You’ll Fall In Love With The Tiny Waterfall Hiding Along This Rustic Iowa Trail

There are some spectacular waterfalls in Iowa, some of which are among the state's most popular tourist attractions. That means you'll probably have a lot of company jockeying for that perfect photo! The good news is, there are some smaller falls where you'll have a lot more privacy - including one where you might be the only person for miles around. We were surprised to find a secret waterfall trail in Iowa, located in the rural middle of the state. That's where you'll find Woodman Hollow State Preserve, a rustic spot that has been designated as a protected area. While no hunting or camping is allowed in the preserve, it's a popular spot for birdwatching - and the one trail is a rustic, challenging one-mile hike that leads to a beautiful cascade that few people know about. So strap on those hiking boots and come with us to learn more!

Woodman Hollow is not a popular destination, and that makes it a great spot for those who really want to be alone in nature.

There is only one trail here - a mile-long loop trail - and it's a moderate route that is mostly unmaintained.

That means you should be prepared for rocky terrain and scrambling.

The trail can be overgrown, but there are beautiful sights along the way, including a laid-back waterfront...

As well as some intriguing ruins.

However, most visitors in the know are headed for one spot...

Woodman Hollow Falls is the most difficult-to-access cascade in Iowa, and this small waterfall is little-known outside of waterfall hunters.

That makes it a uniquely peaceful spot.

Dogs are welcome here, as long as they're on a leash. This waterfall isn't too far from the Beeds Lake Spillway, about 45 minutes by car.

Have you visited Woodman Hollow State Preserve for this secret waterfall trail in Iowa? Let us know about your visit in the comments section! You can find out more about the Woodman Hollow State Preserve Trail on its AllTrails trail listing, and we highly recommend a subscription to AllTrails Plus for this hike - the step-by-step, downloadable instructions will be a big help on an unmaintained trail like this.

Otho is a pretty small and isolated town, but you're not far from Fort Dodge - where you'll find this popular car-themed bar-and-grill.