Iowa
Nature|Waterfalls

This Easy, 1.5 Mile Trail Leads To MacBride Falls, One Of Iowa’s Most Underrated Waterfalls

Discover the scenic MacBride Waterfall Loop at Lake MacBride State Park, a perfect family-friendly hiking and picnic spot in Iowa.

Updated Jul 12, 2023

Written by 

Kim Magaraci

One of the most underrated waterfalls in Iowa can be found at Lake MacBride State Park, where the lake flows across a rocky natural spillway along a series of short and shallow cascades. It's one of the most scenic places in the Hawkeye State! Bring your whole family out to enjoy a hike through the park and a picnic on the rocks and you'll be so happy you discovered this quiet natural oasis. Looking for the perfect weekend waterfall adventure? No worries, the MacBride Waterfall Loop will scratch that itch for you time and time again!

advertisement

The waterfall loop trail is easy to get to - you can access it by walking across the spillway from the campground, or pick up the trailhead at the MacBride Nature and Recreation Area.

alt
AllTrails

From the Nature Area, a 1.7 mile loop trail takes you through a beautiful forest and straight to MacBride Falls.

alt
Google Local / Brett Meyer

You'll stroll through magnificent woods, up ledge staircases, and around rocky overlooks.

alt
Jennifer Adams/AllTrails
alt
Karen Kramer/AllTrails

It's a diverse and beautiful hike that offers spectacular waterfront views.

alt
Dave Potter/AllTrails

When you finally arrive at the cascades, you'll realize that it was worth all of the effort it takes to walk here.

advertisement
alt
AllTrails / Linda Stohler-Enearl

It's no wonder this underrated Iowa waterfall is a favorite of those who discover it. There's so much space to sit down and relax by the water.

alt
AllTrails / Ben Griggs

On a hot summer day, you can cool off by splashing and wading in the water just off the shores of Lake MacBride. Pack a picnic and enjoy the beauty of the Hawkeye State.

alt
Kate and Chris Cameron/AllTrails

As it turns out, Iowa is a wonderful state for anyone that loves the great outdoors. This easy and shady trail is just one great place to hike in Iowa during the summertime (okay, or anytime), and by the time you get to the falls, you'll be ready to get your feet wet!

While you're here, be sure to check out the many other sights that the state park has to offer. Grab the AllTrails+ map app to help stay on the trail!

Of course, Lake MacBride State Park isn't the only gorgeous spot to explore here! To experience even more of the most beautiful places in Iowa, check out some unique Iowa getaways that will always be waiting for you.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Waterfalls

The Stunning Top-Secret Waterfall In Iowa Nobody’s Ever Heard Of

Published Aug 2, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Decorah is one of Iowa's most beautiful small towns, combining a wonderful small-town atmosphere and a rich cultural history with some stunning natural sites only minutes from downtown. When you talk about Decorah and waterfalls, almost everyone's mind immediately goes to Dunnings Spring Falls - and we can't blame them! It's definitely one of the state's most beautiful sights. But did you know there's a secret waterfall in Iowa only minutes from that park, and it's easy to find with only a short hike? Welcome to Twin Springs Park, one of the most relaxing and beautiful city parks in Iowa. It's best seen with a 0.8-mile loop trail, the Twin Springs Headwaters Loop Trail, which will take you right by a charming waterfall. We think it's a great way to spend a peaceful summer day and beat the crowds and the heat!

advertisement

One of the most laid-back parks in Iowa, Twin Springs Park is perfect for a hot summer day.

alt
Nick Chill/Google Local

The park is a small area just outside of Decorah, and it's an ideal spot for a quick summer hike followed by a cookout. It's a dog-friendly park if you have fido on a leash.

alt
Darrin Ochsner/google Local

The small park only has one trail, an easy 0.8-mile loop trail. Just follow it along the creek...

alt
Darrin Ochsner/Google Local

And you'll come to a beautiful, tiny waterfall that makes an incredibly peaceful photo opportunity.

