Dress for the weather. Wear layers of clothing and sturdy hiking boots or shoes, as well as hats and gloves. Binoculars and a camera always come in handy, and remember to bring water. Strollers are not recommended. Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. Some hikes may not be appropriate for children under 5 years. Dogs must be on a leash and are not allowed into indoor locations, such as lodges and visitor centers. Trail difficulty may depend on the amount of snow on the ground.
Gitchie Manitou State Preserve, Lyon County
Time: 1 PM
Meeting Place: Gitchie Manitou parking lot, off Adams Ave; 52141 Adams Ave
Length of Hike (miles): 1.5 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Cancellation Information: www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on "closure information"
Additional Information: Head to the farthest northwest piece of land in Iowa and you'll be at this preserve named for the creator spirit in Anishinaabe Indian tradition, Gichi-Manidoo (literally "Great Spirit" or "Great Force of Nature"). Hike along the oldest exposed rock in the state, the 1.6 billion-year-old smooth, pink-colored bedrock. The area was once a large village and ceremonial site of the people who were ancestors of the Omaha, Iowa, Ponca and Otoe-Missouria tribes. The Big Sioux River, abundant game, fertile soil for gardens and access to stone used for ceremonial pipes made this land attractive.
Dolliver Memorial State Park, Webster County
Time: 9:00 AM
Meeting Place: Copperas Beds Trail Head by South Lodge, 2757 Dolliver Park Ave, Otho
Name of Trail: Copperas Beds Trail
Length of Hike (miles): 1 to 1.5 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Cancellation Information: www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on "closure information" or call
515 359 2539
Additional Information: First Day hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, with views unimpeded by foliage. Wildlife and animal tracks might be spied during the hike. Hike may involve some hills and possibly steps.
Stone State Park, Woodbury County
Time: 10:30 AM
Meeting Place: parking lot near the park office; 150 yards inside the east entrance from Talbot Rd and Memorial Dr
Name of Trail: Buffalo Run Trail
Length of Hike (miles): 1 mile
Difficulty: Moderate
Cancellation Information: www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on "closure information" or call 712-255-4698
Additional Information: Join the Friends of Stone Park on the Buffalo Run Trail. Visitors may see signs of wildlife, prairie remnants, large oak trees and beautiful winter scenes. Hike is appropriate for children approximately 7 years and older.
Lewis and Clark State Park, Monona County
Time: Noon
Meeting Place: Visitor Center
Length of Hike (miles): 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Cancellation Information: www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on "closure information" or call 712-423-2829
Additional Information: Get a healthy start to the New Year with this guided woodland walk while viewing an assortment of small mammals and birds. Meet at the Visitors Center for a short introduction and a cup of coffee.
Ledges State Park, Boone County
Time: 11 AM
Meeting Place: Park Office -- Before entering the park's main west entrance, turn south (left) on P Avenue. The park office is on the right.
Length of Hike (miles): 1.5 - 2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Cancellation Information: www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on "closure information" or call 515-432-1852
Additional Information: Meet at the Park Office for a short greeting, hot cup of coffee, and information on the options for the hike. A short hike option will be provided that is ADA accessible, although the main hike is not ADA accessible. JAX Outdoor Gear will be on hand to provide snowshoe demonstration and programming as part of the hike, but please plan on bringing your own snowshoes.
Big Creek State Park, Polk County
Time: 10:00 AM
Meeting Place: Disc Golf parking lot, NW Big Creek Drive, Polk City
Length of Hike (miles): 1.25 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Cancellation Information: Call 515-984-6473 if bad weather or if temperatures are below -10 degrees.
Additional Information: Hike will start on the north side of the disc golf course, through mature prairie, then on trail along lake shore before following the park border back to the parking lot. Some may be interested in trying disc golf or cross country skiing on adjacent trails after the hike, depending on the weather.
Springbrook State Park, Guthrie County
Time: 10 AM
Meeting Place: Campground Gazebo 2437 160th Rd, Guthrie Center, IA
Length of Hike (miles): 2-3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Cancellation Information: www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on "closure information" or call 641-295-6028
Additional Information: Journey through time, beginning in the present and hiking back in time until we reach the Ice Age! There will be stops along the way as we explore historically and geologically significant sites within Springbrook State Park.
