There are so many amazing hikes in Iowa. The Hawkeye State is full of trails leading you to scenic overlooks, down into caves, along the river, and through the Loess Trails. For hikers, the state is virtually limitless opportunity for adventure. When it comes to the very best hike in Iowa, one unique trail stands out above the rest. The 63-mile Wabash Trace Nature Trail is a pretty cool hike that’s one of our very favorites. This lengthy trek was once a bustling railroad track and now serves as a nature trail near Council Bluffs.

The Wabash Trace Nature Trail is a rails-to-trails project that covers 63 meandering miles, from Council Bluffs all the way to Blanchard.
Flickr / Christine Warner Hawks
On the way, the trail passes through plenty of neat towns, including Mineola, Silver City, Malvern, Imogene, Shenandoah, Coin, and Blanchard. Most visitors don't make the entire 63-mile journey, but there are plenty of opportunities to enter and exit the trail. Opting for a shorter section of the trail is still quite the adventure!
The trail is unique in that it follows the path of the Wabash Railroad's Omaha to St. Louis line. The rail line was active up until 1990.
AllTrails / Sam Scrader
At its peak, the Wabash Railroad operated over 4,300 miles of track that spanned the entire Midwestern United States. In 1964, Wabash merged with Norfolk and Western Railway. In 1991, another merger occurred and the railway joined the Norfolk Southern Railway group, though by that point, this line had been shut down.
This is one of the most scenic hikes in Iowa and it's no surprise that the Wabash Trace Nature Trail is a popular destination for runners, hikers, and especially cyclists.
Facebook / Wabash Nature Trail Marathon
There are frequently events, marathons, and group rides taking place on the trail, so check out the Wabash Trace Nature Trail official website for a calendar of events.
Along the trail, you'll find tons of neat hidden gems. If you need a bite to eat, there are plenty of quirky eateries and diners. One of our favorites is the train-themed Depot Restaurant and Lounge in Shenandoah.
Google Local / Kevin Stewart
This converted train station serves up delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

Address: 101 N Railroad St, Shenandoah, IA 51601

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One of the most charming features of the Wabash Trace Nature Trail is the vast collection of restored railroad bridges you'll see along the trail.
AllTrails / Lara Kerby
If you travel the entire trail, you'll cross 72 bridges that once carried rail passengers over Iowa's many creeks, rivers, and streams.
At the West Nishnabotna River crossing, look down into the water below and you'll actually see boxcars!
Facebook / West Ninshabotna River Water Trail
These boxcars are the remnants of a train that was derailed and fell into the river back in the 1960s.
The overlooks along the trail will offer up unique vistas and panoramic views of the Iowa countryside.
AllTrails / James Elliott
The Wabash Trace Nature Trail follows the winding paths of the Silver Creek, Four Mile Creek, Tarkio Creek, and the Tarkio River. With so many waterways in such a small area, there's a lot of greenery and beauty to admire here!
On any given day, you'll find cyclists enjoying the miles and miles of the Wabash Trace Nature Trail that are ripe for exploration, but no bike ride is more fun than the weekly Taco Ride.
Flickr / SG Hargis
Every Thursday, cyclists gather in Council Bluffs and ride all the way to Mineola. This 10-mile ride brings the crowd to Tobey Jack's Mineola Steakhouse to enjoy dinner before newfound friends (and old pals) head out to return to Council Bluffs.
Whether you're looking for an easy, kid-friendly hike in Iowa along scenic creeks, a long-distance run across restored rail bridges, or a cycle run with a group of foodies, the Wabash Trace Nature Trail is one of the best and most unique trails in the Hawkeye State.
AllTrails / Wabash Trace Nature Trail

Have you ever hiked or biked the Wabash Trace Nature Trail? Tell us your favorite town you passed through in the comments!

For another unique hike in the area, check out this beautiful trail high in the Loess Hills.

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Hiking Trails Near Me In Iowa

Lisa Sammons | July 30, 2022

What are some more of the best hikes in Iowa?

If you want to explore all of Iowa, why not try a one-year challenge where you attempt one hike each month? It's never too late in the year to start a resolution to get more in shape!

What are some kid-friendly hikes around Iowa?

There are plenty of easy, kid-friendly hikes in Iowa that are still enjoyable for adults. Check out the Fort Des Moines Nature Trail in our state's capital. It's a 1.7-mile loop that isn't difficult at all.

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If you're looking for fairly easy hikes in Iowa that won't be very difficult but still have gorgeous scenery, don't worry, we've got plenty! There are so many low-key hikes in Iowa that have great payoffs. One of our favorite trails is the Wildcat Den Trail in the state park that shares its name. This trail has so much unique geology and incredible scenery that's unlike anywhere else in the state.

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Wabash Trace Nature Trail, Mineola, IA, USA