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Iowa

Iowa

Easy hikes and walks in Iowa

4.8

(38)

767

hikers

127

hikes

Exploring Iowa on foot is a delightful way to connect with nature. To help you make the most of your adventures, we’ve compiled the top easy hikes and walks in Iowa. Perfect for short hikes, kid-friendly excursions, and family-friendly outings, these routes offer something for everyone.

Last updated: October 1, 2025

hikers

1. Gray's Lake Park loop — Des Moines, Iowa

3.14km

00:48

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.7

(3)

hikers

2. North Loop — Brown's Woods — West Des Moines

4.99km

01:20

50m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

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hikers

3. Easter Lake Park loop — Des Moines, Iowa

6.84km

01:44

20m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

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4. Tallgrass Trail loop — Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

3.64km

00:57

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

hikers

5. Ada Hayden Heritage Park loop — Story County, Iowa

6.42km

01:38

20m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

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6. Big Woods Lake loop — Black Hawk County, Iowa

3.60km

00:54

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

5.0

(2)

hikers

7. Peggy's Trail loop — ISU Applied Sciences Complex (Reactor Woods)

3.26km

00:51

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

5.0

(1)

hikers

8. Gay Lea Wilson Trail loop — Copper Creek Lake Park — Pleasant Hill

1.99km

00:30

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

9. Maquoketa Caves State Park loop — Jackson County, Iowa

2.39km

00:39

30m

40m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

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10. McFarland Park loop — Story County, Iowa

4.56km

01:11

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Johnson County Winneshiek County Clayton County Linn County Mills County Polk County Warren County Jackson County Pottawattamie County Pottawattamie County Scott County Scott County Madison County Story County Dallas County Allamakee County Boone County Boone County

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Easy hikes and walks in Iowa

1. Gray's Lake Park loop — Des Moines, Iowa

2. North Loop — Brown's Woods — West Des Moines

3. Easter Lake Park loop — Des Moines, Iowa

4. Tallgrass Trail loop — Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

5. Ada Hayden Heritage Park loop — Story County, Iowa

6. Big Woods Lake loop — Black Hawk County, Iowa

7. Peggy's Trail loop — ISU Applied Sciences Complex (Reactor Woods)

8. Gay Lea Wilson Trail loop — Copper Creek Lake Park — Pleasant Hill

9. Maquoketa Caves State Park loop — Jackson County, Iowa

10. McFarland Park loop — Story County, Iowa

Other adventures in Iowa

Most popular routes in Iowa

Most popular attractions in Iowa

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