You know, rumor has it that Iowa is a flat farmland fly-over state, and we’ve never quite understood why. All it takes is a little sense of adventure and willingness to leave the highway, and you’ll uncover all sorts of beautiful, unexpected signs throughout the Hawkeye State! One of the coolest things to do is to track down the best waterfalls in Iowa, from hidden ones to others that are just off the road. If you also love waterfalls, consider the following your Iowa waterfall bucket list. Can you get them all done? Get started with some of the best hikes in Iowa ASAP:

1. Camp at Lake MacBride and enjoy the falls at sunrise and sunset.
Lake MacBride, Iowa 52333, USA
Google Local / Andrew Hancock
See one of the prettiest and most underrated waterfalls in Iowa at this awe-inspiring state park, which also features a campground, so you can stay if you'd like (we don't blame you). The hike to the falls is easy, and don't expect a crowd! If you go in the early morning or at dusk, you'll catch a breathtaking view... without other people around.
2. Walk behind a waterfall at Pikes Peak State Park.
Pikes Peak State Park, Iowa 52157, USA
illinoisdad/TripAdvisor
While most people who visit Pikes Peak State Park do so to experience an amazing view of the Mississippi River, but one underrated trail actually takes you down - and behind - Bridal Veil Falls. After a hard rain, this fall is one of the best in the state.
3. Enjoy the short stroll to Malanaphy Falls.
Upper Iowa River Access Area, 2820 Bluffton Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
Google Local / Ethan Smith
Everyone in the family can enjoy this short, two mile waterfall hike, which just so happens to be one of our favorite kid-friendly hikes in Iowa. Bring a picnic lunch and a bathing suit and relax after your 15 minute walk to the falls. The short walk back takes you right to your car!

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4. Relax at Siewers Springs.
Siewers Spring Road, Siewers Spring Rd, Decorah, IA 52101, USA
Flickr / J.D. Adelmund
This pretty cascade is located in Decorah in an off-the-beaten-path park. It's a great spot for fishing or picnicking. Once you visit, you'll understand why it was named one of the top ten coolest attractions in Iowa!
5. See Dunnings Springs Falls after a visit to the Ice Cave.
Dunning's Spring Park, Ice Cave Road, Decorah, IA, USA
Tripadvisor / Ima P.
Dunning's Spring Park backs right up to the famous Decorah Ice Cave, so there's no excuse to not visit these cascades. It's a quick hike from the parking lot to the top of the falls, where you'll take in a gorgeous view.
6. Find the hidden Boone River Falls.
Boone River, Iowa, USA
Flickr / Sarah Cady
You'll have to follow the Boone River Trail from Webster City to find one of the most gorgeous Iowa waterfalls. This little-known cascade can be tricky to find, but the view is worth it. Come see why we're obsessed with these most amazing waterfalls in Iowa.

What do you think? What would you call the best hikes in Iowa? Tell us your thoughts in the comments – we love hearing about your favorite places.

If you want to combine the best of Iowa’s fall into one brilliant road trip, gather a few nature-loving friends and hit the road for our famous Iowa Waterfall Road Trip

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Best Hikes in Iowa

Tori Jane | July 04, 2022

What are some amazing hiking trails near me?  

We’re pretty sure that no matter which part of Iowa you reside in, you’re sure to find some truly breathtaking hiking trails that are quite close to you – no long travel times needed! Some of our favorite hiking trails in Iowa include the trails at Stone State Park, in northwest Iowa, and hiking the Hitchcock Nature Center south of there is also a wonderful treat. In central Iowa, more of our state parks seem to be calling your name, like the to-die-for trails at Ledges State Park and the famed Greenbelt Trail, which is 11.3 miles of easygoing, lowkey hiking that’s also dog friendly (yay!). In southern Iowa, you should try hiking the amazing trails at Nine Eagles State Park and Slip Bluff County Park.  

What are the most popular scenic hikes in Iowa?  

Iowa is a beautiful and vastly underrated state, if you ask us, especially when it comes to hiking. Some of the most scenic hikes in Iowa go tragically underappreciated, and we feel that’s some kind of tragedy. Iowa is a great state for hiking, and its scenic hikes prove it. Some of our most beloved scenic hikes in Iowa include the Maquoketa Caves Loop at Maquoketa Caves State Park. It’s short and sweet, at just 1.7 miles long, and it features a very special scenic area that’s even got caves! If you prefer more of a challenge, embark upon the beautiful – but tough at times – Dozer Cut, Bunker Hill, and Badger Ridge Trail Loop (yes, that’s its entire name). This 6.3-mile adventure combines some of Iowa’s most amazing trails into one adventure you won’t soon forget.  

What are the best easy hikes in Iowa to do? 

Good news, everyone: there are more than 500 easy hikes in Iowa to do alone – no challenge needed (unless you’re up for it, of course). Some of our favorite easy hikes in Iowa include some of the best ones, like the Blue Heron Lake Loop Trail, at Raccoon River Park, which is a 3.3-mile low-key stroll through the woods with all sorts of beautiful views and stops to make along the way. Another excellent easy trail in Iowa is the High Trestle Trail at Wagner Park, which is excellent for folks who are fascinated by Iowa’s history.  

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