Earlham Iowa HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Earlham, Iowa.
1. Goeldner Woods County Park
Woodland Wildflower Trails. Meander through lush 44-acre woodlands beside scenic picnic spots. Catch dazzling wildflower displays and spot vibrant birds in spring. Enjoy gentle loops on level ground for relaxing, easy hikes.
< MORE INFO >2. Kuehn Conservation Area
Riverside Nature Preserve. Explore 770 acres brimming with wildlife along the South Raccoon River. Trek sandbars, stroll native prairie, and discover peaceful woodland. Enjoy birdwatching, stargazing, and seasonal naturalist-led hikes.
< MORE INFO >3. Fellowship Forest
Peaceful Forest Trails. Wander a level, scenic mile-long trail through tranquil woods. Easily accessible from the pond dam, perfect for casual strolls or winter cross-country skiing. Savor quiet corners and wildlife glimpses.
< MORE INFO >4. Criss Cove
Campground Loop Walk. Circle the west half of the park on a trail that connects the campground with a peaceful pond. Enjoy easy terrain suited for families and beginners. Pause by the water for serene views and relaxation.
< MORE INFO >5. Clanton Creek Natural Resource Area
Expansive Creek Trails. Journey across a five-mile trail network winding through diverse wildlife habitat. Trail markers every quarter-mile help you chart your adventure. Traverse everything from wooded hills to open prairies.
< MORE INFO >6. Pammel State Park
State Park Adventure. Three distinct trails—Backbone, Lodge, and Interpretive—offer varied hiking from steep climbs to educational loops. Marvel at limestone bluffs, ancient trees, and wide-open meadows. Trails suit a range of abilities, from easy walks to moderate hikes.
< MORE INFO >7. Raccoon River Valley Trail
Rails-to-Trails Gem. Pedal or hike along a 89-mile paved trail winding through prairies, farms, and towns. Enjoy sweeping scenery and easy, flat terrain perfect for all ages. Watch for deer, songbirds, and wildflowers year-round.
< MORE INFO >8. Neal Smith Trail
Urban-Nature Escape. Travel 26 miles from downtown Des Moines to Saylorville Lake, skirting the Des Moines River. Experience wooded valleys, open parks, and river vistas. Ideal for hikers and cyclists seeking a scenic day out.
< MORE INFO >9. Walnut Woods State Park
Shaded Riverside Walks. Stroll through dense oak and hickory forest along the Raccoon River. Relax under tall trees and spot spring wildflowers and migratory birds. Easy, well-marked trails offer tranquil nature moments close to the city.
< MORE INFO >10. Brown's Woods
Metro Forest Haven. Hike the largest urban forest in Iowa with winding dirt trails and rolling hills. Marvel at sturdy old-growth trees and scenic overlooks. Choose from easy to moderate loops for a woodsy adventure minutes from downtown.
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