As a Iowa resident, and life long hiking enthusiast, I feel I know a thing or two about the states hiking landscape. Its my belief that Iowa, like most Midwest states is severely overlooked and underappreciated when it comes to hiking.
Wildcat Den State Park
Wildcat Den is one of the most popular state parks in eastern Iowa, and for good reason. Weather its hiking or camping your looking for, Wildcat Den has some of the best In the entire state. The campground has 28 campsites, with non-modern restrooms, over 5 miles of hiking trails. The trails wind through a variety of terrain, alongside 75 foot cliffs, winding past Steamboat Rock, Fat Man’s Squeeze, and the Devil’s Punch Bowl. Another beautiful attraction is the Pine Creek Grist Mill, which is one of the most photographed locations in Iowa.
Maquoketa Caves State Park
Maquoketa Caves is considered Iowa’s most visited state park,and after you have been there its easy to see why. A beautiful trail system links the caves, rock formations, and scenic overlooks while providing an exciting hiking experience. Some of the parks highlights include the 1,100 foot dance-hall cave, the 17 ton Balanced Rock, and the 50 foot high Natural Bridge. With 6 miles of trails, 29 campsites, and 13 caves to explore, its no wonder so many visit Maquoketa Caves State Park year after year.
Ledges State Park
Ledges was one of Iowa’s first state parks, all the way back in 1924, and is still one of its most visited. Right away Ledges became one of Iowa’s most popular state parks, and over the years has had well over a million visitors. The park has over four miles of hiking trails, leading up and down steep slopes, to scenic overlooks and spectacular views of the lower canyon. Along with the hiking, Ledges also offers 95 campsites, 40 with electricity.
Pikes Peak State Park
Pikes Peak State Park is located in McGregor, Iowa. This park is famous for its beautiful views of the Mississippi River, in fact its one of the most photographed locations in the entire state. Pikes Peak is a sought out place for hikers, with over eleven miles of wooded trail. The trail system winds you through some of Iowas most beautiful scenery, taking you past Bridal Veil Falls, wooded bluffs and valleys, sheer walls of Decorah limestone, and more then sixty effigy mounds.
Backbone State Park
Backbone State Park is officially listed as Iowa’s oldest state park, (however I have found two other parks making the same claim) founded in 1919. One of the larger state parks in Iowa, Backbone has over 21 miles of hiking and multi-use trails. One of our favorite hiking trails, is the Devils Backbone, which is a two mile loop atop one of the highest points in northeast Iowa. On either side of the Backbone is an 80 foot drop off straight down to the Maquoketa River. The hike was great and the views where amazing. Along with the beautiful trails Backbone State Park offers some of the best rock climbing in the state.