In 2021, Take These 12 Incredible Iowa Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year
The best Iowa hikes for 2021 include winter wonderlands, spots that come alive in the spring, places to escape the heat and crowds of summer, and stunning displays of fall foliage. Enjoy a little bit of every season in the Hawkeye State when you embark on these inviting adventures.
The 1.7-mile Canyon Road and Table Rock Loop is a busy trail in the spring and summer months, but if you come here in the winter, you'll be treated to stunning views and total silence. It's a great way to experience the park without the crowds.
Lake MacBride is lovely all year long! In the winter, though, you get some beautiful days that make strolling through the trails a dream come true.
Effigy Mounds National Monument is a sacred spot that's nice to visit in the quiet of the late winter and early spring. On a warm day, you can hear the birds singing to welcome the better weather ahead.
April tends to be a wet and muddy month in Iowa, so head to a less woodsy trail! The High Trestle Trail is a long bike trek through Iowa, but the section of the trail that crosses the gorgeous High Trestle Trail bridge is worth visiting on foot.
Visit Pikes Peak State Park and hike the 3.9-mile Weeping Rock and Hickory Ridge Loop to enjoy one of Iowa's most popular overlooks while all the kids are still in school!
The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is a long rail-to-trail bike path that's known for hosting Taco rides. What's a taco ride? Well, read more here to find out!
The four-mile trail around Lake Ahquabi is a quiet spot that's a great summertime getaway. Beat the beat in the shade and dip your toes in the water to cool off.
Speaking of summertime heat - when it gets unbearable, head underground! It's always nice and cool at Maquoketa Caves State Park. The loop trail through the park is less than two miles, but you'll certainly get your steps in exploring all of the fascinating caves.
It's never a bad time to visit the Loess Hills, and the 6.3-mile loop from the Hitchcock Nature Center is a challenging hike that's perfect when the weather starts to cool down a bit.
In October, explore the historic Mines of Spain in Dubuque. While the trails aren't very long - the stunning Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trail is less than a mile - you'll want to spend all day here just soaking in the views of fall along the river.
Head back to the Loess Hills when the leaves are gone, and you'll catch beautiful views as far as the eye can see. The Mincer Trail and Sunset Ridge Trail Loop is a two-mile loop that's rarely crowded, straightforward, and simple.
Finally, close out the year with a visit to Preparation Canyon State Park. The four-and-a-half-mile loop trail takes you along the ridgeline, where you can see for miles in every direction.
Where do you plan to hike in 2021? Let us know by nominating your favorite trail!
Address: Waubonsie Park Rd, Washington, IA 51640, USA
Address: Effigy Mounds National Monument, 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, USA
Address: Pikes Peak State Park, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
Address: Caves Road, Caves Rd, Maquoketa, IA 52060, USA
Address: Lake Macbride Trail, Solon, IA 52333, USA
Address: Preparation Canyon Rd, Sioux, IA 51558, USA
Address: Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA 51542, USA
Address: Lake Ahquabi, White Oak, IA 50125, USA
Address: Wabash Trace Nature Trail, Mineola, IA, USA
Address: High Trestle Trail, Iowa, USA
Address: Mines of Spain Road, Mines of Spain Rd, Dubuque, IA 52003, USA
Address: Ledges State Park, 1515 P Ave, Madrid, IA 50156, USA
