Best Hiking Trails in Iowa City
Best Hiking Trails in Iowa City
Iowa City offers a variety of scenic hiking trails, perfect for all skill levels. Whether you prefer shaded woodland paths or open prairie landscapes, the area provides excellent opportunities to enjoy nature while staying active. The trails here highlight the regionās natural beauty, featuring diverse ecosystems, wildlife sightings, and historical landmarks.
Adventure Guide to Hiking
Hickory Hill Park
- Location: 1439 E Bloomington St, Iowa City, IA
- What Makes It Special: This 190-acre park features winding dirt trails through wooded areas, open fields, and along a small creek. Wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys, and foxes can be spotted.
- Key Features: Multiple loop trails range from easy to moderate difficulty. Wooden footbridges cross the creek, and there are picnic areas for a mid-hike break.
Lake Macbride State Park
- Location: Approximately 15 miles north of Iowa City, near Solon, IA
- What Makes It Special: This state park provides a mix of lakeside trails and forested paths, offering scenic views of Lake Macbride. The crushed limestone trails are suitable for all abilities. Popular routes include the North Shore Trail and Beach-to-Dam Trail.
- Key Features: Fishing spots, kayak rentals, and picnic shelters provide additional outdoor activities. The park connects to the Sugar Bottom trail system for those seeking more distance.
Terry Trueblood Recreation Area
- Location: 579 McCollister Blvd, Iowa City, IA
- What Makes It Special: A well-maintained trail loop surrounds Sand Lake, making it a great choice for beginners or those looking for a relaxing walk. The mainly flat, paved trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- Key Features: Kayak and paddleboard rentals, restrooms, and open green spaces for picnicking make this a versatile recreation area.
Local Insights
- Wildflowers & Prairie Grasses: Spring and summer hikes reveal colorful native plants, while fall showcases golden prairie landscapes.
- University Influence: Many paths near the University of Iowa are used by students and faculty for research and relaxation.
Visitor Tips
- Best Times to Visit: Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer can be humid.
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen, and bug spray.
- Driving Directions: Hickory Hill Park is a 10-minute drive from downtown. Lake Macbride is about a 25-minute drive north. Terry Trueblood is 8 minutes south of downtown.
Adventure Map
Reviews
Sayan Das6 years ago
Just a few steps away from the local HyVee is this beautiful park! There are numerous trails, most of which either circle back, or lead to various open spaces and park entrances.
You would have to be extraordinarily unlucky not to see a few deers. The trails are through the woods, and you can hear numerous birds, and occasionally deers. It's a splendid walk. You can introspect in the heart of narure, or you can keep your eyes open for birds, deers, butterflies, and various tiny creatures. It's easy to lose track of time in this splendid park.
The only criticism I have is that there aren't enough info about the park (at least in the Conklin lane entrance).
Crystal Ball3 months ago
Great park. Friendly dogs. Dogs water fountain. Decent bathroom building not porta potty. Shelter house. Clear trails. Family friendly. Clean trails. Beautiful views.
Reannah Jones2 years ago
What a unique park, in that it has 7 entrances with many rough paths that are shortcuts to get to areas of the park a lot faster! Not only that, but the park is attached to the Pappy Dickens Preserve, which is beautiful! I've, personally, never seen a city park quite like this. You can learn about so many different plants, trees, birds, and other critters here including, but not limited to the Shagbark Hickory tree, what I believe the park is named after. š³ You can hear owls in the middle of the day, which I personally find to be a wonderful outdoors experience. The city plans to expand the park, in the near future, too, which means this park is flourishing! I absolutely love it that they are making an effort to restore prairie throughout this park. It's a good sign for nature (especially given that there's so little native prairie land in Iowa)! This park is well worth getting to know.
Grace B4 years ago
Beautiful park, well maintained trails
One issue is signage, easy to get mildly lost if you don't follow the main trails
Picnic tables and benches are scattered around the park
Alexei Hockenberg5 months ago
Great spot for photography, foraging, and generally getting a bit of nature.
