Iowa
Nature|Hiking

Loess Hills Ridge Trail Is One Of The Best Fall Hikes In Iowa With Its Rolling Hills Of Color

Loess Hills State Park offers some of the best fall hiking in Iowa with stunning views and colorful foliage.

Published Sep 29, 2020

Written by 

Kim Magaraci

Loess Hills State Park shows off some of the best fall hiking in Iowa, with rolling hills and fields of color taking over every viewpoint as the leaves begin to change. Make it a priority to explore this stunning side of Western Iowa this season and you'll be so glad you did.

It's no secret that the Loess Hills are one of the top fall destinations in Iowa. The rolling hills of color, the towering trees, and the winding country roads make it absolutely gorgeous when the leaves start to change.

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Flickr / Auntie G.

These geologic oddities stretch most of the length of western Iowa, rising up from flat farmland and falling down to the Missouri River Valley below.

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Flickr / Amir

If you're looking for a great fall hike, head to Loess Hills State Forest and tackle the Ridge Trail. Bring a camera to capture the views!

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AllTrails / Doug Niedholdt

This six-mile loop is a moderate hike that will take you up and down some of the famed hills, showing off stunning colors along the way.

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AllTrails / Jennifer Benson

Take in the view from every high point and you'll fall in love with the Hawkeye State all over again.

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AllTrails / Mary Sandy

If the 6-mile ridge trail is a little much, you can tackle Brent's Trail or the Little Sioux Center Loop, which are both shorter and offer equally beautiful overlooks.

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AllTrails / Tony Mascarello

Take the time to explore Loess Hills State Forest this season and you're sure to enjoy every step you take. Bundle up and spend time enjoying all of the views!

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AllTrails / Tom Johnson

If you're in love with the Loess Hills but aren't much of a hiker, check out  The Road Trip Through The Loess Hills In Iowa That Will Take You Through Sheer Autumnal Perfection.  You'll want to bring your friends along to experience it with you!

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Nature|Hiking

The Most Iconic View in Iowa Is Also a Stunning Slice of History

For an incredible look back into the Hawkeye State's most famous expedition, head tot his gorgeous scenic overlook in Iowa

Published Sep 13, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

There is a lot of history in the Hawkeye State - including ties to one of the most famous expeditions the country has ever seen. That, of course, would be the Lewis and Clark expedition, which set out to map the western boundary of the territory acquired by the United States in the Louisiana Purchase and laid the groundwork for the westward push that would eventually bring Iowa into the union in 1846. Iowa has plenty of monuments to the famous duo that led the mission, but only one comes with an incredible scenic overlook in Iowa. Head to the small Lewis and Clark Monument Park in Council Bluffs for an incredible 3.7-mile hike with an amazing finish.

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Diane Potter/AllTrails

Lewis and Clark Memorial Park is a small park in Council Bluffs that's home to a 3.7-mile trail that's well worth taking. This trail is considered a moderate route, so it's best attempted by those with some experience in hiking.

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Quinn Navarro/AllTrails

There is some uneven terrain as you explore the heavily wooded area, so make sure to wear good hiking boots. Dogs are welcome on the trail, as long as they're on a leash. It should take a little over an hour before you reach your final destination...

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Chuck Gowans/AllTrails

This is one of the least-known scenic overlooks in Iowa, but it offers an incredible look across the river to Nebraska - as well as being a fascinating site where some of the nation's most famous explorers stood more than 200 years ago.

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Diane Potter/AllTrails

As you explore the top of the monument, you'll come across a lot of informative placards explaining the role that this area played in the Lewis and Clark expedition.

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Diane Potter/AllTrails

But however long you spend up here, make sure to get a good look around - because there are stunning sights in every direction.

Have you hiked the Lewis and Clark Monument Loop in Council Bluffs before? Let us know about your visit to this scenic overlook in Iowa in the comments section! You can find out more about the park on the Council Bluffs website, and check out the official trail listing for more pictures. This hike can be challenging, so a subscription to AllTrails Plus might be helpful for the downloadable trail maps with step-by-step directions. While you're in the Council Bluffs area, make time for a visit to Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard, which is a great all-season family destination with amazing fresh produce.

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Nature|Hiking

The Breathtaking Small-Town State Park in Iowa That We Can’t Stop Thinking About

Located near the small town of Spirit Lake, Elinor Bedell State Park is a hidden-gem park in Iowa that even many dedicated explorers don't know about.

Published Sep 1, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

The Iowa Great Lakes are an amazing vacation area, filled with some of the best spots in the Hawkeye State for recreation on the water and touristy fun. But for those who want to get away from those busy-season crowds, the area is also home to some amazing hidden-gem parks in Iowa. Many of these hidden gems are located right on the shores of Spirit Lake. One of our favorites is Elinor Bedell State Park, which at only 80 acres, is one of the smallest in the state (but definitely not the smallest). This tiny park has a great trail to explore, and odds are, even during the summer, you'll be able to find some peace and quiet here.

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Denise Krebs/Flickr

Spirit Lake is a great spot in the northern part of Iowa. It's set slightly apart from the hustle and bustle of Arnolds Park but still offers all the features and natural beauty you'd want from a outdoor adventure in the Iowa Great Lakes.

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Ila Harskamp/AllTrails

While you're in the area, make sure you take the time to explore Elinor Bedell State Park. This small but peaceful state park is located on the shores of Spirit Lake and is rarely very crowded, so it's a great place to go for a quick hike.

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Cheyenne MacClain/AllTrails

There is only one trail in this park, but the 1.1-mile loop is an easy sunny-day adventure that should be suitable for any skill level. The trail is mostly paved and is welcoming to dogs, although your furry friend must be on a leash.

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Steven Koep/AllTrails

This is a particularly great spot to visit during the spring, when wildflowers are in full bloom, and during the fall when the entire area is covered with fall foliage.

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Le Cox/AllTrails

The park was dedicated by former Congressman Berkley Bedell and his wife and, today, stands as a peaceful little refuge amid the bustling Spirit Lake area. A shelter ideal for events and a small campground are available, although the campground will be closed for renovations during the 2025 season.

Have you visited Elinor Bedell State Park on the shores of Spirit Lake? Let us know about your visit to this hidden-gem park in Iowa in the comments section! You can read more about the amenities at this park on the Iowa DNR website. For those planning on more hiking adventures, we highly recommend AllTrails Plus - it's a great app that offers point-by-point hiking directions through downloadable trail guides, so you'll always be connected even when the reception is spotty. And if you're looking for a great, family-friendly place to stay in the area, check out this luxurious cabin rental.

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