Finding a great hiking trail that hasn’t been discovered yet is like finding a needle in a haystack – there are a lot of trails around, but a true hidden gem is always a pleasant surprise. The Hawkeye State is full of massive natural areas that haven’t been fully explored or developed yet, with many only having basic amenities on site. This might keep away some people looking for a modern, more-maintained state park – but for nature-lovers, that’s all part of the appeal. We love seeing a natural area while it’s mostly unspoiled, and the best hike near Solon, Iowa, delivers exactly that. The Cedar River Crossing Conservation Area Loop Trail is a 4.9-mile hiking trail that takes you around a peaceful, beautiful area with a few surprises. It’s an easy route, if quite a hike, and it makes for a great everyday adventure for nature lovers. We think it’s an underrated pick for one of the best hikes in Iowa.

The Cedar River Crossing Conservation Area is home to a great, laid-back 4.9 mile hike ideal for hikers of all skill levels.
Christian Welter/AllTrails
Especially beautiful during the winter, it overlooks the Cedar River and is a popular spot for bird-watching.
John Holland/AllTrails
Most of the area is pretty unspoiled, but the terrain is even and easy to walk. But there is an impressive old-style bridge to cross.
John Holland/AllTrails

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The trail is dog-friendly, but make sure fido stays on a leash.
Todd Fierro/AllTrails
Winter is our favorite time to explore this trail, but during the rest of the year, there are other treats - including some beautiful wildflowers.
Kate and Chris Cameron/AllTrails
Make sure to stick around for the sunset here - it's gorgeous.
Ryan Gullett/Google Local

Have you walked the Cedar River Crossing Conservation Area Loop Trail? Let us know what you thought about the best hike near Solon, Iowa, in the comments section! You can find out more about the trail on its AllTrails page, and check out the My County Parks website to discover more about the surrounding conservation area. This is a pretty remote area, so a subscription to AllTrails + will definitely make it easier to make your way around the trail. And make sure to check out our list of the best hikes in Iowa for more adventures!

Looking for another great hike near Solon to consider? This hidden waterfront trail.

The Marvelous 7-Mile Trail In Iowa Leads Adventurers To A Little-Known Waterfront

 

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Cedar River Crossing, 5473 Sutliff Rd NE, Solon, IA 52333, USA