Explore a Midwestern Jungle in Iowa’s Waubonsie State Park
Spring rains turn this swath of forest in the Loess Hills into a natural paradise.
Iowa Trails
Iowa, located in the Midwest region of the U.S., is bordered by the Mississippi River on the east, and the Missouri River on the west.
Iowa has three distinct geographic areas: The Young Drift Plains, the Driftless Area, and the Dissected Till Plains. The Young Drift Plains are mostly flat and cover most of northern and central Iowa. The Driftless Area, in northeastern Iowa, is covered by rugged forested hills and cliffs. The Dissected Till Plains, an area of low, rolling hills, stretches from southern into northwestern Iowa.
Iowa’s Middle River Is a Paddler’s Hidden Gem
See historic bridges and wildlife on this 38.6-mile paddle through America's heartland.
Latest in Iowa Trails
Holiday Hiking in Stephens State Forest, Iowa
Enjoy fall leaves and wildlife on this Midwestern getaway.
The Best Day Hikes in America: Loess Hills Loop
Sylvan Runkel State Preserve, Iowa
Des Moines, IA: Zirbel's Trail
Enjoy a quiet escape, plus fine lake and forest views, when you travel along the scenic Winnebago River on this 6.3-mile loop to an old brewery site and rock quarry.
Des Moines: Cedar River Greenbelt Trail
Hear the deep calls of trumpeter swans on this 7.8-mile hike along a wild river corridor to limestone cliffs, prairies, and wooded hills where coyotes, deer, and turkey roam.
Des Moines: Jester Park Lake Shore Route
This great 5-mile lasso-loop links up several trails and is the best way to explore the NW end of Saylorville Lake.
Des Moines: North Skunk River
Believe us: Nothing stinks about this place. This 5-mile out-and-back along the greenbelt of the North Skunk River is teaming with wildlife and migrating waterfowl.
Des Moines: River Trail Loop
Escape the daily grind: This scenic loop links fields and forests, trails and some roads for a relaxing 6.5-mile tour around the Des Moines River. Caution: This loop crosses a bridge on I-80; plan trip during low traffic hours.
Dubuque, IA: Yellow River State Forest
Climb to blufftop views of hardwood forest and rolling farmland in this little-known Iowa preserve.
Rip & Go: Backpack Trail, Yellow River State Forest, IA
Climb to bluff-top views of hardwood forest and rolling farmland.
High Points: Hawkeye Point, Iowa
The view is high on soy and corn and low on drama.