Park in the gravel area just south of the entrance to Dunning’s Spring Park. Walk to the waterfall and be sure to take time to walk across the stone bridge …

Renner Anderson

June 27, 2025

Hiking

The water that feeds Dunning Spring comes from near the base of the Galena Aquifer. Beneath this aquifer is the much less permeable Decorah Shale, which acts as a "confining bed" or "floor" for the aquifer. When the Decorah Shale is exposed near the surface of the land, particularly on the sides of river valleys, it causes groundwater to discharge. This process creates beautiful waterfalls and springs, such as Dunning Spring.

Matthew

October 3, 2023

Hiking

Dunning's Spring Park is named after the waterfall that highlights the area. The trails in the park are well-marked and fairly easy for all trail users. This network of trails connects over to the Barnhart-Van Peenen Park trail system.

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Best routes to Dunning's Spring Waterfall

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1. Dunning's Spring Park & Barnhart-Van Peenen Park loop — Decorah, Iowa

7.28km

02:02

140m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

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2. Dunning's Spring Waterfall – River Trail loop from Decorah

6.18km

01:42

100m

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

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Easy

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3. Dunning's Spring Waterfall loop from Decorah

5.96km

01:38

100m

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

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Easy

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Informations

Elevation 310 m

Weather

Saturday 7 February

-3°C

-12°C

-- %

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Location: Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, United States

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Dunning's Spring Waterfall

1. Dunning's Spring Park & Barnhart-Van Peenen Park loop — Decorah, Iowa

2. Dunning's Spring Waterfall – River Trail loop from Decorah

3. Dunning's Spring Waterfall loop from Decorah

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