The Best Hiking & Biking Trails by Season

HIKING:

Yellow River State Forest, Harpers Ferry

As nature awakens in spring, Yellow River State Forest transforms into a wildflower enthusiast’s haven. Consisting of several units to explore near Harpers Ferry, the park features an abundance of trails that wind, climb and dive into valleys. Below your feet, you’ll discover a forest floor carpeted with trillium, Dutchman’s breeches Virgina bluebells and more, while the surrounding hardwoods dazzle with their first flush of green leaves overhead.
 

Pony Creek Nature Center, Pacific Junction

Hiking in spring at Pony Creek Nature Center is like walking through a living bouquet. Set off on the prairie trail to discover bursts of Pasque flowers, prairie violets, purple and gray-headed coneflowers and more spring wildflowers that are common in the Loess Hills area. Be sure to also keep an eye out for deer and fawns wandering through the prairie. Learn more about the Pacific Junction region’s flora and fauna inside the nature center, which offers programming for all ages throughout the year.
 

Union Grove State Park, Gladbrook

A hidden gem outside of Gladbrook, Union Grove State Park combines all the best aspects of nature – a lake, beaches, hiking trails, fishing docks, camping, wildlife and more. During the spring, the park’s North and South hiking trails are transformed into a tapestry of wildflowers. Look for Virginia bluebells, false rue anemones, mayapple, wild ginger and more, plus wildlife like geese and their goslings. All these amazing sights plus the sounds of rushing water from the spillway and the singing of songbirds make this park a vibrant spring-time haven.
 

BIKING:

Sauk Rail Trail, Lake View

As the first recreational trail in Iowa to connect two state parks, the 33-mile Sauk Rail Trail offers a relaxing and scenic bike ride that starts in Lake View. Each spring, prairies along the paved trail burst with bright blooms of prairie violets, golden Alexanders and Pasque flowers and the surrounding wetlands welcome bird migrations that add music to the scene. Find more stunning flowers and bird watching opportunities at the connected Black Hawk State Park or Swan Lake State Park.
 

Whiterock Conservancy, Coon Rapids

Race through a mosaic of spring ephemerals at Whiterock Conservancy. This 5,000+-acre nature escape near Coon Rapids boasts over 40 miles of mountain biking (and hiking) trails that wind through scenic woodlands. You’ll want to slow down to admire the violets, wild phlox, coneflowers and golden Alexanders that line the singletrack routes. Then you’ll have all the energy you need to enjoy the trail’s flower descents and climbs through the Middle Raccoon River Valley.

HIKING:

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area, Lehigh

With plenty of variety, Brushy Creek is an excellent summer hiking destination. It boasts over 45 miles of multi-use trails that weave through timbered valley, over prairie ridges, along lake shorelines and across creek bottoms, so you can alternate between shaded spots and open vistas. Enjoy a casual stroll along the gravel trail around the lake to enjoy the variety of landscapes or escape into the woods on the Preserve and Creek Loop trails – just be sure to bring plenty of water and bug spray.
 

Shimek State Forest, Farmington

As one of the largest continuous areas of timber in the state, Shimek State Forest offers an immersive escape deep into the woods via an abundance of shaded trails. Located near Farmington, the area is divided into five units. The Farmington Unit includes about four miles of well-traveled trails that offer a good mix of forested areas and open spaces perfect for summer hiking. The Lick Creek Upper Loop trail system traverses through dense woodlands to offer ample shade and cooler temperatures that are less welcoming to bugs. Finally, the Keosauqua Unit boasts over seven miles of trails that wind through hardwood forest and open fields that welcome cool breezes to make hotter days more comfortable.
 

Bixby State Preserve, Edgewood

Enjoy a refreshing escape into Iowa’s rugged beauty at Bixby State Preserve. Its trails meander through steep, forest slopes and along Bear Creek, offering serene views and chances to spot wildlife. The preserve’s highlight is the Ice Cave, a unique geological feature where cool air flowers from the cave’s depths, maintaining a temperature around 52 degrees year-round and making it a natural air conditioner during the summer months. It’s a must-stop after a hike and you can find it just east of the picnic shelter.
 

