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After a visit to western Iowa's Loess Hills, you will never call the Hawkeye State flat again! This globally unique landform offers numerous ridgetop trails to take in incredible views and beautiful native prairie.
From the lung-busting Brent's Trail in Harrison County to the aptly named Sunset Ridge Nature Trail at Waubonsie State Park, explore the Loess Hills by traversing these stunning ridge trails. There are no switchbacks in the Loess Hills, so you'll have to climb steep slopes up loose loess soil to drink in the views--but don't forget water as there are few to no reliable water sources in the Loess Hills. Plan your road trip on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway using the Explore the Byway page. |
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Brent's Trail
Photo: Lance Brisbois
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One of the most challenging trails in Iowa, Brent's Trail traverses multiple ridges through the Loess Hills State Forest in Harrison County.
Murray Hill Scenic Overlook is the northern trailhead. The trail climbs steeply to the top of Murray Hill, where views of the Missouri River floodplain will leave you in awe. The original eight-mile trail and the three-mile southern extension offer several extended hikes along razor ridges with excellent views of the Loess Hills State Forest. This hike is rugged and includes steep sections with loose dirt. Additionally, there is no water source so bring plenty of water and take frequent breaks to rest and hydrate. |
Badger Ridge at Hitchcock Nature Center
Photo: Lance Brisbois
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Badger Ridge is a classic hike at Hitchcock Nature Center, located only 20 minutes from the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro. The trailhead is conveniently located in the main parking area below the Loess Hills Lodge.
The half-mile hike from the Badger Ridge trailhead to Dorie's Bench has some ups and downs and a few steep sections. The trail becomes more rugged after the scenic resting stop at Dorie's Bench. The most adventurous can continue to Westridge, a challenging trail on the westernmost ridge at Hitchcock Nature Center. Another excellent ridge trail is Fox Run Ridge. The hike to end of the trail, a bluff overlooking the Missouri River, is about three-quarters of a mile. |
Sylvan Runkel State Preserve
Photo: Seth Brooks
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Frequent attendees of the Loess Hills Prairie Seminar are well acquainted with Sylvan Runkel State Preserve. This excellent natural area is located just around the corner from the annual seminar's campground (Oak Avenue & 178th St in Monona County).
Besides the wooden sign along Oak Avenue, there is no other sign from the road that there is a trail through the preserve. Head north up the hill to reach the ridge, where a footpath leads to amazing views of this large swath of public land in Monona County. During summer, vegetation may obscure this unmaintained trail. Near the end of the trail (1.5 miles from the road), notice the catsteps cascading down the ridges. These unique features of loess soil are the result of erosion, not cattle! |
Folsom Point Preserve
Photo: Lance Brisbois
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The Nature Conservancy's Folsom Point Preserve protects one of the largest remnant prairies in the southern Loess Hills.
The small parking area gives access to a footpath. The narrow trail leads to a two-mile loop; either direction requires a steep climb to the top of the ridge with views of the Omaha skyline. The terrain is quite rugged with steep slopes. The preserve is used for research by local students--visitors should avoid flags and other markers. East of the preserve, divided by the spine of the byway, is Green Hill Wildlife Management Area. While there are no established trails, hiking is permitted throughout the property. |
Sunset Ridge at Waubonsie State Park
Photo: Lance Brisbois
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Hike the Sunset Ridge Nature Trail at Waubonsie State Park that traverses the heart of the park, offering sweeping views of the Missouri River Valley.
Start from the trailhead near the south upper picnic area to descend down a long flight of stairs into a valley. The trail passes an old root cellar before steeply climbing to reach Sunset Ridge. Big bluestem and Indian grass cover the steep slope, aptly named for its incredible views of the western horizon. If you want to hike Sunset Ridge but avoid the steepest slopes, there is another trailhead on the park road. Head west at this access point; the trail is relatively flat for about one mile until a short descent then steep climb to reach Sunset Ridge. This avoids the steepest sections near the south upper picnic area. |
Three more for the road . . .
Five Ridge Prairie State PreserveRidge views of the Big Sioux and South Dakota.
Photo: Lance Brisbois
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Mondamin Unit at Loess Hills State ForestPerhaps the steepest ridge trail.
Photo: Lance Brisbois
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Old Town Conservation Area
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Peaceful park with views of Missouri Valley.
Photo: Seth Brooks
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