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Your Guide to Iowa's Hiking Trails: Photos, Filters, and FAQs

486 Hiking Trails

View Trails on map
Allamakee County Appanoose County Audubon County Benton County Black Hawk County Boone County Bremer County Buchanan County Buena Vista County Butler County Calhoun County Carroll County Cass County Cedar County Cerro Gordo County Clarke County Clay County Clayton County Clinton County Crawford County Dallas County Davenport Davis County Decatur County Delaware County Des Moines County Dickinson County Dubuque County Fayette County Franklin County Fremont County Greene County Guthrie County Hancock County Hardin County Harrison County Henry County Howard County Humboldt County Ida County Iowa County Jackson County Jasper County Jefferson County Johnson County Jones County Keokuk County Lee County Linn County Louisa County Lucas County Lyon County Madison County Mahaska County Marion County Marshall County Mills County Mitchell County Monona County Montgomery County Muscatine County Page County Plymouth County Polk County Pottawattamie County Poweshiek County Ringgold County Sac County Scott County Shelby County Sioux County Story County Tama County Union County Van Buren County Wapello County Warren County Wayne County Webster County Winnebago County Winneshiek County Woodbury County Wright County
Iowa Static Map Photo 1 Photo 1 Photo 1 Photo 1

What to expect

Iowa has 486 trails including medium and easy trails. The trail with the highest elevation climb is the Walk to Riverside Park and the one with the least climb is the American Discovery Trail North Route - Nebraska. The longest trail is American Discovery Trail - Iowa at 872 km. To complete this hike you should budget at least 41 days. For a shorter adventure, you can try the West 4th Street a t 348 m. This could be done in as little as 1 days. Trails with the best offering of hostels include Brown's Woods Road Loop, Prairie Park Loop, Willow Lake and Cricket Creek Loop Trail, Heart Trail via ADT, and River Walk Park Trail.

Guide to hiking in Iowa

Be prepared for hiking in Iowa with the HiiKER app

Hiking app for Iowa
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FAQs about hiking in Iowa

What is the climate like for hiking in Iowa?

Iowa's climate changes significantly with the seasons. Spring, with moderate temperatures and blooming wildflowers, offers ideal hiking conditions.
The summers can be hot and humid but offer the advantage of longer days. Hikers should take adequate precautions to stay hydrated and protect from sunburn.
Autumn brings cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and fall foliage, making it a favorite among hikers. However, winters can be very cold with heavy snowfall. Overall, spring and fall are the best seasons for hiking in Iowa. Check the Iowa Weather Service for detailed forecasts.

Do I need a permit to hike in Iowa?

Return a short guide to permits in Iowa but in the context of hiking and how it may affect hikers. Include information on what agencies or organizations to contact and how to obtain permits. No lists, no bullet points and no hashtags. Paragraphs are fine. Maximum of 50 words. 1 paragraphs.Include any relevant links to external resources.

Is wild camping allowed in Iowa?

Wild camping in Iowa is permitted within most state forests, with exceptions for certain restricted areas. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and observe fire safety rules. For specifics, contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or check the Iowa DNR website.

Are there mountain rescue services in Iowa?

In case of emergencies during hiking in Iowa, call 911. The local authorities coordinate rescue operations, including the county sheriff's office and emergency services. For non-emergency situations, contacting park authorities or the Iowa Department of Natural Resources can be helpful.

Are there dangerous plants in Iowa?

Hikers in Iowa will encounter diverse flora, from prairie grasslands to forested trails rich with oak, hickory, and maple. Wildflowers like the state flower, the wild rose, bloom in abundance during spring. Be cautious of poison ivy. For more info, visit Iowa's DNR website.

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in Iowa?

While hiking in Iowa, expect to encounter a variety of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, raccoons, and various bird species. Insects like mosquitoes and ticks are common, so bring bug repellent. More detailed information can be obtained from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.