8 spots for wonderful winter hikes in Iowa

These eight state parks and trails in Iowa offer opportunities for winter hikes, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

When you’re cooped up in the house, winter in Iowa can feel like it drags on and on. Well, you don’t have to hibernate while the cold settles in. Add a few layers, pull out the wool socks, lace up your winter boots, and head out to these spots across the state that will have you hiking in a winter wonderland.

Whether you prefer to go on foot,  snowshoe, or cross-country skis, these parks and their trails offer a unique adventure to see the beauty of Iowa’s landscape during the cold weather months. Read on to discover eight winter hikes around Iowa. 

1. Prairie Rose State Park

Harlan

You’ve got options when it comes to hiking in Prairie Rose State Park in Harlan, that is as long as the snow cooperates. You can snowshoe, hike, or cross-country ski along the seven miles of trails through the rolling hills of western Iowa. You’ll get a nice view of the lake within the park, which is uniquely beautiful when frozen over for winter. And check for cool ice formations along the spillway. You’ll also wander through the native prairie and through the pine trees as you cover some of the 422 acres of this park in southwest Iowa. Also, weather permitting, you can enjoy the snowmobiling trail through Prairie Rose State Park. 

2. Ledges State Park

Madrid

This beautiful park in central Iowa is a favorite for many in the state and the bare trees in the winter months help reveal more of the landscape’s beauty and the sandstone ledges that are the park’s namesake. There are 4.5 miles of trails throughout the park to enjoy, along with the snow-packed Canyon Drive. There are some steep trails in the park that you want to bring the proper footwear for or avoid during colder months. But don’t worry, as there is a looped, flatter trail to Lost Lake that is easier to navigate in any season. If you are quiet and lucky you might encounter some wildlife out for a winter excursion as well. 

3. Pilot Knob State Park

Forest City

This is one of the first parks created in Iowa’s state park system. It first opened in 1924, so as you hike around, you can think about the 100 years of history and visitors the park has seen. This park also takes you to one of the highest elevations in north central Iowa, offering sweeping views of the surrounding winter landscape. Make sure to hike up to the observation tower—on the National Register of Historic Places—for an unobstructed view for miles around. The trails throughout the park are great for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and snowmobiling. If you’re lucky, you might also see some dog sledders in the park. Pilot Knob State Park does also have a warming house available to reserve if the temperatures dip really low. 

4. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

Palo

This popular park in eastern Iowa is a great spot for a long winter hike. There are nine miles of trails to explore, and they are multi-use, which means you can hike, cross-country ski, or even snowmobile along them. And pretty much no matter where you are in the park, you have a lovely view of the lake, which spans 410 acres and is also a very popular ice fishing spot. There is plenty of parking and several access points for the trails, so you can decide how long and strenuous you’d like your hike to be. Remember that this is a state recreation area, which means it’s also open for hunting and trapping. Take note of what seasons are open and wearing some safety orange on your hike may be a smart idea as well. 

5. Stephens State Forest

Chariton

This park in south-central Iowa is the state’s largest. While it is very popular with snowmobilers (thanks to some 30 miles of roads and paths throughout the area), it’s also a great spot for a winter wander on foot (even if wearing snowshoes or cross-country skis). There are 15,500 acres to explore across five counties—the forest is actually divided up into seven units. The wildlife watching is exceptional as many trails will take you deep into the woodlands, and you’ll find several ponds scattered throughout the area, making this a very picturesque cold weather adventure. 

6. Backbone State Park

Dundee

Backbone State Park seems to make the list every time there’s a round-up of great hiking spots. But it’s certainly earned it. Located in northwestern Iowa, this is the state’s oldest state park, and with age comes beauty. Hiking through the park in the winter months offers wonderful views of the surrounding landscape and its stunningly unique geography and rock outcroppings. There are 21 miles of trails to explore, seven of which through the forest do not allow snowmobilers, making them ideal for a quiet hike. Use caution if you plan to make it up to The Devil’s Backbone, the highest point in northeast Iowa, during cold weather months. If you need to warm up, check to see if the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum is open for a visit so you can learn more about the park’s history as well. 

7. Pine Lake State Park

Eldora

This lesser-known state park is a perfect haven for a long winter’s walk. Nestled alongside farmland, this park offers surprising topography, with wooded trails, deep ravines, and scenic lake views that are spectacular with a blanket of snow. There is a 2.5-mile trail to Eldora that runs along the bluffs of the Iowa River. The bike trail in the park is also great for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. You can check on the progress of the pine tree seedlings planted over a decade ago to help restore Iowa’s southernmost stand of native pine trees that were wiped out by a storm in 2009. And a stay in the historic stone cabins—built years ago but updated with modern amenities—could make for a nice winter staycation as well. Several include stone fireplaces and outdoor fire rings and it doesn’t get much cozier than that after a winter hike. 

8. Green Valley State Park

Creston

This park in southwestern Iowa is another great spot for a winter hike. There are nearly 10 miles of trail to explore, part of which (about three-and-a-half miles)  is paved and kept clear during winter weather for those looking to stay off the snow. The grassy part of the trail (another six miles) is great for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, taking you along the west side of the lake. You’re likely to see people ice fishing out on Green Valley Lake. Hopefully, you can spot some of the park’s diverse wildlife as well. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

READ MORE: Seven Haunted Places In Iowa To Visit