11 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Iowa Should Take
Hiking is an excellent way to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. Besides being great exercise, being outside in nature is a proven way to improve your mood. If you’re intimidated by the idea of hiking or aren’t in tip-top shape, don’t worry – Iowa has plenty of trails that are short enough for anyone to tackle. These trails are all five miles or under, and their difficulty level is low enough that even novices can enjoy them. When it comes to the best hikes in Iowa, the following certainly qualify.
First up on our list of the best hikes in Iowa is the Boyson Park Trail. The Boyson Park Trail follows Indian Creek and Dry Creek in Marion. Start at Boyson Road and continue to Collins Road for a beautiful, tree-lined 3.4-mile hike. It connects several parks, so stop off at any of them for a nice rest or to play with the kids. After your hike, be sure to take some time to explore downtown Marion, one of the most charming small towns in Iowa.
This paved trail in Central City follows the banks of the Wapsipinicon River. The two-mile hike connects downtown Central City to Pinicon Ridge Park. For another paved trail in Iowa, check out the one you'll find at Ada Hayden Heritage State Park.
This short .75-mile trail starts in Preston and heads northeast along Copper Creek. More seasoned hikers can hook up with the longer Jackson County Recreation Trail, but those looking for a shorter hike can stop and enjoy the gazebo at the spot where the two trails meet before turning around and heading back. There's a lot to be said for short and sweet trails in Iowa!
This trail in Des Moines runs along the abandoned tracks of the Urbandale streetcar line. Pass over the beautiful Wakonsa Bridge and enjoy the wooded Beaverdale Park on this 1.3-mile hike. The trail links up to the Neal Smith Trail and the Trestle to Trestle Trail, if you're inclined to continue your walk.
Start out at Elkader's City Park and walk the 4-mile round trip along the old Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad bed. The view is positively breathtaking. This beautiful, relaxing hike in Iowa might be just the thing you need.
This three-mile paved trail is simply beautiful, with views of farmland and peaceful woods. And while you're in the area, be sure to check out the iconic Chimney Rock in Iowa.
Prairie Springs Recreational Trail, Cresco, IA 52136, USA
This former railroad right-of-way was turned into a lovely short trail of just about two miles between Mount Ayr and Poe Hollow County Park. Visit the caboose at the western end of the trail for a fun taste of Iowa railroad history.
This path runs a little more than five miles all-told, but it's an easy walk on a paved surface. The trail connects parks, schools, and businesses in the city. While you're in Iowa Falls, be sure to check out the famous Iowa Falls Swinging Bridge.
Rock Run Avenue, Rock Run Ave, Iowa Falls, IA 50126, USA
This gorgeous unpaved trail is a great place for birdwatching in Iowa. At just under four miles, the trail passes through wooded areas and over the Raccoon River on an old train trestle.
This short, scenic trail is the only leftover part of the Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Northern Railway passenger service which connected Waterloo and Cedar Falls. The gorgeous wooded trail is only about 1.4 miles long - short enough for even the complete beginner. If you're looking for a way to cool off after your hiking excursion, check out this family-friendly waterpark in Iowa.
Trolley Car Trail, Waterloo, IA 50701, USA
11. Western Historic Trails Center Link, Council Bluffs
After you visit this awesome educational attraction (highly recommended), take a nice little walk outside on the easy 1.9-mile paved trail. This short walk is actually a connection between Veterans Memorial Trail and the Iowa Riverfront Trail, but the link itself provides a fun stroll all on its own. Looking for more adventures? Check out this incredible Iowa road trip that starts in Council Bluffs.
Western Historic Trails Center, 3434 Richard Downing Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51501, USA
Even if you’ve never hiked before, you can get out and enjoy the great outdoors in Iowa on any one of these amazing but easy hikes. In fact, these short-and-sweet trails might just be the best hikes in Iowa. What’s your favorite short hike in Iowa? Let us know in the comments!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Iowa
July 12, 2022
Beth C.
What are some kid-friendly hikes in Iowa?
As you've learned in the article above, there are plenty of easy, approachable hiking trails in Iowa. If you're looking for fun things to do with the kids in Iowa, why not take them outside to enjoy and explore the great outdoors? In fact, we've even compiled a list of kid-friendly hikes in Iowa that every member of your family is sure to love. The best part of all? Each one measures less than a mile. First up on our list of family-friendly trails in Iowa is Wildcat Cave Trail, located within the namesake Wildcat Cave Wildlife Area. This unique 0.6-mile out-and-back trail offers opportunities to explore an otherworldly cave. Next up on our list is Table Rock Loop, which is found within Ledges State Park. While exploring this trail, you and the little ones in your crew will have a blast checking out the unique geological formations for which Ledges State Park is so famous. And, if you go during the summertime, you'll be treated to a colorful display of wildflowers. Next is Bridal Veil Trail. This easy-going trek winds through Pikes Peak State Park, offering unforgettable views of the famous Mississippi River along the way. Other kid-friendly hikes in Iowa worth checking out include Hidden Prairie Nature Trail within Kuehn Conservation Area, Geroge Wyth Mine Trail in George Wyth State Park, Yellow Banks Backpacker Trail in Polk County Park, Wildwood Loop in Ashton-Wildwood County Park, Savannah Trail in Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge, and the Greenbelt Lake Loop.
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As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
