Hiking Trails & Parks in Johnston, Iowa
46 hiking & walking trails and 5parks, recreation areas & campgrounds in Johnston, located in Polk County, Iowa. Free trail map for every listing.
About Outdoor Recreation in Johnston, Iowa
Johnston offers 46 mapped hiking trails and 5 federally managed parks within the city or nearby. Located in Polk County, Iowa, it’s a starting point for hikers, campers, and casual nature seekers.
Explore more nearby: Polk County overview, all Polk County trails, or statewide Iowa list.
Parks & Campgrounds in Johnston
Hiking Trails in Johnston
Curated Guides for Johnston
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there hiking trails in Johnston, Polk County, Iowa?
Yes — we have 46 mapped hiking and walking trails in Johnston, Polk County, Iowa, sourced from OpenStreetMap. Browse the full list below, with distance, elevation, and difficulty for each.
What is the best hiking trail in Johnston, Polk County, Iowa for families?
Beaver Creek Greenbelt Trail near Johnston is one of the best family picks in Johnston, Polk County, Iowa — easy difficulty, short enough for kids and first-timers. See the full family hiking guide below for more options.
Is there a trail map for Johnston, Polk County, Iowa?
Each of the 46 trails in Johnston, Polk County, Iowa has its own page with an interactive map, GPS coordinates, and a link to view it on OpenStreetMap — no app or account needed.
What parks and recreation areas are in Johnston, Polk County, Iowa?
Johnston, Polk County, Iowa has 5 parks, recreation areas, and federal facilities in our index (1 classified as recreation areas). Each listing includes activities, photos where available, and directions.
Can I go camping in Johnston, Polk County, Iowa?
Yes — 3 of Johnston, Polk County, Iowa's parks have mapped campsites, from first-come sites to Recreation.gov reservations. The largest is BOB SHETLER RECREATION AREA with 67 sites. See the full campgrounds guide below for the ranked list.
Where can I find hiking trails and parks near Johnston, Polk County, Iowa?
Browse all hiking trails, walking trails, parks, and campgrounds across Polk County for more options beyond Johnston, Polk County, Iowa.
From the OutsideAtlas Blog
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Photo: Sergei AkulichThe Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Iowa
Ten gentle, well-marked Iowa trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.
Photo: Tobias MrzykThe 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Iowa
Iowa's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.
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Federal parks and recreation areas in Iowa ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.
Photo: Tobias MrzykBest Waterfall Hikes in Iowa: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close
Iowa's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.