9 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles That Everyone in Iowa Should Take

Hiking is an excellent way to exercise, get some fresh air, and have some natural relaxation. However, not everyone has the time or desire to go on long, strenuous hikes, which makes the best hiking trails in Iowa perfect for them. For the casual hiker who wishes to take in extraordinary views without having to struggle through harsh terrain, here are some of the best hikes in Iowa that just so happen to be under five miles long.

1. Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek, Iowa

Measuring in at just under three miles, Hitchcock Nature Center is a beautiful piece of Iowa scenery. It's a great hike for all skill levels and offers a multitude of activities as well.

2. Wildcat Den State Park, Muscatine, Iowa

This is the longest hike on the list, with the trails being almost precisely 5 miles in length. Its beautiful rock formations set Wildcat Den State Park apart from other parks in Iowa, and the preserved state of the habitat makes for a truly authentic experience for any Iowan or wandering hiker.

3. Squirrel's Nest, Waterworks Park, Iowa

Ideal for everyone from amateurs to seasoned hikers, Squirrel's Nest at Waterworks Park is a refreshing walk through the woods. Not too many people traverse this easy trail, so its seclusion makes it feel all the more authentic.

4. Ledges State Park, Boone, Iowa

Ledges State Park’s terrain is unusual for Iowa to say the least. The diverse geography offers hikers astonishing viewpoints and surrounds them with unforgettable scenery. Ledges is arguably the most popular spot on the list, but its wide trails make plenty of room for all sorts of visitors, and nobody should have to miss out on everything the park has to offer.

5. Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trail, Dubuque, Iowa

Less than a mile of rolling hills and beautiful bluffs, Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trail gives hikers grand landscapes along the Mississippi. A favorite of many locals, this hidden gem is known to be slightly more challenging than most hikes on this list. Test your vigor and take in the splendid vistas this hike has to offer.

6. GreenBelt Lake Loop, Waterloo, Iowa

Perhaps the easiest hike on the list, Greenbelt Lake Loop takes visitors along the waterfront for a pleasant stroll. The water is clean, the land is hearty, and there is never a day that wouldn’t be a bit more wholesome without taking a hike such as this.

7. Woodpecker Trail, Coralville, Iowa

This is a mild, 4.7-mile hike ideal for those who don't mind breaking a sweat. The trail is also near Coralville Reservoir, so visitors may fish or swim if they choose to.

8. Browns Woods, West Des Moines, Iowa

Another venue near Des Moines, Browns Woods is a popular trail for hiking and running. This 2-mile trail has wide paths that allow for large groups to traverse it with ease. Take your family, friends, or just enjoy the scenery by your lonesome for a truly pure experience.

Whitewater Canyon is a very unique Iowan landmark. It features cliffs as high as 200 feet, and there are plenty of gorgeous views packed into its short 2.5-mile looped trail.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's go! You only have so much free time, and what better way to spend it than hiking the beautifully diverse Iowa parks? Which trails would you call the best hikes in Iowa? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.