Repost: Great Escapes: 7 of Iowa’s Best Hikes

Seven of Iowa's Best Hikes

I've only hiked at Wildcat Den. Probably will be a post forthcoming.

**reposted** from Iowa's DNR website:LINK

Whether you’re looking to get away from civilization for a weekend or just take in some beautiful scenery for an hour or two with the family, Iowa – yes, Iowa – offers some incredible hikes in our state parks and forests.

Yellow River State Forest
For backpackers looking for a backcountry experience, head straight to northeast Iowa’s Yellow River State Forest. At Yellow River, you can enjoy long hikes with varying elevation, and even camp primitively. With about 32 miles of trail, it’s easy to feel like you’ve escaped it all in this gorgeous setting.

Loess Hills State Forest and Stone State Park
Locals say you can hike and camp primitively for three days in this unique landscape without covering the same ground twice. If the 50 miles of trail in the state forest aren’t enough, you can find more just an hour up the road at the historic Stone State Park on the outskirts of Sioux City. The Loess Hills – a landscape rare in the world – afford vistas not often seen in Iowa. Loess soils are highly erodible but when left undisturbed, they hold solidly, forming tiers which follow the contours and are a sight to behold. Add in the native prairie that abounds in the area and you have a great place to wander while taking in sweeping vistas and discovering precious rare plants.

Ledges State Park
Steeped in natural history, Ledges is known for its picturesque canyon that leads to the Des Moines River. Climb the trails in the canyon area to get a bird’s eye view of picnickers and kids splashing in the creek below. Or wander through the Lost Lake section of Ledges to find a serene overlook of the Des Moines River. While Ledges has just 4.6 miles of trails, the scenery makes it feel like much more. Finish off the day by heading to a secluded hike-in only campsite.

Maquoketa Caves State Park
A trip to Maquoketa Caves isn’t complete without exploring the park’s 15 small caves, connected by boardwalks and bridges. Head to the 7 miles of trails to traipse through prairie or woodlands and take in dramatic vistas. Make a weekend of it and bring the tent with walk-in sites just off the main campground. Take part in an interpretive program to learn more about the park and its Civilian Conservation Corps work.

Waubonsie State Park
Steal away to the far southwest corner of Iowa to take in majestic views of ridgetop prairie and mature woodland along the southern tip of the Loess Hills. Waubonsie offers 10.5 miles of trail in a unique setting.

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
Set out on gently sloping trails, including a path around a small swimming lake in this relaxing and peaceful park. Stay over in a cabin for more trips on the 12.5 miles of trail. Day trippers can make a quick trip back to civilization to enjoy restaurants and shops in the villages of Van Buren County.

Wildcat Den State Park
The trails are all about scenery at Wildcat Den, just a mile upstream of the Mississippi River. Explore almost 4 miles of trail, including a short hike with great views of rock outcroppings on your way to the Devil’s Punch Bowl. Check out the restored grist mill or schoolhouse near the historic Pine Creek bridge. Camp at the park, or head over to the Fairport State Recreation Area, just two miles away, to camp along the mighty Mississippi.