Iowa's state parks have some incredible hikes, but there are also some hidden gems closer to home - in Iowa's local county parks. These laid-back destinations often have easy hikes suitable for all skill levels, and some even have some genuine surprises. I was shocked to discover that, within the city limits of Cedar Rapids, in the charming Morgan Creek Park, there was a hike that took you past an abandoned Iowa barn. The Old Barn Loop, a 1.6-mile loop trail traverses even terrain and shouldn't take more than half an hour to complete - but it packs a lot into this short distance. Not only is this a beautiful nature hike perfect for a fall day, but it takes you to a site that leaves more questions than it offers answers, and may just set your imagination working with ideas of what might have happened here in decades past...
Morgan Creek Park is one of Cedar Rapids' hidden gems, perfect for a day of recreation.
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Especially during the Hawkeye State's gorgeous fall foliage season!
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But during any season, one of the park's top draws is the hiking trails - like the easy Old Barn Loop.
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This trail is well-maintained, suitable for anyone who can walk a mile-plus and is dog-friendly, as long as fido is on a leash.
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It's a great place to see wildflowers in season, and you won't see many crowds.
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Along the way, you'll come across this site: an abandoned barn from farming days past.
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What's the story here? No one's sure, but it makes a great photo op.
The barn is especially impressive as the sun goes down, adding a mysterious edge to the view.
![alt](https://admin.onlyinyourstate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/Patrick-Harvey.jpeg?w=500&quality=50)
Have you hiked the Old Barn Loop in Morgan Creek Park? Tell us about your visit to this trail past an abandoned Iowa barn in the comments section! You can see more pictures and find out more information about the Old Barn loop at AllTrails, and visit the Linn County website for more information on Morgan Creek Park. While you're in Cedar Rapids, why not check out Iowa's most beautiful library? If you're planning a lot more hikes like this one, you might want to subscribe to Alltrails + for benefits like downloadable trail maps, so you can stay connected even in remote areas.
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