Prairie Rose State Park, Shelby County
Time: 5:30 PM
Meeting Place: Park Office, 680 Road M-47, Harlan
Length of Hike (miles): 1
Difficulty: Easy
Cancellation Information: Call 712-579-1801
Additional Information: Join Naturalist Christina Roelofs for an evening Owl Prowl hike through the park. The Prairie Rose Friends Group will provide hot chocolate and treats at the Park Office. Please dress accordingly for current weather conditions. Bring a flashlight, but you will be instructed on when it is okay to use them so that the owls aren't spooked.
Wilson Island State Recreation Area, Pottawattamie County
Time: 9 AM
Meeting Place: Park Office, 32801 Campground Ln, Missouri Valley
Length of Hike (miles): 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Cancellation Information: www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on "closure information" or call 712-642-2069
Additional Information: After meeting at the office, we will carpool to the campground and explore trails at the heart of the park. the Friends of Wilson Island will offer warm drinks and cookies following the hike.
Waubonsie State Park, Fremont County
Time: 1 PM
Meeting Place: Wa-Shawtee Lodge, Waubonsie Park Rd, Hamburg
Length of Hike (miles): 1.5 - 2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Cancellation Information: www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on "closure information" or call 712-310-3460
Additional Information:
Meet at Wa-Shawtee Lodge for a guided hike through the woods and prairies of Waubonsie State Park. This hike will be moderately hilly, so please wear stout footwear, and a walking stick is encouraged. Natural resource professionals will be available to answer questions about what you see, and the Friends of Waubonsie State Park and local Boy Scouts will provide refreshments and snacks. Photo ops and wildlife visitors are generally abundant this time of year.
Lake Anita State Park, Cass County
Time: 10:00 AM
Meeting Place: Campground entrance
Length of Hike (miles): 4 3/8 miles, with shorter routes available
Difficulty: moderate
Cancellation Information: 712-762-3564
Hot chocolate and snacks will be provided after the hike at the park office.
Green Valley State Park, Union County
Time: 10 AM
Meeting Place: Green Valley park office, 1480 130th St., Creston
Length of Hike (miles): 1.5 - 2 miles
Difficulty: easy
Cancellation Information: www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on "closure information" or call 641-782-5131
Additional Information:
Geen Valley's First Day Hike will include a photography program with Tom Danilovich, local professional photographer. Tom will share his experiences and tips and tricks with the hikers about capturing landscapes and wildlife during the hike. The hike will take place on Green Valley's paved trail. Refreshments will be provided by the High Lakes Outdoor Alliance at the park office. Bring a camera and dress for the weather.
Viking Lake State Park, Montgomery County
Time: 9:00 AM easy run, 10:00 AM hike
Meeting Place: Viking Lake restaurant
Length of Hike (miles): 6 mile run at 9:00 a.m.; 2 mile hike at 10:00 a.m.
Difficulty: moderate grass trail
Cancellation Information: 712-250-4499 or send an email to: Viking_Lake@dnr.iowa.gov
Join local Park staff in a 2.0 mile hike or if you are really motivated take part in a 6.0 mile easy pace run around the lake. Hike/Run will end at the restaurant where drinks and snacks will be available. We will follow up with a public meeting where you will have a chance to ask questions and learn about Viking Lake. Meeting will start around 11:15 or so. You do not have to participate in the Hike/Run to attend the meeting.
Dress for the weather; snow and/or ice may or may not be visible on the trail surface. There could be some wet/muddy areas. Trail has a few hills. We would appreciate if you would send an email to Viking_Lake@dnr.iowa.gov, or text if planning on attending.
Walnut Woods State Park, Polk County
This hike has been cancelled for January 1, 2018 due to cold temperatures. Please check back next year!!
Honey Creek Resort State Park, Appanoose County
Time: 1 PM
Meeting Place: Activities Building, 12633 Resort Dr, Moravia
Length of Hike (miles): 1-2 miles
Difficulty: easy
Cancellation Information: www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on "closure information" or call 641-724-1450
Additional Information: Join a naturalist-led hike on a trails, tracks and scat hike -- look for evidence of animals along the way. Some binoculars will be provided, but you may want to bring your own.
Lake Wapello State Park, Davis County
This hike has been cancelled for January 1, 2018 due to cold temperatures. Please check back next year!!
Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, Van Buren County
This hike has been cancelled for January 1, 2018 due to cold temperatures. Please check back next year!!
Lake Darling State Park, Washington County
Time: 10 AM
Meeting Place: Park Lodge
Name of Trail: Ding Darling Interpretive Pathway
Length of Hike (miles): 1.5 - 2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Cancellation Information: www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on "closure information" or call 319-644-2323
Additional Information: Meet at the Lake Darling Lodge for a hike on the trail system. Hot chocolate and coffee will be provided by the Friends of Lake Darling. Children of all ages are welcome.
