Brent's Trail Is One Of The Steepest, Hardest Hikes You Can Take In Iowa
Cristy
Author
Where can you go to find a challenge while hiking in Iowa? Most of our hiking trails are easy to moderate, but there are a few that have earned an Alltrails rating of “difficult,” including Brent’s Trail in the Loess Hills region. This trail is potentially the steepest, hardest hike in the state – but the payoff if you tackle this trek yourself is out-of-this-world amazing. And even if you’re not feeling up for personally attempting one of Iowa’s hardest hikes, you’ll want to see some of the photos of this amazing place that other adventurers have shared.
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Not sure if this hike is something you’re ready to do? Why not take a virtual hike and watch this guide to the trail by Backpacking With Buckley on YouTube?
If you’re planning to take this challenging hike in Iowa, you might want to consider signing up for AllTrails Plus to take advantage of all the app’s features. You can find a map of the entire trail, including the extension, at the Harrison County Parks website. Have you ever attempted Brent’s Trail before? Any tips? For a tamer (but still beautiful) option, try a scenic drive through the Loess Hills and beyond instead.
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- Whiterock Conservancy is one of the most peaceful hikes in Iowa, located in a unique land trust that combines ecological preservation with sustainable agriculture. It's open to the public year-round, and the more than 5,000 acres are filled with parks and trails to explore. The Long Creek and Riverside Trail will take you past the Middle Raccoon River, while the Sunrise Trail is a more challenging morning hike.
- Cedar Cliff Trail is a great family hike, as it's only two miles long. Located in the heart of Palisades-Kepler State Park in Mount Vernon, it's one of the most scenic trails in Iowa and takes you through a forest that feels like it's right out of a fairy tale. The old-fashioned wooden and stone bridges are particularly intriguing, so this is one you'll definitely want to bring a camera for!
- Sugar Bottom Trail is just under 7 miles and located in the recreation area of the same name. It's considered a moderate hike, ideal for those used to hiking but not looking for intense terrain, and it's suitable for all seasons. It's well-mapped, and one of the best features is the little figurines people have placed along the route. There's even a tiny hidden cave along the trail!
- Looking for something a little more eerie and mysterious? Wildcat Cave Trail in Eldora is ideal for adventurous types. At under a mile in and out, it's an easy hike with some surprises along the way. Located in the Wildcat Cave Wildlife Management Area, it takes you into the woods, past small caves and unique rock formations, and past a mysterious abandoned school bus. How did it get here? No one's sure.