Free guide: 25 hikes near Montreal
FR EN
Let's Go Play Outside
Hiking in Iowa tree grass outdoor plant forest nature landscape green wood woodland grove park jungle wooded old-growth forest biome natural environment area northern hardwood forest lush

The 4 Best Hiking Trails in Iowa: our selection

4 ideas. Reasons to pick each one.

Compare 4 hiking ideas in Iowa: their region, the duration and the level, then open the trail page for the details.

See the 4 hikes

How to pick the best hiking trails for you?

Three guideposts to compare the ideas in this selection.

The experience

Outings with a good mix of moods and challenges in Iowa.

The scenery

Panoramas, forests and remarkable natural settings.

Who it suits

Outings for different levels and moods, from a serious challenge to an easy stroll.

Our 4 hikes in Iowa

See all trails in Iowa

  1. Hawkeye Point - Iowa Highpoint

    Lakes & Land

    Easy

    See the trail page
  2. Mississippi River Hastings to Iowa trail - hiking in Driftless Area tree outdoor nature waterfall water river cascade plant

    Mississippi River Hastings to Iowa

    Driftless Area

    Easy

    See the trail page

  3. neal smith

    Capital Country

    2 hr Easy

    See the trail page
  4. Geode State Park trail - hiking in Storied & Scenic

    Geode State Park

    Storied & Scenic

    2 hr Moderate

    See the trail page

How to choose yours?

Mississippi River Hastings to Iowa trail - hiking in Driftless Area tree outdoor nature waterfall water river cascade plant

By your level

Short and easy or more demanding: find a hike that suits your experience and your mood.

See all trails in Iowa
Geode State Park trail - hiking in Storied & Scenic

By season

Fall colours, snowy summits, spring flowers: every season offers a different experience.

Explore all regions

Before you book your day

Access, booking, dogs and weather: check the trail page and the site manager.

See our practical tips

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if a hike suits my level?

Each trail page gives the level (easy, moderate or hard) and, when it is known, the duration. Compare them with your experience, then add time for breaks and the way back.

Do some trails in Iowa require a booking?

It depends on the site. Some trails are in parks that charge an access fee or require a booking: the trail page says so when the information is known, and the site manager's own website remains the reference.

Can I bring my dog?

The trail page says whether dogs are allowed, when the information is known. Always check the site's rules, especially about leashes.

Good ideas, ready to go.

Free guide: 25 hikes under 2 hours from Montreal

Distance, elevation, parking and season for each one. The ones we go back to ourselves.

Get the guide