Iowa is such a gorgeous state with so much to see, and one of the best ways to explore the Hawkeye State is by hiking it. Getting out on the trail is the perfect adventure for all seasons, you just need to know how to dress right for the weather and be prepared for anything! Here are twelve of the best hiking trails in Iowa for you to try - one for each month of the year.

1. January - Jester Park, Granger

Break out the snowshoes (or rent them at the park) for a magical winter adventure through the beautiful, snowy trails of Jester Park in Granger, Iowa.

2. February - High Trestle Bridge, Madrid

The High Trestle Bridge Trail is good any time of the year, but we love it in the dark of winter because it's so beautifully, cheerily lit!

3. March - Lake MacBride Spillway, Solon

Spring is a great time to go waterfalling. The Lake MacBride Spillway, when it's running high with snowmelt, is a sight to see!

4. April -  Pikes Peak State Park Overlook, McGregor

The views from Pikes Peak State Park are stunningly gorgeous, making for a perfect early spring outing.

5. May - Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, Prairie City

In late May, the prairie transforms with a beautiful carpet of wildflowers. It's a short window of color that you don't want to miss! And the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place to observe this beauty in action.

6. June - Wildcat Den State Park, Muscatine

With deep forests, delicate wildflowers, and powerful rock formations, Wildcat Den State Park is an excellent choice as the weather begins to warm!

7. July - Maquoketa Caves State Park, Maquoketa

Speaking of warm weather, in July, head to the shade of the caves, boulders, and forests at Maquoketa State Park.

8. August - Malanaphy Springs, Decorah

In the heat of summer, what better choice can you make than to hike to a hidden waterfall swimming hole? A visit to Malanaphy Springs is the perfect one-last-hurrah before fall.

9. September - Effigy Mounds National Monument, Harpers Ferry

When the colors start to change for the fall season, hop in the car and head straight for Effigy Mounds National Monument. It's a truly stunning sight in the autumn.

10. October - Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek

Iowa's Loess Hills offer a uniquely gorgeous escape into nature. Start at the Hitchcock Nature Center and head out on a stunningly scenic hike from there.

11. November - Ledges State Park, Madrid

Iowa's oldest state park is well worth a visit in late fall. When the leaves are off the trees, the views at Ledges State Park only get better!

12. December - Skywalk, Davenport

For a quick, fun, festive little stroll in the busy, dark days of December, try a walk on the Learn more Davenport Skywalk in between some holiday shopping in Davenport. It is a quite short hike, more of a stroll really, but the stunning kaleidoscope lighting inside the tunnel makes it more than worth your time.

Do you agree that these are some of the best hiking trails in Iowa? How many of these exciting Iowa trails have you already explored? Do you think we left off any of the best trails in Iowa? Let us know!

If you are looking for even more ways to plan out your upcoming year, take a look at our list of the 12 best day trips in Iowa. You're sure to find some inspiration! And if you want to focus on fitting in more relaxation this this year you might find some good ideas on our list of small town weekend getaways in Iowa.