BIKING:

Heritage Trail, Dubuque

Winding for 26 miles through lush farmland, wooded corridors and small towns between Dubuque and Dyersville, the paved Heritage Trail makes for a perfect summer bike ride. Enjoy the warmth of the sun-soaked stretches paired with the coolness of shaded canopies, plus opportunities to stop for cold drinks or ice cream in the charming communities and the trail’s relatively flat terrain for a smooth and easy ride.
 

Chichaqua Valley Trail, Bondurant

Considered by many to be a hidden gem among central Iowa’s trail system, the Chichaqua Valley Trail stretches for 26 miles between Bondurant and Baxter. The paved route features gentle curves and long shaded sections plus scenic creek crossings, lush meadows and dense woodlands, farms and many convenient access points. Keep an eye out for deer, turkey and other wildlife as you pedal, and be sure to greet the surrounding farms’ cattle herds.
 

Wabash Trace Nature Trail, Council Bluffs

Escape the summer heat and crowds on southwest Iowa’s Wabash Trace Nature Trail. It’s recognized as one of the state’s premier trails and runs for 63 miles between Council Bluffs and Blanchard through the Loess Hills. The paved trail features access points in almost every town along the way, plus shaded woodlands and gently rolling valleys that make summer rides perfectly enjoyable.

HIKING:

Effigy Mounds National Monument, Harpers Ferry

Few things are more magical than the fall views at Effigy Mounds National Monument near Harpers Ferry. The brilliant autumn colors brighten the 20+ miles of hiking trails and perfectly frame the sweeping overlooks of the Mississippi River. The ancient animal-shaped Native American mounds appear more dramatic against gold, red and orange leaves. Add in fewer bugs, cooler temperatures and gorgeous leaf carpets underfoot, and every mile feels like your own private gallery of nature.
 

Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek

Discover more spectacular fall views at the Hitchcock Nature Center. As the surrounding forested ridges and prairies shift into fall foliage, climb to the top of the 45-foot-tall observation tower for a bird’s-eye view of the Honey Creek area's changing colors, then set off on the 14 miles of trails to admire the colors up close. Fall also brings bird watchers to observe the thousands of eagles, hawks and other raptors that pass through the area, so keep an eye on the sky and tree lines as you hike.
 

Stephens State Forest, Chariton

For a more rugged yet equally stunning fall hiking experience, head to Stephens State Forest. Spanning 15,000+ acres over five Southeast Iowa counties, the forest is divided into multiple units. The Lucas and Whitebreast Units are the best for hiking and together offer over 25 miles of trails to explore. As the oaks, hickories and maples trade their green for rich shades of gold, orange and crimson, every mile of the narrow trails feels like a painted tunnel and the crunch of leaves underfoot create the best soundtrack of the season.
 

BIKING:

High Trestle Trail, Madrid

You can’t talk about biking in Iowa in the fall without mentioning the High Trestle Trail. Some of the best fall views in the state can be found riding across its iconic half-mile High Trestle Trail Bridge near Madrid, where sweeping views of the Des Moines River valley below are made even more breathtaking by the endless horizon of autumn colors. The rest of the 25-mile trail offers a perfect mix of tree-covered and exposed sections, allowing riders to admire all sides of this stunning season.
 

Trout Run Trail, Decorah

This scenic 11-mile loop is even more enchanting when the temperatures cool and the leaves glow in shades of orange, gold and scarlet. Set off on a scenic ride that includes unforgettable views of rolling farmland, trout-filled streams and wooded hillsides, plus opportunities to spot bald eagles perched on the towering bluffs above Decorah and the Upper Iowa River. Don’t forget to make a pit stop at Siewers Springs and Dunning’s Spring Park to admire the waterfalls and bubbling streams up close.
 

