Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. Raccoon River Valley Trail
A 94-mile long trail extending from Boone to Des Moines, perfect for hikers and bikers alike. It follows the Raccoon River, offering beautiful landscapes and wildlife sightings.
- Length: Longest paved recreational trail in Iowa
- Scenic Beauty: Follows the scenic Raccoon River
- Accessibility: Paved and accessible for all levels of hiking and biking
2. High Trestle Trail Bridge
A spectacular pedestrian bridge crossing the Des Moines River. Known for its unique design and nighttime light show.
- Design: Stunning, award-winning architectural design
- Length: 13 stories high and 1,401 feet long
- Experience: Nighttime light show creates a unique hiking experience
3. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
A haven for wildlife and birds, with over 200 species observed annually. It offers hiking trails of various lengths and difficulties.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to over 200 bird species
- Size: Covering 8,653 acres
- Trail Variety: Offers hiking trails for various levels and preferences
4. Prairie City State Park
An Iowa gem featuring over 20 miles of hiking trails through restored tallgrass prairies and forests. It offers a glimpse into Iowa's past with historic buildings.
- Historic Buildings: Includes over 40 historic structures
- Prairie Restoration: One of the largest tallgrass prairie restoration projects in the world
- Trail Variety: Offers various hiking trails through restored prairies and forests
5. Puddlejumper Trail
A beautiful trail located in Polk City, Iowa, featuring a variety of landscapes, including wooded areas and prairies.
- Variety: Offers a mix of wooded areas, prairies, and wetlands
- Scenic Beauty: Features beautiful landscapes and wildlife sightings
- Length: Approximately 7 miles in length
6. Chichaqua Bottoms Wildlife Management Area
A unique area with diverse habitats, including wetlands, forests, and prairies. It offers hiking trails for wildlife observation.
- Habitat Diversity: Includes wetlands, forests, and prairies
- Wildlife Observation: Ideal for observing a variety of wildlife species
- Trail Variety: Offers various trails of different lengths and difficulties
7. Loess Hills Scenic Byway
A scenic drive through the Loess Hills, offering opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the Loess Hills
- Geological Interest: Features unique loess soil formations
- Wildlife Observation: Ideal for observing a variety of wildlife species
8. Ledges State Park
A beautiful state park featuring hiking trails with stunning views of the Des Moines River.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the Des Moines River
- Geological Interest: Features unique geological formations known as 'ledges'
- Trail Variety: Offers various hiking trails of different lengths and difficulties
9. Makonde State Park
A peaceful state park offering hiking trails through wooded areas, along the Des Moines River.
- Scenic Beauty: Features beautiful wooded areas and river views
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful, relaxing environment for hiking
- Trail Variety: Offers various hiking trails of different lengths and difficulties
10. Pioneer Trail State Park
A historical state park with hiking trails offering a glimpse into Iowa's past.
- Historic Interest: Provides insight into early Iowa settlement
- Trail Variety: Offers various hiking trails of different lengths and difficulties
- Scenic Beauty: Features beautiful wooded areas and prairies
11. Springbrook Park
A city park featuring hiking trails through a variety of habitats, including wetlands and forests.
- Habitat Diversity: Includes wetlands, forests, and grasslands
- Scenic Beauty: Offers beautiful views of the Des Moines River and surrounding landscapes
- Trail Variety: Offers various hiking trails of different lengths and difficulties
12. Saylorville Lake Recreation Area
A recreational area featuring hiking trails through wooded areas and along the shore of Saylorville Lake.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers beautiful views of Saylorville Lake and surrounding landscapes
- Recreational Activities: Includes boating, fishing, and camping opportunities
- Trail Variety: Offers various hiking trails of different lengths and difficulties
13. Windsor Heights Park
A city park featuring hiking trails through wooded areas and along a creek.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers beautiful views of the wooded areas and creek
- Relaxing Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful, relaxing environment for hiking
- Trail Variety: Offers various hiking trails of different lengths and difficulties
14. Yellow Banks Park
A city park featuring hiking trails through wooded areas and along the Des Moines River.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers beautiful views of the wooded areas and Des Moines River
- Relaxing Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful, relaxing environment for hiking
- Trail Variety: Offers various hiking trails of different lengths and difficulties
15. Wolf Creek Park
A city park featuring hiking trails through wooded areas and along a creek.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers beautiful views of the wooded areas and creek
- Relaxing Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful, relaxing environment for hiking
- Trail Variety: Offers various hiking trails of different lengths and difficulties