All Hiking Trails in Iowa

3,512 trails mapped across Iowa. Search by trail name, city, or county.

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More on hiking in Iowa

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Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

The 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.

By The OutsideAtlas Team8 min
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

Iowa's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain

Steep is hard. These are the ten Iowa trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team3 min
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Iowa

Ten gentle, well-marked Iowa trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.

By The OutsideAtlas Team8 min
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Iowa

Iowa's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.

By The OutsideAtlas Team3 min
Going down the Grand Canyon. Seeing our destination from afar. So worth! If you find this picture useful, consider donating! Venmo: @diegonachoPhoto: Diego Lozano
Parks & Travel

The 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.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

Best 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.

By The OutsideAtlas Team5 min