Iowa has so many great state parks that we could easily spend years exploring them – but then we would miss out on some of the hidden gems hiding in our county parks! These parks are usually much smaller, but can be found scattered around the state outside our cities and small towns. Exploring them is usually a quick but underrated adventure, and it doesn’t get any more underrated than Pictured Rocks County Park in Monticello. This unique county park in Iowa is known for its fascinating rock formations, characterized by steep limestone cliffs along the banks of the Maquoketa River. These formations can best be seen on the Pictured Rocks Trail – a 1.3-mile out-and-back trail with moderately challenging terrain. It’s a trip into Iowa’s ancient past, so come along with us to discover what makes Pictured Rocks County Park so unique!

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Have you visited Pictured Rocks County Park in Monticello? Tell us what you think of this unique county park in Iowa in the comments section! You can find out more about the park on the My County Parks website, and AllTrails has more pictures of the Pictured Rocks Trail. While you’re in Monticello, don’t miss out on visiting the state’s most epic resort campground! If you do a lot of hiking, a subscription to AllTrails + would make a perfect gift to yourself! This hiking app makes it easy to always stay connected with downloadable trail maps and other helpful features.

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