Iowa
Nature|Hiking

The 1.4-Mile Hiking Trail in Iowa That Is a Fall Foliage Wonderland

One of the best fall foliage hikes in Iowa isn't found in a state park, but in the charming suburb of North Liberty.

Published Sep 16, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

There's a cool breeze in the air and kids are back in school, and that means only one thing - fall has arrived. My favorite time of year is the perfect time to go on a fall foliage hike in Iowa, as the leaves start to change. Iowa's state parks are in full swing this time of year as leaf-peepers go to catch a glimpse - but surprisingly, one of the best hikes this time of year isn't in a state park at all, but in the town of North Liberty, only minutes from major cities. Squire Point is a 1.4-mile hike found in a mixed-use nature area on the banks of the Iowa River, not far from campgrounds and golf courses. It also contains some of the most stunning views in all of Iowa, so come with us and discover one of the best hidden-gem hikes in the Hawkeye State!

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Hugh Lamont/AllTrails

Squire Point is an easy and charming family-friendly hike that many people in the area might not know about. Taking around half an hour to complete, it's a perfect breather from a day full of activities.

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Douglas Rogers/AllTrails

You won't encounter any rough terrain on this hike, but given that it's not a state park trail, it may be a little more informal than some. Keep an eye out for some gorgeous small water features along the way.

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Cynthia Merulia/AllTrails

The trail is great to visit all times of the year, but especially during fall foliage season. The trees along the trail are truly gorgeous, and they take on many unique colors during the fall. It's also likely to be pretty quiet, so no big crowds to contend with.

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Cynthia Merulia/AllTrails

The leaves on the trees form a unique canopy, shading you as you walk and also giving you a show of colors everywhere you look.

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Cynthia Merulia/AllTrails

The trail is right up against the Iowa River, so make sure to keep your camera ready - the views of the whole area are genuinely stunning. It's hard to believe this little slice of natural bliss is only a few miles away from Iowa City!

Have you hiked Squire Point in North Liberty? Let us know about your visit to this underrated fall foliage hike in Iowa in the comments section! If you'd like to see more pictures, visit the official AllTrails trail listing. If this hike puts you in the mood for more fall fun in North Liberty, we highly recommend Colony Acres Family Farm for some old-fashioned pumpkin-picking and more! The nearby Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Coralville is only a few miles away and is a great, affordable place for a family to stay the night between activities.

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Nature|Hiking

Hike Easter Lake Park’s Newest Trail in Iowa for an Unforgettable Adventure

Easter Lake Park, one of the best urban parks in Iowa, also has the best lake trail in Des Moines. Embark on the Mark C. Ackelson Trail!

Published Sep 26, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Iowa's state parks and forests get a lot of deserved attention, but it's easy to forget that the county and urban parks have a lot to offer as well. The Hawkeye State has put a lot of effort into creating beautiful little oases in the middle of some of its biggest cities, and that even goes for the massive urban center of Des Moines. This is where you'll find Easter Lake Park, a popular urban park that recently opened the most accessible recreation area in Iowa. It's been under development for a long time, and around 10 years ago, it opened the Mark C. Ackelson Trail, a beautiful and accessible 4.1-mile trail that takes you around gorgeous Easter Lake. This is a fun, easy lake hike in Des Moines that offers some big surprises - as well as one of the best views in all of Iowa.

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Brynn Rucker/AllTrails

The Mark C. Ackelson Trail checks in at 4.1 miles, and this easy boardwalk and paved hike is a great way to get some stunning water views on a brisk day of hiking. Most of the trail is easy to navigate, and you'll encounter only 114 feet of elevation gain.

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Stephanie Suddarth/AllTrails

There are plenty of nice spots along the lake path to sit and have a picnic, with beautiful views and some great lake breezes. As the weather cools down, it's a perfect place to take in the fall air.

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Brad Johnston/AllTrails

There are several amazing surprises along the trail, like one of the smallest covered bridges in the state. It's a little touch of Winterset's charm without ever having to leave Des Moines!

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Nicholas Ma/AllTrails

As the leaves start to change, this becomes an amazing spot to catch some fall foliage before it's gone. The path is accessible enough that people with mobility impairments or with small children who need strollers should be able to take it with ease.

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Richard Boatman/AllTrails

It should take a little over an hour to hike the trail - but if you're still here when the sun starts to go down, prepare yourself for a truly amazing show of colors.

Have you hiked the Mark C. Ackelson Trail in Easter Lake Park? Let us know about your visit to this lake hike in Des Moines in the comments section! You can see more pictures of the hike on the AllTrails listing, and make sure to visit the website for Easter Lake Park to learn more about the local amenities. If you're new to hiking, AllTrails Plus is a great tool to have, offering point-by-point directions to help you make your way back to the trailhead, as well as a fun way to keep track of your hiking progress!

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Nature|Hiking

The Remote Destination in Iowa Where The Drive Is Worth the Final View

For the most remote hike in Iowa, head all the way to West Oak Forest not far from Omaha - and prepare for a stunning view.

Published Sep 14, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Iowa might have some amazing metropolitan areas and natural destinations, but getting to one from the other can be quite the drive. You know what they say, though - some things in life are worth it. One of those things is definitely seeing the Loess Hills, one of the most geographically unique landscapes in the United States. Iowa's sprawling, windblown prairie is full of hidden gems, and you'll have to travel all the way to the western side of the state to explore West Oak Forest. This small natural area is home to the Loess Hills and West Oak Outlook Trail, an easy 1.9-mile out-and-back hike that provides a beautiful landscape and a big surprise at the end. It might be a journey to get here, but we guarantee you'll be glad you did when you take this remote hike in Iowa.

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Tania Dossey/AllTrails

West Oak Forest is a laid-back and rustic area, so taking a hike here can feel like a trip into the unknown. Fear not, though - the area is smooth and easy to navigate, and all you'll need is a map and a good pair of hiking boots.

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Christina Baker/AllTrails

This is an ideal trail for beginners who want a less-crowded area to explore. You won't find any challenging terrain, and the elevation gain of 321 feet isn't too bad. Dogs are welcome to explore with you, as long as they're on a leash.

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Drew Walker/AllTrails

The trail is pretty straightforward, and you'll keep ascending up a grassy, but clearly marked trail, until you reach an impressive clearing. Get ready for a stunning view.

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Jack Henry/AllTrails

The outlook on this trail is well worth the journey, as the flat terrain surrounding the area makes it easy to see for what looks like miles around. The only thing better than a daytime view of this beauty?

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Joanna Dragoun/AllTrails

A sunset view! You'll definitely want to stick around here until the sun goes down, because the colors over the Loess Hills make the entire area even more stunning.

Have you taken the Loess Hills and West Oak Outlook Trail? Let us know about your experience on this beautiful and remote hike in Iowa in the comments section! You can see more pictures on the AllTrails trail listing, and we highly recommend a subscription to AllTrails + when you're exploring more remote areas - the downloadable trail maps are a great security net when cell service can be spotty. This trail, of course, is just the beginning of your adventures in the area - head a little west to Council Bluffs and you'll find the beautiful Bayliss Park, a great family-friendly destination.

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