There’s no doubt about it, there is no shortage of places in Iowa that have beautiful scenery during the fall. But this hike in particular will totally blow you away with its picturesque scenic vistas, amazing fall foliage, waterfalls and wildlife. For a truly unforgettable hike, make sure to take a trip to Pikes Peak State Park.
Located in McGregor, Iowa, Pikes Peak State Park is nearly a thousand acres in size and offers some of the most beautiful scenery available in the state.
Flickr/Ellen Macdonald
This trail is 4.1 miles out and back, and on it, you’ll see all kinds of lush and rugged natural beauty, like wooded bluffs and valleys, fossil remains and Bridal Veil Falls.
Flickr/DMichael Burns
The landscape in Pikes Peak is unique to that of Iowa, as it is located in the “Paleozoic Plateau” that wasn’t flattened and molded by glaciers as was the rest of the state.
Flickr/Neal Wellons
Because of this unique history, you’ll experience a diverse array of terrain, from vistas overlooked by one of the highest bluffs in the state to to spring-fed streams to large wooded areas.
Flickr/Carl Wycoff
Pikes Peak State Park is part of a larger complex of parks, including the Effigy Mounds National Monument, the Yellow River State Forest, the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge and the Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge.
Flickr/Mike Willis
At the end of the trail, you’ll find a lookout on a 500-foot-bluff, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the land below.
Flickr/Todd Ehlers
You’ll also see the confluence of where the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers meet, and the bridges that connect Iowa and Wisconsin.
Flickr/Jason Mrachina
Not to mention the gorgeous colors of the fall foliage…
Flickr/Neal Wellons
The spectacular views at Pikes Peak State Park are some of the most gorgeous in the entire state.
Flickr/Jason Mrachina
Everyone in Iowa, natives and visitors alike, should experience them at least once in their lives.
Flickr/Jason Mrachina
Address: 32264 Pikes Peak Rd., McGregor, IA.
Flickr/Ellen Macdonald
Flickr/DMichael Burns
Flickr/Neal Wellons
Flickr/Carl Wycoff
Flickr/Mike Willis
Flickr/Todd Ehlers
Flickr/Jason Mrachina
Have you been hiking in Pikes Peak State Park? What was your experience like? For more awesome Iowa hikes, check out 10 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Iowa.
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