Take These 12 Incredible Iowa Hikes, One for Each Month of the Year

The best hikes in Iowa 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 some of the best trails in Iowa. We truly treasure living in Iowa, and the natural beauty is just one of many reasons we love it here.

1. January - Ledges State Park, Madrid

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. Ledges State Park is the perfect spot for a first-day hike in Iowa.

2. February - Lake MacBride State Park, Solon

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. It's easy to see why so many people consider Lake Macbride to be one of the most scenic spots in Iowa.

3. March - Effigy Mounds National Monument, Harpers Ferry

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 while you hike and learn more about the pre-Columbian history of our region. This National Monument in Iowa is worth a visit.

4. April - High Trestle Trail, Bridge Section, Madrid

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. This is easily the coolest bridge trail in the Hawkeye State, and it's one of my favorite beginner-friendly hikes in Iowa.

5. May - Pikes Peak State Park, McGregor

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 park also offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River valley and the bluffs on both the Iowa and Wisconsin sides of the river. It's also home to one of the state's most iconic waterfalls. There's no doubt about it: Iowa's Grand Canyon is too beautiful for words.

6. June - Wabash Trace Nature Trail, Mineola

The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is a long, rail-to-trail multi-use path that's known for hosting taco rides. What's a taco ride? If you ask us, it's the perfect combination of two incredible things: tacos and cycling. You'll quickly see why this is a unique day trip destination in Iowa.

7. July - Lake Ahquabi State Park, Indianola

The 4-mile trail around Lake Ahquabi, in the state park of the same name, is a quiet spot that's a great summertime getaway. Beat the heat in the shade and dip your toes in the water to cool off. You'll fall in love with this underrated summertime spot in Iowa.

8. August - Maquoketa Caves State Park, Maquoketa

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. Make time for a trip to see the best caves in Iowa.

9. September - Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek

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. You'll find some of the best views in Iowa right here.

10. October - Mines of Spain, Dubuque

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. You'll learn a lot when you visit this historic park in Iowa.

11. November - Waubonsie State Park, Hamburg

Head back to the Loess Hills when the leaves are gone, and you'll catch beautiful views as far as the eye can see at Waubonsie State Park. The Mincer Trail and Sunset Ridge Trail Loop is a two-mile loop that's rarely crowded, straightforward, and simple. Enjoy your day exploring one of Iowa's oldest state parks.

12. December - Preparation Canyon State Park, Moorhead

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 ridge line, where you can see for miles in every direction. Read more about this little-known overlook and plan your winter day trip.

No matter where you go hiking in Iowa, be sure to bring AllTrails+ with you and enjoy navigation at your fingertips—even when you don't have a signal. Where do you plan to hike in the coming year? We'd love to hear your thoughts about the best hikes in Iowa. When you're ready to plan your next hiking adventure in the Hawkeye State, be sure to check out Only In Your State’s itinerary planner for some ideas to get you started.