Iowa’s parks and forests are more crowded than ever, and it can be hard to find solitude if you’re looking for a wilderness escape. Make a plan to visit some of the most remote hikes in Iowa – featured below – and head out on an adventure that will show you a brand new side of the Hawkeye State.
- Schildberg Recreation Area, Atlantic
AllTrails / Kathy Somers The beautiful loop trail at Schildberg Recreation Area takes you on a 6-mile journey, and you’re unlikely to encounter anyone else! The lake views are beautiful, particularly at sunset, but be sure to put on bug spray before heading out.
- Lake Of Three Fires Loop, Bedford
AlllTrails / Jason Laxton Many Iowans don’t know about Lake of Three Fires State Park, but it’s worth tracking down! You can hike for miles through the grassy trails, but the most common loop is 2.9 miles and shows off stunning wildflowers and pretty lake views. You’ll love every step.
- Nation’s Bridge Trail, Stuart
AllTrails / Todd Shepherd If you’re a trail runner, you’ll want to visit Nations Bridge County Park. This relatively flat trail follows the river and the views will encourage you to keep on discovering more! The loop trail is an easy 1.2 miles.
- Belva-Deer Lake Loop, Sigourney
AllTrails / Ashley Glenn This 6.2-mile lake loop trail shows off the beauty of Belva-Deer! Most of the trail takes you through mossy woods and hard-packed ground, so it’s an easy stoll despite the mileage.
- Ingawanis Woodlands Loop, Janesville
AllTrails / John Johnson Whether you’re looking for a short hike or a longer trek, you’ll find one of the most remote hikes in Iowa here along the Ingawanis Woodlands. This shady loop trail can be modified into a shorter stroll, but the trail itself will showcase nearly 7 miles of wonderful woodlands.
- Chief Wapello Trail, Ottumwa
AllTrails / Doug Neidholdt The Garrison Rock Resource Management Area is home to one of the most underrated remote hikes in Iowa. The Chief Wapello Trail is just 1.7 miles out and back, but along the way you’ll find a cave and a waterfall.
- Shell Rock River Greenbelt Trail, Nora Springs
AllTrails / Nick Kmoch Are you looking for a longer trail to explore? Enjoy a half-marathon worth of trekking along the Shell Rock River Greenbelt Trail. On the 13.1-mile journey, you’ll discover glimpses into the past. Be sure to stop and appreciate the trail’s historic covered bridge.
- Waterman Prairie Loop, Sutherland
AllTrails / Sam McMillan Waterman Prairie is one of the most remote hikes in Iowa. Most of the trail is an old wildlife management road that has grown over, and now you can enjoy 1.7 miles along a loop trail that showcases some of the best wildlife spotting around. In the fall, be aware of hunting season.
- Creek-Woods Trail, Algona
Flickr / Patrick Boberg Ambrose A. Call State Park is one of Iowa’s quietest wonders, and the Creek-Woods Trail is a highlight of this lightly-trafficked park. Enjoy a 1.4-mile loop trail that showcases the breathtaking and dense forests of the region.
What’s your favorite remote hike in Iowa? Let us know by nominating it, here! Who knows, you might see your top trails featured some day soon.
AllTrails / Kathy Somers
The beautiful loop trail at Schildberg Recreation Area takes you on a 6-mile journey, and you’re unlikely to encounter anyone else! The lake views are beautiful, particularly at sunset, but be sure to put on bug spray before heading out.
AlllTrails / Jason Laxton
Many Iowans don’t know about Lake of Three Fires State Park, but it’s worth tracking down! You can hike for miles through the grassy trails, but the most common loop is 2.9 miles and shows off stunning wildflowers and pretty lake views. You’ll love every step.
AllTrails / Todd Shepherd
If you’re a trail runner, you’ll want to visit Nations Bridge County Park. This relatively flat trail follows the river and the views will encourage you to keep on discovering more! The loop trail is an easy 1.2 miles.
AllTrails / Ashley Glenn
This 6.2-mile lake loop trail shows off the beauty of Belva-Deer! Most of the trail takes you through mossy woods and hard-packed ground, so it’s an easy stoll despite the mileage.
AllTrails / John Johnson
Whether you’re looking for a short hike or a longer trek, you’ll find one of the most remote hikes in Iowa here along the Ingawanis Woodlands. This shady loop trail can be modified into a shorter stroll, but the trail itself will showcase nearly 7 miles of wonderful woodlands.
AllTrails / Doug Neidholdt
The Garrison Rock Resource Management Area is home to one of the most underrated remote hikes in Iowa. The Chief Wapello Trail is just 1.7 miles out and back, but along the way you’ll find a cave and a waterfall.
AllTrails / Nick Kmoch
Are you looking for a longer trail to explore? Enjoy a half-marathon worth of trekking along the Shell Rock River Greenbelt Trail. On the 13.1-mile journey, you’ll discover glimpses into the past. Be sure to stop and appreciate the trail’s historic covered bridge.
AllTrails / Sam McMillan
Waterman Prairie is one of the most remote hikes in Iowa. Most of the trail is an old wildlife management road that has grown over, and now you can enjoy 1.7 miles along a loop trail that showcases some of the best wildlife spotting around. In the fall, be aware of hunting season.
Flickr / Patrick Boberg
Ambrose A. Call State Park is one of Iowa’s quietest wonders, and the Creek-Woods Trail is a highlight of this lightly-trafficked park. Enjoy a 1.4-mile loop trail that showcases the breathtaking and dense forests of the region.
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Address: Schildberg Recreation Area, 102 Buck Creek Rd, Atlantic, IA 50022, USA
