Pikes Peak Is an Underrated Iowa Park That Will Astonish You This Fall

Fall is one of my favorite seasons for doing a little outdoor exploring. Nothing beats putting on your favorite jacket and setting out on a trail. You get to see the changing leaves, the wildlife preparing for the coming winter, and you get to top it off with a nice, warm mug of apple cider when you’re done. At least, that’s always my go-to plan. If you’re looking for a state park to enjoy the ambience and characteristics of autumn to their fullest this fall, here’s a great underrated option in Iowa.

Pikes Peak State Park is located in McGregor, Iowa, and features stunning views of the Mississippi River. Its name comes from explorer Zebulon Pike, who named the bluff after himself when he climbed it in 1805. With 11 miles of trails and many panoramic overlooks, the park is an excellent place to visit any time of year—but it's particularly scenic in the autumn.

One fascinating feature is Bear Mound, a Native American effigy mound built during the Woodland Era, one of many in this part of Iowa. You can also check out the Peak Inn, the original snack shop from the park’s early days, though if you’re looking for an actual treat, the park’s modern snack shop offers ice cream, soda, and lots of other goodies to dig into. Finally, if you’ve got a good eye, perhaps checking out the rock outcrop in the old quarry may be more your speed. Lots of fossils have been found there, including those belonging to brachiopods, gastropods, and cephalopods. If you’re lucky, you might even make a discovery yourself—but remember: If you find something, enjoy it while your there, then leave it for the next person to discover.

For our hikers, several great trails are bucket list-worthy for the adventurous. Bridal Veil to Weeping Rock Trail, for one, is a particularly notable sample. At just one mile, this loop may seem deceptively simple, but in reality, it is chock-full of sights. Offering cascading waterfalls and plenty of moss-covered rocks for our plant lovers, this hike should not be missed. With some slight rock climbing as well as a boardwalk, this trail has its fair share of challenges, but it's all worth it for the grand finale: a view of the Mississippi from the park’s featured 500-foot bluff.

For more of a stroll, check out the Weeping Rock and Hickory Ridge Loop Trail. At 3.6 miles, it may sound like a heavy hitter, but with its peaceful, simple path and minimal elevation change, this trail is perfect for a nice, easy walk while still offering those great views of the Mississippi. Not a lot of people walk this trail either, so you’re likely to get it all to yourself.

For those looking for an overnight stay, the park offers plenty of campsites in the fresh, open air—perfect for viewing those twinkling stars up above, while roasting marshmallows over a roaring bonfire. 

Overall, Pikes Peak is a great, underrated park that I highly recommend visiting this autumn. If you’re looking for all that fall offers, including the colors, crisp air, and general feeling of warmth, this park is a must-stop.

If you plan to do any hiking, download the AllTrails app on your phone so that you can have easy access to maps, trail information, as well as curated lists on the best hikes in your area.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.