Hiking Trails & Parks in Ames, Iowa
27 hiking & walking trails and 0parks, recreation areas & campgrounds in Ames, located in Story County, Iowa. Free trail map for every listing.
About Outdoor Recreation in Ames, Iowa
Ames offers 27 mapped hiking trails and 0 federally managed parks within the city or nearby. Located in Story County, Iowa, it’s a starting point for hikers, campers, and casual nature seekers.
Explore more nearby: Story County overview, all Story County trails, or statewide Iowa list.
Hiking Trails in Ames
Curated Guides for Ames
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there hiking trails in Ames, Story County, Iowa?
Yes — we have 27 mapped hiking and walking trails in Ames, Story County, Iowa, sourced from OpenStreetMap. Browse the full list below, with distance, elevation, and difficulty for each.
What is the best hiking trail in Ames, Story County, Iowa for families?
Agora near Ames is one of the best family picks in Ames, Story 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 Ames, Story County, Iowa?
Each of the 27 trails in Ames, Story 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 Ames, Story County, Iowa?
We don't have parks or recreation areas mapped in Ames, Story County, Iowa yet.
Can I go camping in Ames, Story County, Iowa?
We don't show any campgrounds with mapped campsites in Ames, Story County, Iowa right now — check the county level for more camping options nearby.
Where can I find hiking trails and parks near Ames, Story County, Iowa?
Browse all hiking trails, walking trails, parks, and campgrounds across Story County for more options beyond Ames, Story County, Iowa.
From the OutsideAtlas Blog
Photo: Sergei AkulichThe 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Iowa, Ranked
Iowa's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.
Photo: Tobias MrzykIowa's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain
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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.
Photo: Diego LozanoThe Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Iowa
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.