Hartman Reserve Nature Center in Iowa Is a Picture-Perfect Place for a Winter Day Hike

If you're looking for a great way to kick off the new year, why not plan to do some hiking this winter in Iowa? One of the most peaceful spots to enjoy nature and start your year off in the best way is the Hartman Reserve Nature Center, on the banks of the Cedar River in Cedar Falls. Avoid the crowds by trekking through this hidden gem of a park during the snowiest time of year. The Hartman Reserve Nature Center is a hidden gem in Cedar Falls, and a hike around Shirley Lake and along the Cedar River is sure to brighten your spirits as we head into a new year. It's definitely one of our picks for the best winter hikes in Iowa. Fire up AllTrails Plus for maps and reviews of the reserve's trails.

This beautiful trail is the perfect place to explore in any season. While its proximity to the Cedar River means it floods over occasionally, the Reserve's wonderful trails team maintains the pathway as best as they possibly can.

If you're lucky enough to have a fresh blanket of snow on this lovely winter hike in Iowa, this is a great spot to break out the snowshoes, as well.

The scenery in winter is straight out of a Hallmark movie, with snowy bridge crossings, lake views, and wildlife to see, so be sure to keep an eye on the woods. You'll find bucks, does, rabbits, and all sorts of winter-loving birds and critters out enjoying the weather with you.

There's no better way to reflect than to do so while wandering through this peaceful forest, and you'll enjoy having a nice, quiet hiking path practically all to yourself.

The trail around Shirley Lake is just over a mile, but there are countless other treks to take within Hartman Reserve Nature Center, so you'll be able to spend as much time as you want to enjoy the fresh air.

We think this is one of the best places for winter hiking in Iowa - and we think you'll agree. You can keep an eye on all of the happenings and trail updates from Hartman Reserve Nature Center on its Facebook page. For more beautiful winter hikes in Iowa, check out these cool and calming hikes to take in Iowa that are great for helping you reflect on the year ahead. Do you have a favorite winter hike in Iowa? If so, we'd love to hear about it.