The best walks and hikes around Iowa City

Embark on the easy Squire Point Trail, a pleasant hike spanning 3.8 miles (6.2 km) with a gentle 220 feet (67 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this route in about 1 hour and 39 minutes. As you walk, the path winds through mixed hardwoods, offering a sense of being deep in nature. Keep an eye out for benches strategically placed to provide beautiful views of the Coralville Reservoir, a perfect spot to pause and take in the scenery.

Planning your visit to Squire Point Trail is straightforward. Parking is typically available right at the trailhead, making access simple. The route is generally well-maintained, featuring steps on steeper sections and bridges over water crossings for your convenience. You will also find maps at every intersection or fork, ensuring navigation is easy and you can focus on enjoying your hike.

Located within the Coralville Dam Recreation Area, this trail offers more than just a walk in the woods. While hiking, you might spot local wildlife such as white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. If you visit in spring, the forest floor transforms with a vibrant display of wildflowers, adding an extra layer of beauty to your outdoor experience.

You can enjoy a peaceful escape on the Hickory Hill Loop, an easy hike that covers 2.6 miles (4.1 km) with a gentle 166 feet (51 metres) of elevation gain. This route takes about 1 hour and 6 minutes to complete, winding through a mix of heavily shaded woodlands and open prairie sections. As you go, you will cross small footbridges and might spot local wildlife like deer or rabbits. Look for vibrant wildflowers, especially during summer and fall, adding color to the diverse natural landscape. The trail offers a mix of paved, graveled, and dirt paths, some with uneven terrain.

This easy loop is very family-friendly, making it a good choice for hikers of all ages and skill levels. You should wear appropriate footwear, as some sections are dirt with uneven ground, even though parts are paved or graveled. Parking is generally available at the Hickory Hill Park trailheads, making access straightforward. Consider visiting in the morning for cooler temperatures or in the late afternoon to catch the golden hour light. The trail is accessible year-round, offering different natural beauty with each season.

The Hickory Hill Loop is a true urban oasis, providing a quick and accessible outdoor experience right within Iowa City. It stands out for its diverse natural features, offering a refreshing contrast to the surrounding urban environment. This trail is perfect when you need a short, immersive nature break without traveling far from the city. It is a great way to connect with local flora and fauna in a convenient setting.

Explore the Waterworks Prairie Park Trails, a moderate hiking route that winds through expansive prairies and past picturesque ponds. You'll find yourself immersed in a natural oasis, where diverse wildflowers bloom and the paths offer a refreshing escape. This trail covers 5.8 miles (9.4 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 197 feet (60 metres), making it a pleasant journey. Expect to spend around 2 hours and 26 minutes completing the loop, enjoying the serene atmosphere.

Planning your visit to Waterworks Prairie Park is straightforward, as the area provides accessible parking right at the trailhead. The trails themselves are fully paved and ADA-compliant, ensuring a smooth experience for all hikers. You can easily connect to other trail networks, such as the Peninsula trail system or the broader River Corridor Trail network, if you're looking to extend your adventure. Benches are conveniently placed along the paths, offering spots to rest and take in the surroundings.

The park is known for its unique blend of natural prairie and pond environments, creating a rich habitat for local wildlife. Keep an eye out for various bird species, deer, and even bald eagles during the winter months, making it a popular spot for wildlife spotting. This urban green space offers a quick nature break or a longer outing filled with natural beauty, distinguishing it within the region.

Embark on the Woodpecker East Loop, an easy hiking route that spans 3.3 miles (5.2 km) with a minimal elevation gain of just 10 feet (3 metres). This gentle path guides you through a peaceful, shady woodland, where you will find broad-leaved oaks, cottonwoods, and walnut trees. As you hike, you can enjoy lovely panoramic views of Coralville Lake from several overlooks, offering a scenic backdrop to your journey. You can expect to complete this refreshing escape into nature in about 1 hour and 18 minutes.

For your visit, you will find a main parking area conveniently located off Camp Cardinal Road, making access straightforward. The trail is also accessible via the Clear Creek paved path, providing another entry point if you prefer. While the route is well-maintained and generally drains efficiently, be aware that some sections can become muddy after rainfall. Planning your hike during drier periods will ensure a more comfortable experience.

This loop offers a wonderful opportunity to observe local wildlife, with urban deer often spotted among the lush forests and rocky outcrops. The trail showcases the natural beauty of the Iowa River's dammed section, providing a quiet retreat from daily life. It is an ideal choice if you are looking for a quick and accessible outdoor experience within Rotary Camp Park.