Hiking & Outdoor Adventures Nearby in Des Moines, Iowa, United States
1. Raccoon River Valley Trail
A 96-mile long trail connecting Des Moines with other cities, perfect for biking or hiking.
- Length: One of the longest paved trails in Iowa
- Connectivity: Links several cities and communities, offering diverse landscapes
- Activities: Includes opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation
2. Prairie City State Park
Preserved historic town offering hiking trails, horseback riding, and more.
- Historic Town: Authentic representation of an 1800s Iowa town
- Activities: Includes activities such as horseback riding, camping, and fishing
- Hiking Trails: Offers several hiking trails with varying difficulty levels
3. Merrill Park and Pioneer Ridge Trail
A scenic park offering a challenging trail, wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Challenging Trail: Includes steep inclines and rugged terrain
- Wildlife Viewing: Known for diverse wildlife, including deer and turkey
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning views of Des Moines River Valley
4. Stratford Covered Bridge
Historic covered bridge perfect for a short hike in nature.
- Historical Significance: One of the few remaining covered bridges in Iowa
- Short Hike: Ideal for a quick, easy hike to enjoy nature
- Scenic Location: Set amidst beautiful wooded surroundings along the Middle River
5. Boyer Chute Nature Preserve
Wilderness preserve with hiking trails and opportunities for birdwatching.
- Wilderness Preserve: Preserves native prairie, wetlands, and woodlands
- Hiking Trails: Offers several hiking trails with varying difficulty levels
- Birdwatching: Known for its diverse bird population, including bald eagles
6. High Trestle Trail Bridge
Iconic pedestrian bridge offering a unique hiking experience.
- Iconic Structure: Award-winning, lighted pedestrian bridge
- Unique Views: Provides panoramic views of the Middle River Valley
- Hiking Experience: Part of the 250-mile High Trestle Trail connecting Ames and Boone
7. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge
Preserve offering wildlife watching, photography, and hiking opportunities.
- Wildlife Watching: Home to over 250 bird species and other wildlife
- Photography Opportunities: Offers picturesque landscapes for capturing stunning images
- Hiking Trails: Features hiking trails of varying difficulty levels
8. Saylorville Lake Recreation Area
Recreational area offering boating, fishing, and hiking.
- Recreational Opportunities: Includes boating, fishing, and camping opportunities
- Scenic Views: Features stunning views of the lake and surrounding hills
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails for exploring the area's natural beauty
9. Square Grove Park Nature Area
Wooded park with hiking trails and wildlife observation areas.
- Wildlife Observation: Known for its diverse wildlife, including deer and turkey
- Hiking Trails: Offers several hiking trails with varying difficulty levels
- Scenic Location: Set amidst beautiful wooded surroundings along a creek
10. Knoxville Sunken Gardens
Beautiful garden park perfect for a leisurely walk.
- Aesthetics: Features over 50,000 annuals and perennials
- Leisurely Walk: Ideal for a peaceful, easy walk through stunning gardens
- Seasonal Attractions: Offers seasonal events such as concerts and festivals
11. Wildwood Park
Park featuring hiking trails, disc golf, and a dog park.
- Activities: Includes activities such as hiking, disc golf, and a dog park
- Hiking Trails: Offers several hiking trails with varying difficulty levels
- Dog Park: Features a large, off-leash dog park for furry friends
12. Ewing Park
Large city park with hiking trails, sports facilities, and a lake.
- Activities: Includes activities such as basketball courts, soccer fields, and a fishing lake
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails for exploring the park's natural beauty
- Size: One of Des Moines' largest city parks with over 160 acres
13. Water Works Park
Riverside park featuring hiking trails, a dog park, and a music venue.
- Activities: Includes activities such as hiking, a dog park, and concerts at the amphitheater
- Hiking Trails: Offers several hiking trails with stunning views of the Des Moines River
- Location: Set along the Des Moines River, offering scenic vistas and river access
14. Indian Creek Nature Center
Nature preserve with hiking trails, a nature center, and educational programs.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs about local ecosystems and wildlife
- Hiking Trails: Features several hiking trails with varying difficulty levels
- Nature Center: Includes a nature center with interactive exhibits and live animals
15. Greenbelt Park
Park featuring hiking trails, picnic areas, and a playground.
- Activities: Includes activities such as picnicking, hiking, and playing at the park
- Hiking Trails: Offers several hiking trails with stunning views of the Raccoon River Valley
- Location: Set along the Raccoon River, offering scenic vistas and river access