When the weather’s nice, it’s fun to make plans to tackle some of the best hikes in Iowa! Explore all of the Hawkeye State with these breezy strolls, exhilarating treks, and scenic hikes in Iowa, which you’re sure to fall in love with. They truly are the best summer hikes in Iowa.

1. Cedar Cliff Trail, Palisades-Kepler State Park

Take the unique Cedar Cliff Trail through Palisades-Kepler State Park for a 2-mile adventure. One of the most scenic hikes in Iowa , this amazing trek will show off a stone bridge, a babbling brook, some fun bounder fields, and an overlook! It's perfect for a day out in nature.

2. Canyon and Table Rock Loop, Ledges State Park

All of the trails in Ledges State Park are scenic Iowa hikes, but the Canyon Road and Table Rock Loop is a perfect, 1.7-mile trek that's sure to impress you. Enjoy views of cliffs, bluffs, and Davis Creek on your way through the park.

3. Blue Heron Lake Loop, Raccoon River Park

Enjoy a 3.3-mile loop trail around Blue Heron Lake at this park, which is not far from the busy, bustling city. You'll spot lots of wildlife, including migratory birds, making their home here. From the lakeside locale to the lovely sights, it's truly one of the best hikes in Iowa.

4. Squire Shore Trail, Coralville Dam Recreation Area

Take the Squire Shore Trail and connect it to Weasel Run and the Mushroom Forest Trail for a waterfront adventure and one of the most scenic hikes in Iowa. Climb up and down the rocky cliffs that will take you straight to the water. This 5-mile loop is a great place to enjoy a quiet picnic.

5. Sunset Ridge Trail, Waubonsie State Park

Among the can't-miss easy hikes in Iowa, the beautiful Sunset Ridge Trail combines with the Mincer Trail to form an easy 2-mile loop trail. The Loess Hills are stunning, and you'll be sure to spot wildlife along the way.

6. Maquoketa Caves State Park

You'll find miles of trails within Maquoketa State Park, and every inch is worth exploring. Be sure to visit Upper and Lower Dancehall Cave for a sight that will take your breath away.

7. Little Bear Mound Group Loop, Effigy Mounds National Monument

If you're looking for breathtaking views along with incomparable history, visit Effigy Mounds National Monument. There are more than 200 Native American burial mounds here, and the Eagle Rock, Fire Point and Little Bear Mound Group Loop is a 1.7-mile loop that will show off some of the most incredible sights in all of Iowa.

8. Wildcat Den Trail, Wildcat Den State Park

Wildcat Den State Park may be the most unique park in Iowa! For one of the most scenic hikes in Iowa, take the 4-mile loop trail from the visitor's center to see overlooks, an old mill and spillway, and the park's famous Steamboat Rock formation.

9. Horseshoe Bluff Trail, Mines of Spain

The very first part of Iowa to be settled by Europeans was this area around the Mines of Spain. Take the time to explore the Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trail when you visit - it's less than a mile long and shows off some of Iowa's most interesting topography, making for one of the best easy hikes in Iowa.

10. Hitchcock Nature Center Loop

The 6.3-mile loop along the Hitchcock Nature Center Trail shows off the Loess Hills like no place else. This ridgeline trail will impress you with its gradual elevation changes and sprawling panoramic views, making for one of the most scenic hikes in Iowa.

11. West and East Lake Loop, Backbone State Park

Backbone State Park is Iowa's oldest state park, established in 1920. It's an amazing display of Iowa topography, geography and history, and the West and East Lake Trail Loop shows it off best. This 6.3 mile loop isn't the easiest hike in the Hawkeye State, but it's one of the most scenic Iowa hikes you'll ever take.

12. Weeping Rock and Hickory Ridge Loop, Pikes Peak State Park

Enjoy a breezy walk along the Weeping Rock and Hickory Ridge trails to form a 3.9-mile loop through Pikes Peak State Park. Not only will you find sweeping views of the mighty Mississippi River, but you'll also pass by Bridle View Falls - the most famous waterfall in Iowa.

So, do you agree? Are these the best hikes in Iowa? Ever embarked on any of the treks above? What are your favorite scenic hikes in Iowa? Tell us!

Though there are tons of scenic hikes in Iowa; however, there’s no denying that some of the prettiest topography in all of the state is hidden in the Loess Hills. If you haven’t spent much time out west, consider planning a trip and exploring some of the most stunning natural wonders in Iowa.