Volksweg Trail, Pella

Step straight into an Iowa autumn postcard by biking the 13-mile Volksweg Trail. Dutch for “people’s path,” it connects Pella to Lake Rock and features timbered stretches that tunnel your route with fiery reds and golds during the fall season. Then it opens to spectacular views of the lake perfectly framed by rolling hills of brilliant autumn colors and bright blue skies. The route ends at the Cordova Observation Tower, at the top of which you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the surrounding landscape.

HIKING:

Pilot Knob State Park, Forest City

One of Iowa’s oldest state parks, Pilot Knob is a beloved winter recreation destination. Bring your boots or snowshoes for scenic snowy strolls through woodlands, along ridges and around the lakes – the Dead Man’s Lake, McGrady and Plum Alley trails are excellent options. When the ice freezes over, Pilot Knob Lake is also a popular spot for ice skating and ice fishing near Forest City.
 

Green Valley State Park, Creston

With the sparkling 24-acre Green Valley Lake as the centerpiece, this state park near Creston transforms into a fantastically frozen oasis each winter. Nine miles of snowy trails weave around the shoreline, offering a perfect mix of towering trees and wide-open prairies plus endless opportunities to spot wildlife.
 

Lake MacBride State Park, Solon

Another frosty lake getaway, Lake MacBride State Park features seven miles of multi-use trails to explore. The North Shore Trail boasts sweeping views of the frozen waters, while White Pine Trail offers an escape into the oak and hickory forest and the Beach to Dam Trail offers expansive views of the icy spillway and beyond. No matter the path you choose, this Solon park feels like your own private winter retreat.
 

BIKING:

Woodpecker Singletrack, Iowa City

For biking enthusiasts, Iowa City’s newer Woodpecker Singletrack trail is a great fat tire destination during the winter months. The six-mile loop is rated as beginner-friendly and meanders though wooded areas, over wooden bridges and alongside Clear Creek, providing a scenic backdrop. Once snow falls, locals help groom the trail, ensuring it’s suitable for bikes with tires 3.8 inches or wider. While the trail’s sandy soil drains well, it’s advised to ride early in the morning when temperatures are lower to avoid creating ruts and damaging the route.
 

Summerset State Park, Indianola

Winding through Indianola's former coal mining operation, Summerset State Park’s 5.5 miles of singletrack trails transform into a snowy paradise perfect for fat tire adventures. The route winds through woodlands and prairie remnants and features gentle climbs, flowing descents and tight corners that keep riders engaged without being overly technical, allowing them to enjoy the surrounding frozen ponds and frost-covered trees.
 

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING:

George Wyth State Park, Waterloo

A popular outdoor recreation destination year-round, George Wyth State Park welcomes snowshoers, hikers, fat tire bikers and cross-country skiers alike during the winter months. The snow-covered trails transform into well-maintained and popular cross-country skiing trails, boasting over 10 miles for classic and skate skiing styles to enjoy in Waterloo. And the park’s close proximity to Cedar Falls offers plenty of charming coffee shops and restaurants to warm up once the day’s adventures end.
 

Iowa Great Lakes Trails, Okoboji

Known as a summer lake destination, winter in Okoboji gives you a chance to see the Iowa Great Lakes in a whole new light. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts won’t want to miss the opportunity to traverse the 14-mile section of the trail from Milford to Spirit Lake, which passes the frozen Okoboji and West Okoboji Lakes and Arnolds Park. You can also venture onto the Kenue Park and Arnolds Park City Trails to add loops to your route and pass serene prairies with the potential to spot wildlife.
 

Viking Lake State Park, Stanton

When snow falls, Viking Lake State Park becomes a playground for cross-country skiers. Set off on the six-mile loop around the icy lake to discover sweeping views of the frozen expanse, quiet woods and snow-covered prairies. For a shorter route, embark instead on the one-mile Burr Oak Nature Trail. Both options are sure to provide a low-key but beautiful skiing experience in Stanton.