Iowa
Nature|Waterfalls

There’s A Secret Waterfall In Iowa Known As Union Grove Falls, And It’s Worth Seeking Out

Union Grove State Park in Iowa offers a hidden waterfall and scenic hiking trails around Union Lake.

Published Dec 24, 2019

Written by 

Kim Magaraci

Not everyone knows that Iowa is home to natural wonders, like waterfalls, caves, cliffs, and wild, scenic rivers. However, if you spend some time exploring the Hawkeye State, you'll be amazed at what you discover. Head to Union Grove State Park in northwest Tama County to find a cascade that's tucked away out of plain sight.

Union Grove State Park, in Gladbrook, is home to hiking trails that take you through gorgeous scenery around Union Lake.

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Google Local / TJ Gregson

If you're looking for a true hidden gem, follow the trail marked "waterfall" to cross Deer Creek on the edge of Union Lake.

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Google Local / Jeff Sorenson

This beautiful creek is full of fish and a scenic spot for anyone who loves the sound of a babbling brook.

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Google Local / Mark Bennett

As you get closer, the roar of the falls will drown out the noise from the road, and you'll feel like you've found a natural oasis.

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Google Local / JamesK Bridges

If you visit in the summertime, plan to wade up to the falls for a closer look. It's a great way to cool off in the hot Midwestern sun.

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Google Local / Karl W.

In the fall, the gorgeous changing foliage creates a picturesque view from the cliffs above the cascade.

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Google Local / Robin Bowen Bentley

In the winter, the cold air turns Deer Creek and Union Grove Falls into an icy paradise. Bundle up and get out there to see it for yourself!

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Google Local / Tyler Wrage

You can find trail maps and more information about this hidden waterfall in Iowa by visiting the Union Grove Park's page on AllTrails, here.

For more of the best waterfalls in the Hawkeye State, read 10 Unbelievable Iowa Waterfalls Hiding In Plain Sight - No Hiking Required and discover natural wonders that are easy to get to, no matter what the season has in store.

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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!

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

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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.

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Darrin Ochsner/google Local

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

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Darrin Ochsner/Google Local

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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

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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.

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Darrin Ochsner/AllTrails

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

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Le Cox/AllTrails

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

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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.

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Daniel Valencia/AllTrails

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

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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.

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