Best Fall Hikes In Iowa
Fall is the best time of year to visit Iowa — the days are still holding some summer heat, the insects have gone, and the trees are busy showing off their breathtaking autumnal colors. Hike through Iowa’s hardwood forest in October, and you’ll see reds, oranges, yellows, and even some purples. Below are some of the best hiking trails from which to see the spectacle. These beautiful routes showcase the best of Iowa’s stunning scenery, meandering through woodlands and valleys, crossing mountains, and overlooking rivers. Whichever trail you take, don’t forget to pack a camera. You’ll want to capture the vibrant colors and jaw-dropping views.
Maquoketa Caves State Park: Woodland Trail
Maquoketa Caves State Park in Jackson County is one of Iowa’s most unique protected areas with 13 caves, towering bluffs, and dense hardwood forest. The 320-acre park has a seven-mile trail system with short and long hikes for all abilities. Woodland Trail is a 0.49-mile hike of moderate difficulty that takes around 30 minutes to complete and takes you into the forest's heart. The path winds through deep thickets and woodland meadows, passing many of the park’s unique geological attractions, including Wide Mouth Cave, Twin Arch Cave, and Heranando’s Hideaway.
Pikes Peak State Park: Bridal Veil Trail
Pikes Peak State Park is a must for nature lovers in fall, located on a 500ft bluff with sweeping views over the Mississippi River. See the red and gold foliage from the Bridal Veil Trail, a half-mile route that passes four scenic overlooks with vistas over the river and leads to Bridal Veil Falls. The boardwalk trail is relatively easy and accessible but does involve some elevation, making it steep in some parts. Aside from the waterfall and overlooks, you’ll also pass Bear Mound, an earthen mound also known as an effigy mound that was built by early Native Americans and is thought to mark territory, a burial site, or a ceremonial place.
High Trestle Trail
One of Iowa’s best-known trails, the High Trestle Trail, is a former railroad line that runs 25 miles through five towns. The best section of the trail in fall is undoubtedly the path’s iconic landmark, the High Trestle Trail Bridge, a 0.5-mile long, 13-story high bridge over the Des Moines River Valley. Pick up the trail from the Madrid trailhead and walk west towards Woodward. It’s a 2.6-mile walk from there to the bridge, and even before you get to the main attraction, you’ll enjoy plenty of exciting features, including old tunnels and bridges along the former railway bed. When you get to the trestle bridge, you’ll be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of the valley with its autumnal colors in all their glory. There are six viewing platforms, each with a display detailing the area’s history.
Backbone State Park: Bluebird Trail to East Lake Trail
Iowa’s first state park, Backbone, takes its name from the rugged spine of bedrock along the Maquoketa River — the highest point in northeast Iowa. The park has a 21-mile trail system, offering plenty of choices from the ambitious 7.39-mile Forest Trail to the more accessible 2.2-mile Bluebird Trail. The latter is an easy hike through the forest that should take just over an hour. If you want to stretch your legs further and see the fall colors along the waterfront, continue on to the East Lake Trail, which is 2.4 miles long and hugs the edges of Backbone Lake. This trail provides some fantastic views of the water and passes through picturesque sections near the Backbone Trail, making it a more rewarding route for those looking for photo opportunities.
Effigy Mounds National Monument: Twin Views Trail
Iowa’s Effigy Mounds National Monument is an extraordinary place. Not only is it a site of great historical and cultural importance, but it’s also one of the most scenic spots in the state. With extensive views over the unspoiled Mississippi River Valley wilderness, it’s no wonder early Native Americans considered this a sacred site. All through the park, you can see the work of the Effigy Moundbuilders who constructed the animal-shaped earthen mounds between 800 and 2500 years ago. Take the 3-mile Twin View Trail to wander past over 25 mounds, including the Little Bear and Great Bear Mounds, and take a breather at two scenic overlooks - one looking north and the other looking south. Both offer incredible views of maple, ash, and elm trees turning to shades of red and gold.
Hitchcock Nature Center: Hawk Ridge and Fox Run Ridge Trails
Nestled in the forested Loess Hills of western Iowa, the Hitchcock Nature Center near Honey Creek is a 1,300-acre preserve with a 45-foot tall observation tower overlooking the hills. The Center contains a 10-mile trail system with varying terrain and elevations. Take the 2.6-mile Hawk Ridge and Fox Run Ridge Trails to meander up and down the hills, taking in the colorful foliage of the hardwood forest and the wide expanses of prairie grass that turn from green to gold as the temperatures drop. This is a moderately difficult route that takes around 1.5 hours to complete.
Ledges State Park: Canyon Road and Table Rock Loop
North of Des Moines, Ledges State Park in Boone County takes its name from the huge sandstone ledges that jut out 100 ft over the Des Moines River, providing a natural scenic overlook for hikers exploring the trails. The park contains a 4.5-mile trail system and numerous points of interest, including an arched stone bridge, dense oak woods, cliffs, stone steps, and shelters built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. All the trails are relatively short and well-marked, so hikers can easily mix and match, but if you want to see the best of the foliage, take the 1.7-mile Canyon Road and Table Rock Loop, which winds through the unique geology of Pea’s Creek Canyon where you’ll find sandstone bluffs topped with autumnal trees. This is a moderately challenging hike with stairs and uphill paths.
Wrapping Up The Hikes
Iowa's fall foliage offers a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts, and these trails provide the perfect way to experience it. From the caves and woodlands of Maquoketa Caves State Park to the historic mounds of Effigy Mounds National Monument and the stunning overlooks of Ledges State Park, each hike showcases the state's natural beauty in its full autumnal glory. Whether you're trekking through valleys, crossing bridges, or admiring scenic vistas, Iowa's diverse trails offer something for everyone. Grab your camera and enjoy the vibrant colors and unforgettable views this fall season.
