Posted in Iowa
September 19, 2020
When You Think You’ve Done It All, Try These 7 Hikes In Iowa That Are Local Secrets
If you consider yourself an expert explorer, you’ve got to add these seven underrated hikes in Iowa to your outdoor bucket list! Whether you visit in the spring and summer to enjoy wildflowers and butterflies, or you make the trek in the fall for leaf-peeping, these are sure to be quiet spots where you’ll get in touch with mother nature.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
You'll find over 3 miles of forested trail here! Hike up and down hilly and varied terrain and cross beautiful moss-covered bridges. This is a great hike any time of the year, but it should absolutely make your fall foliage list!
A trail map and more information can be found here.
A trail map and more information can be found here.
Two miles of trail follow the Little Sioux River in this quiet, often empty wildlife management area. It's a fairly flat, well-groomed trail that's sure to showcase peace and quiet.
A trail map and more information can be found here.
A trail map and more information can be found here.
Travel 3.4 miles when you explore the F.W. Kent Conservation Education Center's beautiful loop around their signature pond. The beautiful wildflowers along the prairie fields are home to pollinators, so you're sure to spot butterflies! There isn't much shade on this trail, so go during a cool part of the day.
A trail map and more information can be found here.
A trail map and more information can be found here.
Travel 6.2 miles around the scenic Belva-Deer Lake on this loop trail that's one of the most underrated hikes in Iowa. Enjoy trekking through rolling hills and taking in the gorgeous scenery.
A trail map and more information can be found here.
A trail map and more information can be found here.
Pine Lake State Park is home to the Pine Lake Loop, a 2.8 mile lightly trafficked trail that showcases the lake, forest, and more. You can make it a much longer trail by continuing around the whole lake, and you'll pass a beach on the way.
A trail map and more information can be found here.
A trail map and more information can be found here.
Hike through Summerset State Park to discover boardwalks, hills, and waterfront views! This 2.5-mile loop trail is sure to become a favorite and is one of the most underrated hikes in Iowa.
A trail map and more information can be found here.
A trail map and more information can be found here.
The 3.4-mile Wikiup Hill trail is located within a preserved natural area, and it's a great place for birders to spot shy birds and other wildlife.
A trail map and more information can be found here.
A trail map and more information can be found here.
What are your favorite underrated hikes in Iowa? Let us know in the comments below, or Nominate your favorite park!
Address: Greenfield, IA 50849, USA
Address: Cherokee, IA 51012, USA
Address: 13084 Elk Horn St, Carlisle, IA 50047, USA
Address: Wickiup Hill Park Trail, Monroe, IA 52341, USA
Address: Pine Lake State Park, Eldora, IA 50627, USA
Address: Lake Belva Deer, Plank, IA, USA
Address: Kent Park, Oxford, IA, USA
