Hiking is a fun way to stay active and enjoy the natural beauty of the Hawkeye State. If you’re looking for one of the best hikes in Iowa that’s both quiet and peaceful, head to Whiterock Conservancy near Coon Rapids. You’ll find miles and miles of lightly-trafficked trails that are perfect for finding solitude and relaxation in the heart of Iowa’s wilderness. Why is it one of the best hikes in Iowa? Come and see!
Whiterock Conservancy is one of the most unique land trusts in Iowa. This enormous tract balances sustainable agriculture with natural resource protection and is open to the public for recreation all year long.
Facebook / Whiterock Conservancy
There are more than 5,000 acres to explore here, and many of the trails are quiet and peaceful all year long.
Whiterock Conservancy/AllTrails
The Long Creek and Riverside Trails are out of the way and truly tranquil.
AllTrails / IS
Enjoy panoramic views of the Middle Raccoon River from several vistas along the trail, and throughout the park.
Facebook / Whiterock Conservancy
Pack a picnic lunch and spend the whole day finding all the natural treasures Whiterock can show you.
Facebook / Whiterock Conservancy
The Sunrise Trail is another quiet and serene escape from the crowds. You might even have it to yourself!
Facebook / Whiterock Conservancy
If you’re going to hike through Whiterock Conservancy in the winter, be sure to bundle up and let someone know your plans. It’s always good to be prepared.
Facebook / Whiterock Conservancy
Visit Whiterock any time of year for a beautiful and peaceful hike. This nature preserve is one of the most impressive in the Midwest.
Facebook / Whiterock Conservancy
You can learn more about the Whiterock Conservancy and find trail maps, events, and information right here. Whether you’re looking for a winter stroll, fall foliage leaf-peeping trip, or a way to enjoy the weather in the spring and summer, this is one Iowa hike you will fall in love with. Be sure to stick with us at Only In Your State to learn more about all the best hikes in Iowa!
Facebook / Whiterock Conservancy
Whiterock Conservancy/AllTrails
AllTrails / IS
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Address: Whiterock Conservancy, 1436 IA-141, Coon Rapids, IA 50058, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Iowa April 03, 2022 Tori Jane What are the best kid-friendly hikes around Iowa? Considering Iowa is a mostly-flat state, there are really no BAD hikes for kids in Iowa – though some do tend to be more suitable than others. Lucky for those of us with small kids, there’s no such thing as a bad hike in Iowa; the easy ones are just as rewarding as longer, more challenging ones if you ask us – so bring the kids along! Some of our favorite kid-friendly hikes around Iowa include the famous Wildcat Cave Trail, at the Wildcat Cave Wildlife Area. That one is 0.6 miles long and allows hikers young and not-as-young to explore a cave and river. The epic Bridal Veil Trail at Pikes Peak State Park is just one mile long and features excellent views of the Mississippi River, as well as a lovely boardwalk trail down to a waterfall you can walk behind! Then, be sure to take the little ones along on the George Wyth Mine Trail at the George Wyth State Park for some lovely wildflowers galore. As we said, there’s really no such thing as a bad hiking trail in Iowa, so do your best to go explore. What are some of the best parks in Iowa for hiking? Iowa’s parks and state parks are excellent for hiking in general, and the vast majority of them have lots of choices when it comes to great hikes to do. Some of our favorite places for hiking in Iowa include state parks like Backbone State Park (do the Backbone Trail for the ultimate experience), Ledges State Park (often called the “best place to hike in central Iowa” according to hiker reviews), Palisades-Kepler State Park (christened as the “best place to hike in Linn County”), and finally, the Waubonsie State Park in Loess Hills (which has more than 16 miles of awesome hikes to do). Of course, those are just the start of it; there are 83 amazing state parks and recreation areas crammed into this little state of ours, meaning there’s an almost never-ending supply of fun things to do outside in Iowa.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Iowa
April 03, 2022
Tori Jane
What are the best kid-friendly hikes around Iowa? Considering Iowa is a mostly-flat state, there are really no BAD hikes for kids in Iowa – though some do tend to be more suitable than others. Lucky for those of us with small kids, there’s no such thing as a bad hike in Iowa; the easy ones are just as rewarding as longer, more challenging ones if you ask us – so bring the kids along! Some of our favorite kid-friendly hikes around Iowa include the famous Wildcat Cave Trail, at the Wildcat Cave Wildlife Area. That one is 0.6 miles long and allows hikers young and not-as-young to explore a cave and river. The epic Bridal Veil Trail at Pikes Peak State Park is just one mile long and features excellent views of the Mississippi River, as well as a lovely boardwalk trail down to a waterfall you can walk behind! Then, be sure to take the little ones along on the George Wyth Mine Trail at the George Wyth State Park for some lovely wildflowers galore. As we said, there’s really no such thing as a bad hiking trail in Iowa, so do your best to go explore. What are some of the best parks in Iowa for hiking? Iowa’s parks and state parks are excellent for hiking in general, and the vast majority of them have lots of choices when it comes to great hikes to do. Some of our favorite places for hiking in Iowa include state parks like Backbone State Park (do the Backbone Trail for the ultimate experience), Ledges State Park (often called the “best place to hike in central Iowa” according to hiker reviews), Palisades-Kepler State Park (christened as the “best place to hike in Linn County”), and finally, the Waubonsie State Park in Loess Hills (which has more than 16 miles of awesome hikes to do). Of course, those are just the start of it; there are 83 amazing state parks and recreation areas crammed into this little state of ours, meaning there’s an almost never-ending supply of fun things to do outside in Iowa.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Considering Iowa is a mostly-flat state, there are really no BAD hikes for kids in Iowa – though some do tend to be more suitable than others. Lucky for those of us with small kids, there’s no such thing as a bad hike in Iowa; the easy ones are just as rewarding as longer, more challenging ones if you ask us – so bring the kids along! Some of our favorite kid-friendly hikes around Iowa include the famous Wildcat Cave Trail, at the Wildcat Cave Wildlife Area. That one is 0.6 miles long and allows hikers young and not-as-young to explore a cave and river. The epic Bridal Veil Trail at Pikes Peak State Park is just one mile long and features excellent views of the Mississippi River, as well as a lovely boardwalk trail down to a waterfall you can walk behind! Then, be sure to take the little ones along on the George Wyth Mine Trail at the George Wyth State Park for some lovely wildflowers galore. As we said, there’s really no such thing as a bad hiking trail in Iowa, so do your best to go explore.
What are some of the best parks in Iowa for hiking?
Iowa’s parks and state parks are excellent for hiking in general, and the vast majority of them have lots of choices when it comes to great hikes to do. Some of our favorite places for hiking in Iowa include state parks like Backbone State Park (do the Backbone Trail for the ultimate experience), Ledges State Park (often called the “best place to hike in central Iowa” according to hiker reviews), Palisades-Kepler State Park (christened as the “best place to hike in Linn County”), and finally, the Waubonsie State Park in Loess Hills (which has more than 16 miles of awesome hikes to do). Of course, those are just the start of it; there are 83 amazing state parks and recreation areas crammed into this little state of ours, meaning there’s an almost never-ending supply of fun things to do outside in Iowa.