alt
Tom Huffman/Google Local

There will rarely be anyone around except on the busiest days - but you might get some local company from the woods and the trout anglers targeting the holes along the stream.

alt
Nick Chill/Google Local

This park only takes a short time to explore, but it's well worth sticking around for a beautiful sunset by the falls.

alt
Logan Strom/AllTrails

Have you visited Twin Springs Park in Decorah and seen this beautiful secret waterfall in Iowa? Let us know about your visit in the comments section! If you want to see more pictures of the trail, make sure to visit the AllTrails trail listing. If you love hiking, consider a subscription to AllTrails Plus. The mobile app is remarkably convenient for hiking in remote areas, thanks to its downloadable trail maps with step-by-step instructions. And if you're looking for a memorable night out in Decorah after your hike, check out nearby Twin Springs Supper Club.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Waterfalls

The Union Grove Lake Lower Loop Is One Of The Best Waterfall Hikes In Iowa

Published Jul 3, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Some of my favorite hikes are those that include the best waterfalls in Iowa. These cascades are scattered around the state, and some take a pretty long and intense hike to reach. One that doesn't is located in Union Grove State Park, a beautiful rural haven about 65 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids. This laid-back park is home to maybe the best waterfall hike in Iowa, the Union Grove Lake Lower Loop. Coming in at only 2.3 miles, this easy loop trail is an ideal day adventure for beginner hikers and is full of beautiful sights even before you get to the park's famous spillway. We find this is an amazing hike any time of the year, because it's so accessible to all skill levels. Read on to discover why this hike belongs on your state park bucket list!

advertisement

Union Grove State Park is one of those laid-back hidden gems that's great for hiking, sight-seeing, and even camping.

alt
Jason Sydejko/AllTrails

There are two main trails here, and the Union Grove Lake Lower Loop trail is an easy 2.3-mile loop trail that's suitable for all skill levels.

alt
Darrin Ochsner/AllTrails

The trail is most popular in the summer, when the lake is at its most beautiful and is ripe for recreation.

alt
Le Cox/AllTrails

The highlight here, though, is probably the park's famous, small waterfall - a beautiful sight.

alt
Valerie Boelman/AllTrails

A small spillway, it's one of the most beautiful sights in the park and offers a great photo op for visitors.

alt
Daniel Valencia/AllTrails

While more people visit during warm weather, it's uniquely peaceful in the winter, as well, when it's frozen solid.

alt
Jon Day/AllTrails

Have you hiked the Union Grove Lake Lower Loop before? What's your favorite waterfall hike in Iowa? Let us know in the comments section! You can see more pictures of this trail on its official AllTrails trail listing, and visit the Union Grove State Park website for more information about this laid-back park's many amenities. And if you're looking to build up to more challenging hikes, we highly recommend a subscription to AllTrails +, so you'll always be equipped with downloadable trail guides and step-by-step directions, no matter how remote things get.

Looking for a unique place to eat around this area? Head to the nearby community of Marshalltown for The Flying Elbow, an over-the-top, wrestling-themed restaurant.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Stays
Vacation Rentals

7 Last-Minute Getaways In Montana For A Fun End-Of-Summer Retreat

by Jessica Moore
on Aug 26
alt
Stays
Vacation Rentals

Sleep In A 1950s Caboose When You Book A Stay In This Small-Town Airbnb In Nevada

by Courtnie Erickson
on Aug 26
alt
Trip Ideas
Small Towns

The Small New Hampshire Town Of Bartlett Has More Outdoor Attractions Than Any Other Place In The State

by Ken MacGray
on Aug 26
alt
Stays
Vacation Rentals

4 Last-Minute Getaways In New Jersey For A Fun End-Of-Summer Retreat

by Raymond Goldfield
on Aug 26
alt
Food

The Panoramic-View Restaurant At Hotel Chaco In New Mexico Is A Must-Visit

by Melissa Mahoney
on Aug 26
alt