With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
Iowa often gets a bad reputation for being a flat, flyover state with little more than farms and cornfields, but those of us who call Iowa home know that’s absolutely not true. From remarkable lakes and rivers to sprawling forests full of wonder, Iowa is home to plenty of stunning natural beauty. The best way to experience said natural beauty is with an unforgettable hike, and we know just the place to take you. Lace up those hiking boots and get ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure.
This 2-mile trail leads adventurers across a footbridge, down a steep ravine towards the river, and to Wildcat Cave, hence the name: Wildcat Cave Trail.
The cave is small, measuring in at approximately six feet in height at the opening before dropping to a crawling height after ten feet, but it still makes for a wonderful adventure.
Advertisement
At the cave’s entrance, you will find signatures that date back to the 19th century, and deeper within the cave, petrified wood. Rumor has it that this cave was once a hang out of the infamous outlaw Jesse James, though we are unable to confirm or deny this claim.
Be aware, however, that it is not advised to hike down the ravine if it is raining or if rain is possible, as flash flooding is common in this area.
Along your hike, you will discover incredible rock formations, a prairie overlooking the river, and native trees including oak, hickory, and paper birch.
Measuring in at just 46 acres of primitive land, prairie, and stream, this unique park is a popular destination among locals for stream fishing and hunting. This primitive park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
The Wildcat Cave Trail is located in Eldora, Iowa, and can be found here.
To discover another, perhaps more well-known and popular, trail in Iowa that leads hikers through a cave, click here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
