When the Iowa fall foliage season hits its peak, the race is on to find the best spots to see the leaves at their peak. This can often create a crush at some of the most famous locations – but the good news is, we keep on finding new spots for amazing leaf-peeping that most people have never heard of. A perfect case is Slip Bluff Park in the tiny town of Davis City (population 176 at last count). It’s a classic rural area in Decatur County, but it might just be the best county park in Iowa for leaf-peeping. The tall tree canopies lend themselves to a stunning canvas of color, and the campground has basic amenities ideal for those looking for a day of exploration or trying their hand at traditional camping. It’s exactly the kind of hidden gem of a destination that makes the Hawkeye State so great in the fall.

Slip Bluff County Park is tucked away in one of the most rural corners of Iowa, and most people have never even heard of this gem of a county park.
Darrin Ochsner/Google Local
This park is mostly popular with outdoors lovers, as it's a popular spot for fishing. The lake is well-stocked with bass, catfish, and walleye.
Steven Garner/AllTrails
It's also home to a 1.4 mile loop trail, rated easy, that will give you the run of the park's most beautiful spots.
Kyle Spahr/AllTrails

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At the peak time for spotting fall foliage, this park is absolutely stunning.
Darrin Ochsner/Google Local
You can't just walk beneath the park's leaves - you can sleep under them, because camping is allowed here. All campsites are first-come, first-serve.
Darrin Ochsner/Google Local
Even the small visitor's center looks amazing at this time of year, thanks to the plantings nearby.
Steven Garner/AllTrails
Other amenities, including a playground, help keep everyone occupied for the day; and you'll definitely want to stick around to see just how amazing a sunset looks against the fall foliage here.
Erics Adventures/Google Local

Have you visited Slip Bluff Park in Davis City? Tell us if you think it’s the best county park in Iowa for fall foliage in the comments section! You can see more about Slip Bluff Park’s amenities on the My County Parks website, or check out AllTrails for more information on the Slip Bluff County Park loop trail. If you’re planning a fall full of hikes, it might be time to subscribe to AllTrails Plus and get all the app’s interactive features, like downloadable trail maps for when you don’t have cell service.

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Slip Bluff County Park, Davis City, IA 50065, USA