When the stressors the day brings have you craving some solitude, head out and enjoy an exhilarating hike in Iowa. Experience the serenity the state’s trails can bring through the challenges of outdoor recreation. The Hawkeye State’s gorgeous trails, regardless of your choice of biking, cross-country skiing, or hiking, await. Whether you plan to escape for a couple of hours or a full weekend, the experiences are there for the taking at Iowa’s state parks, forests, and outdoor areas.

Set aside a couple of hours to enjoy this easy, approximately 7-mile Sycamore Trail loop in Johnston, a suburb of the state's capital Des Moines.
Scott Wadstrom/AllTrails
This hike includes two major sections: Sycamore North and Sycamore South which are bisected by Interstate 80. They are very well-maintained by the 100-percent-volunteer Central Iowa Trail Association.

Parking for Sycamore North is located on the south side of Northwest 66th Avenue in Johnston, just to the west of the Des Moines River crossing. Parking for Sycamore South is available at the Polk County Building at 2353 Euclid Ave. in Des Moines.
Head out alone on this single-track dirt trail, which is mostly a shady hike.
Heidi Butler/AllTrails
Or bring a companion if you like, as long as he is on a leash.
Either way, be mindful and take a minute to observe the beauty of nature, all the way up to the sun.
Joe Jugen/AllTrails
Joey Fisk/AllTrails
The Des Moines River and Beaver Creek are other companions along the way.

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They offer vivid watercolor reflections if you can believe your eyes.
Aaron Swanson/AllTrails
And they attract gorgeous wildlife, such as the American white pelicans that decided to sit for a spell.
Kathe Irvine/AllTrails
Also, keep your eyes open for the colorful mushrooms growing along the way.
Thack Cavan/AllTrails
Even in late fall when the trees are bare, this peaceful place brings solitude.
Rochelle Baker/AllTrails

If the Sycamore Trail piques your interest, for more rural discoveries check out some of the best hiking trails in the state. Or find information about another hike in Iowa. Afterward, if you find your stomach growling, drive over to Jethro’s BBQ n’ Pork Chop Grill in Johnston for a brisket bacon melt or Roscoe’s Buffalo chicken wrap.

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Featured Addresses
Sycamore Trail Bicycle Repair Station, 4640 NW 66th Ave, Johnston, IA 50131, USA
Jethro's BBQ n' Pork Chop Grill, 5950 NW 86th St, Johnston, IA 50131, USA