Iowa
Nature|Waterfalls

This Waterfall Staircase Hike May Be The Most Unique In All Of Iowa

Pikes Peak State Park in Iowa offers a unique hike to Bridal Veil Falls, featuring a scenic boardwalk staircase and stunning views.

Published Aug 18, 2018

Written by 

Kim Magaraci

Iowa's state parks are truly the hidden treasures of the Midwest. We've got all sorts of things hiding in the Hawkeye State - from a gorgeous blue lagoon to a virtually unknown tunnel, and even a castle! One of the best places to visit in Iowa's state park network is the breathtaking Bridal Veil Falls in Pikes Peak State Park. Take a look at this unique Iowa hike below!

Most visitors to Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor, Iowa, stop by to take in the view of the Mississippi River from a 500-foot-high cliff, but there's more to see here!

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Google Local / Jim Roberts

One of the most unique Iowa hikes is right here in this pretty park - and it's the boardwalk staircase hike along Bridal View Trail.

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Tripadvisor / Shining Star 0921

This short but steep path will take you through some beautiful and hilly forest before dropping you off at your destination.

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Google Local / Sly Wolf

In the fall, this trail is one of the most popular places for leaf-peepers to explore.

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Tripadvisor / Scott H.

The boardwalk is well maintained, but there's a bit of an elevation change

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Google Local / Doug Auerbach

The efforts are well worth it on this pretty stroll, and most anyone can make it the half mile to the falls.

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Google Local / Ishara Chathuangi

The boardwalk staircase will take you directly to the star of the show - Bridal Veil Falls.

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Tripadvisor / Shining Star 0921

The sight of Bridal View Falls is something you'll carry with you forever. Particularly after a hard rain, it's a gorgeous cascade.

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Google Local / Trri Meyer

On a hot day, you can (carefully!) even walk behind this waterfall and cool off a little.

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Flickr / wiserbailey

Of course, if you're at Pikes Peak State Park, you should still take a detour to one of the dizzying overlooks.

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Google Local / Kerry Pilkington

You'll be hard pressed to find a better view anywhere in the Midwest - it will truly take your breath away.

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Flickr / Dan Stevenson

Pikes Peak State Park is a great place to camp, too, if you want to take your time exploring the enormous park.

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Google Local / Aidan Bowser

If you're looking to head out on this unique Iowa hike, you'll want to head to the park at 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157.

To learn about the breathtaking overlook and other cool Pikes Peak treasures, read more about The One State Park In Iowa That Stands Out From The Rest and plan your summer trip.

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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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