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Exploring the level B minimum maintenance roads in Iowa's Loess Hills is an unforgettable adventure! Loess soil can stand at nearly vertical slopes, so road cuts with steep side walls are fairly common in the Loess Hills.
Iowa Road Trip has an excellent blog post detailing the best level B roads in the Loess Hills of western Iowa. Check out the list below, then plan your fishing road trip on the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway using the Explore the Byway page. |
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Lake Hill Road
Photo: Lance Brisbois
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Formerly known as Raleigh Road, but called Lake Hill by locals, this level B road in Mills County is one of the most dramatic road cuts in the Loess Hills.
The nearly vertical cuts through the loess soil tower over the road, with the forest canopy overhanging above. The road is particularly beautiful during fall. As with all level B minimum maintenance roads, avoid them after heavy rain or inclement weather. It's best to drive these roads with an all-wheel drive capable vehicle. |
Fulton Avenue
Photo: Seth Brooks
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Fulton Avenue is perhaps the most unique level B road in the Loess Hills. Located in the Little Sioux Unit of the Loess Hills State Forest, the narrow slice of loess dividing Fulton Avenue and 138th Trail is a sight to see!
The road can get heavily rutted out, so it may be best to park your car at the intersection and explore the road on foot. In fact, part of Brent's Trail follows Fulton Avenue near the intersection. |
Sophie's Hollow
Photo: Golden Hills RC&D
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Sophie's Hollow (search for Olive Avenue on Google Maps) is located on the road between the entrance to Preparation Canyon State Park and the popular Loess Hills Scenic Overlook.
Many locals have memories of sledding down Sophie's Hollow. The road plunges deep into the hollow at the beginning, surrounded by towering sidewalls and overhanging tree limbs. This level B road in particular can get muddy and difficult to traverse after inclement weather. |
Hastie Hollow
Photo: Sharon Carson
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Take a stroll on Hastie Hollow for an idyllic rural experience in Iowa's Loess Hills. The twenty-foot and more sidewalls will have you craning your neck upwards!
The road curves through the hollow, creating awesome photo opportunities. If you are on foot, be mindful of cars that may come down the road. While Hastie Hollow is in a rural area, vehicles do access the road to enjoy the scenic drive. The single-lane bridge is a nice spot to stop and take a stroll. The road can be found as Pathfield Road on maps. |
Three more for the road . . .
Sawmill HollowKennedy Avenue in Harrison County.
Photo: Seth Brooks
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Knox AvenueTwo miles of Woodbury County scenery.
Photo: Iowa Road Trip
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Lambert Avenue
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Unique four-way intersection in Mills County.
Photo: Iowa Road Trip
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