Iowa is not known for…much of anything, aside from being the first place where the Republicans and Democrats nominate their respective parties’ presidential candidates. But this state, with a mainly agricultural past, has some exciting surprises.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the magic of Iowa takes places on the trails that crisscross the state and in the many well-kept state parks. Mountain bikers, road cyclists, and hikers will find plenty of adventure on these paths and in these parks. They will also witness a surprisingly diverse landscape that goes well beyond the stereotype of cornfields and flat prairies.
One of the state’s major events is centered around bicycles. The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, usually referred to by the acronym RAGBRAI, is a yearly event that draws two-wheel enthusiasts from across the nation. The seven-day ride is sponsored by the Des Moines Register newspaper. It occurs in July and pre-registration is required (http://ragbrai.com).
For those who prefer to do their pedaling alone or in a smaller group, Iowa has plenty of trails from the Eastern bluff country to the Western prairie-lands. Some of these routes allow cyclists a chance to cross the entire state.
Hikers also have plenty of options. Ledges State Park, near Des Moines, has trails that loop through the area’s scenic bluff country. Some of the walks are quite strenuous, but the views are incredible. Maquoketa Caves State Park only has 6 miles of trails, but its network of caves draws spelunkers of all skill levels.
On the Western side of the state, Hitchcock Natural Area (located in the Iowa portion of the Omaha metro), offers access to some of Iowa’s most diverse landscapes. Features range from densely wooded hollows to rolling prairies to steep bluffs. All this is located within a six mile radius. Hitchcock is also known as being the home of many birds of prey.
Trails.com keeps an updated list of Iowa’s best hikes on its web site here.
