I don’t know what it is about the outdoors, but to me there are few things better then a great hike, if you are looking for a little pick-me-up  in Iowa, you don’t have to look very far for a great hiking trail to navigate. Spread out across the state, from the rolling Loess Hills in the west to the rocky bluffs over the Mississippi River in the East, an exciting hike in Iowa is easy to find.  Here is a list of 5 Iowa hikes you may have never done.

1.  The West and East Lake Trails at Backbone State Park

Located in the beautiful northeast region of Iowa, and with over 20 miles of trail to explore, Backbone State Park is an Iowa hiker’s dream come true. There are several great hiking options at Backbone State Park, but for the best bang for your buck,  check out the West and East Lake Trails! Stretching out for three and 2.42-miles respectively, the West and East Lake Trails follow the shore of Backbone Lake, navigating through the dense Iowa ecosystem and some of the most beautiful landscape in the Iowa State Park system. The East Lake Trail also connects to the state-famous Backbone Trail, which is my favorite trail in Iowa.

2. The Sylvan Runkel State Preserve Trail at the Loess Hills

Photo is property of Mark Karrer

Located in the rolling Loess Hills of western Iowa!To really get a feel of the unbelievably beautiful Iowa environment, I suggest the Sylvan-Runkel State Preserve.  This 12.4 mile out and back hike takes you past some magnificent landscape. This scenic trail is lined with wildflowers and will have you convinced that Iowa might be the most beautiful state in the country.

3. The Calcite Trail at the Mines of Spain Recreation Area

There are plenty of great  hiking options at the Mines of Spain Recreation Area, but if you want to find the one that will get your quads burning, the Calcite Trail is right for you.  At just over two miles, the Calcite Trail exposes the native rock that defines much of the recreation area. The steepest section of the Calcite Trail comes right out of the parking lot, which then leads to breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. To continue the adventure from the Calcite Trail, you can connect to the Mesquakie or Horseshoe Bluff Trail, which can lead to many full days of adventure.

4. The Squire Point and Woodpecker Trail Systems

There are a few trails in Iowa containing so much beauty that it’s easy to forget what state you’re exploring. A great example of that can be found with the Squire Point and Woodpecker Trail Systems near the Coralville Lake. While navigating around the rocky banks of the Coralville Lake, trail users experience slight elevation changes, scenic stopping points, and a full dose of the natural Iowa scene. Whether you run, walk, or hike, the Squire Point and Woodpecker Trail Systems are a great place to enjoy the outdoors.

5. The Crow’s Nest Trail at Ledges State Park

Located  in one of Iowa’s most popular state parks, the Crow’s Nest Trail in Ledges State Park is one hike you will not want to miss. The entire state park is lined with rocky bluffs and deep pockets of forest that define Ledges, and many of the trails take you up  steep steps and to fantastic overlooks, including most notably, the Crow’s Nest Trail. Make it to the top of this short, steep trail, and not only will you feel a sense of accomplishment, but you’ll get a great view as well. While you are there, be sure to take advantage of all the trails and views at Ledges, and you’ll leave feeling refreshed and renewed.