Maquoketa Caves State Park, Jackson County
Time: 11:00 AM
Meeting Place: Stone Shelter, 10970 98th St, Maquoketa
Length of Hike (miles): 1.5
Difficulty: Moderate
Cancellation Information: www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on "closure information" or call 563-219-4512
Additional Information: Friends of Maquoketa Caves will be providing hot drink and bars. We may have two guided hikes, an easy hike and moderate hike at same time. These details will be discussed at December friends meeting. For more information, visit Friends of Maquoketa Caves State Park Facebook page.
Bellevue State Park, Jackson County
Time: 9:00 AM
Meeting Place: Bellevue State Park Nelson Unit Nature Center, 24668 US-52, Bellevue, IA
Length of Hike (miles): 2 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Cancellation Information: www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on "closure information" or call 563-690-8992
Additional Information: Starting from the Nature Center, we will take the butterfly garden paved trail and link up with the quarry trail to the Felderman Park Bridge. We will walk across the bridge and do a loop and walk the same route back.
Mines of Spain State Recreation Area, Dubuque County
Time: 1 PM
Meeting Place: EB Lyons Interpretive Center, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque
Name of Trail: America’s State Tree Woodland Walk
Length of Hike (miles): 2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Cancellation Information: www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on "closure information" or call 563-690-8992
Additional Information:For those looking for a shorter hike you can stay at the center and a friends group member will lead the hike on the ADA accessible woodland walk trail. For those looking to try to cross country ski, snow shoe or hike they can meet at the south parking area. We will hike around the cedar ridge and prairie ridge trail.
Cedar Rock, Buchanan County
Time: 1 PM
Meeting Place: Park Visitor Center, 2611 Quasqueton Diagonal Blvd., Independence
Name of Trail: Toad’s Trail
Length of Hike (miles): 1.5 miles
Difficulty: moderate
Cancellation Information: www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on "closure information" or
Friends of Cedar Rock Facebook page
Additional Information:
Hike on moderately hilly terrain winding from the park visitor center to the Frank Lloyd Wright - designed Walter Estate property. Enjoy nature as you hike near a prairie and riparian forest. The estate property takes advantage of the stunning views of the Wapsipinicon River. Cocoa, cider and cookies will be offered indoors at the visitor center following the hike. Dress accordingly and bring your own snow shoes if you wish.
Pine Lake State Park, Hardin County
Time: 1:00 PM
Meeting Place: cabin/Iowa River boat ramp parking area off of County Highway S-56
Name of Trail: Hogsback Ridge Trail
Length of Hike (miles): 1.5 mile
Difficulty: moderate
Cancellation Information: www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on "closure information" or call 641-858-5832
Additional Information:
Meet at the cabin parking area and hike the wildcat and hogsback trails. Hike will end with an open house at the cabins. Hot drinks and snacks will be provided.
Pikes Peak State Park, Clayton County
Time: 1 PM
Meeting Place: Stone Shelter, 32264 Pikes Peak Rd., McGregor
Length of Hike (miles): 1 mile
Difficulty: moderate
Cancellation Information: www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on "closure information" or call 563-873-2341
Additional Information: Meet at the stone shelter. If conditions allow we will hike the boardwalk down to Bridal Veil Falls and back. Friends of Pikes Peak will provide coffee, hot chocolate and a warm fire.
Yellow River State Forest, Allamakee County
This hike has been cancelled for January 1, 2018 due to cold temperatures. Please check back next year!!
Volga River State Recreation Area, Fayette County
Time: 10:00 AM
Meeting Place: Day-use area, at the intersection of Hill and Ivy roads
Length of Hike (miles): 2.5 miles
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Cancellation Information: www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on "closure information" or call 515-975-8819
Additional Information:
The hike will begin at the day use area and will take hikers up the lima trail to a remote off trail overlook, that will showcase a native remnant prairie that is being reconstructed as well as overlooks the scenic Volga River valley. Dress in sturdy clothing for off-trail hiking.
Elk Rock State Park and Equestrian Trail, Marion County
Time: 12:00PM
Meeting Place: Elk Rock State Park campground shelter
Length of Hike (miles): 1.8 miles
Difficulty: moderate hills
Cancellation information: www.iowadnr.gov/parks and click on "closure information" or call 641-842-6008.
Additional information:
Chili will be provided for lunch beforehand at the shelter. This hike is weather permitting. Dress according to the weather.