best Hikes near Des Moines
Ready to explore the best hikes near Des Moines, Iowa? The Sycamore Trail offers sweet river views and a wildflower extravaganza in spring. At Bill Riley Trail in Water Works Park, you can bike, run, or walk and connect to other cool trails. And don't miss the vibes at Fort Des Moines Park Nature Trail, where you'll stroll by a serene lake and enjoy those peaceful boardwalks.
16. Sycamore Trail
- Location: Des Moines
- Mileage: 6.9-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Ideal for birding, hiking, and mountain biking. Solitude possible at quieter times. Best to visit from March to October. Leashed dogs welcome.
The Sycamore Trail is a dirt trail surrounded by beautiful woods that follows the path of the Des Moines River. You'll be treated to stellar views throughout your hike, and in the springtime, keep an eye out for the lovely clearing filled with wildflowers near the quarter mark.
17. Bill Riley Trail
- Location: Des Moines
- Mileage: 5.9-mile out-and-back trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Excellent for walking, with few people around. Dogs allowed on a leash.
Discover the fantastic Bill Riley Trail, perfect for biking, running, and walking, and is conveniently located in the heart of Water Works Park. This urban trail system offers a seamless connection to various other trails, making it perfect for exploring the city's routes. While you enjoy the surroundings, keep an eye out for fellow bikers zipping by, as this popular multi-use trail attracts many enthusiasts. Get ready for a delightful day of outdoor adventure right in town.
18. Fort Des Moines Park Nature Trail
- Location: Des Moines
- Mileage: 1.9-mile loop trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- FYI: Popular trail for birding, skiing, fishing. Peaceful at times. Dogs welcome on leash. Open year-round.
Fort Des Moines Park Nature Trail is a 1.9-mile loop trail near Des Moines. This park features a lake surrounded by a well-maintained trail, perfect for walking and running. The route is thoughtfully designed with a wide and easily navigable path, partly paved with cement and crushed cement. A few gentle hills and a picturesque boardwalk that extends over the lake add to the trail's draw.
Have you explored any of these Iowa hiking trails? If so, do you think any stand out as the best for Iowa hiking? We’re excited to hear your recommendations on the best hiking trails in Iowa!
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike with miles of trails or an easy river trail with beautiful scenery, this hub has everything you’ll need, and be sure to Try AllTrails+ For Free!
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