Spend New Year’s Day on a First Day Hike in your favorite state park or forest! Experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks and forests. This year, 23 parks will host guided hikes with park staff and volunteers leading the way. An additional 21 parks are offering staff-picked, self-guided hikes so you can visit and hike on your own, when it fits your schedule.
Find park maps and individual state park information.
First Day Hikes 2026, Guided Hikes
10:00 AM
Meeting Location: Old Shop just east of the East Gate park entrance
Park Address: 1282 120th Street, Dundee, Iowa
Description: Join a 1.25-mile hike from the office area through the East Gate of the along the Backbone Ridge to the Backbone Trail. Expect spectacular views of the river valley on both sides and likely glimpse bald eagles that hang out over the river. The hike will take place on the park road, which is not plowed during the winter so conditions may be slick. Please dress for the weather and all pets must be on a leash.
10:00 AM
Meeting Location: Dyas Unit West Shelter
Park Address: 21466 429th Ave Bellevue, IA 52031
Description: Join us for a guided 1.5-mile hike on the Deer and Bluff trails. The trail is a dirt path and is mostly flat with a few gentle inclines.
Contact: No RSVP required; if you have questions contact the park office at (563) 872-4019.
1:00 PM
Meeting Location: Park Visitor Center
Address: 2611 Quasqueton Diagonal Blvd., Independence, IA 50644
Description: Join us for a 1-mile hike that is easy to moderate. Hike on both grass and gravel trails, mostly flat terrain with a small hill at the beginning and end.
What to Bring: Dress for the weather.
Contact: (319) 934-3572 or cedar_rock@dnr.iowa.gov
9:00 AM
Parking Location: Central Lodge Parking Lot
Park Address: 2805 Dolliver Park Avenue, Lehigh, IA 50557
Description: Join us for a 1-mile hike through the woods north starting from the Center Lodge along the south side of Boneyard Hollow and back along the Des Moines River. See Dolliver from a winter perspective. The hike is on a 4-ft wide mixed surface trail with some small hills that could possibly be slick. Dress for the weather.
Contact: (515) 359-2539
10:00 AM
Meeting Location: Main Lodge
Park Address: 22895 Lacey Trail, Keosauqua, IA 52565
Description: Meet at the lodge for a guided hike along the Des Moines River bluffs. Enjoy nature such as bald eagles and waterfowl. Enjoy hot chocolate, coffee & soup at the end of the hike. Choose to hike a short 1-mile, medium 2-mile, or long 3-mile route. Bus shuttle available at the end of the hike to go back to lodge. The trail is a mix of crushed rock and dirt. This is a moderate hike with a few steep sections.
Contact: (319) 293-3502
11:00 AM
Parking Location: Beach Shelter
Park Address: 16510 118th Avenue, Indianola, IA 50125
Description: Enjoy a New Year’s Day trail run/walk sponsored by LATR Backyard Ultra. The run will be followed by a chili.
Contact: For meal planning purposes, please RSVP attendance to latrbackyard@hotmail.com
10:00 AM
Meeting Location: East side of beach parking lot
Park Address: 55111 750th St., Anita, IA 50020
Description: Hikes ranging from 1/3 of a mile to 4 3/8 miles are available. We will start at the east end of the beach parking lot. We will start out as a group and split up depending on how long everyone wants to walk. Friends of Lake Anita will provide snacks and drinks.
Contact: (712) 762-3564
9:00 AM
Meeting Location: Lake Darling Lodge
Park Address: 111 Lake Darling Rd., Brighton, IA 52540
Description: Meet at the Lodge and plan to hike south toward the pedestrian bridge along the paved trail. The Friends of Lake Darling will supply light refreshments at the Lodge. The trail is wide, flat and paved.
Contact: (319) 694-2323
9:00 AM
Meeting Location: Main Lodge
Park Address: 3525 Hwy 382 NE, Solon, IA 52333
Description: Join us for a 2.5-mile hike on the Beach to Dam Trail: Park/Start at the Main Lodge. Feel free to hike out to the spillway/waterfall and enjoy a scenic view from the Rock (be careful climbing on icy/slippery surfaces), before or after your trail hike. Please keep pets on leashes at all times. DNR staff will have the fireplace going at the lodge, and will provide hot water/cocoa. The only restroom available will be a vault toilet along the hike (at the Main Boat Ramp). The crushed rock trail is mostly flat, with a steep section from the lodge to the trailhead, and then at the dam.
Contact: (319) 624-2200
11:00 AM
Meeting Location: Park Office
Park Address: 15356 Campground Rd, Drakesville, IA 52552
Description: This 1.5-mile hike begins at the park office, proceeding west behind the building to the trailhead. We will then head to the lakeshore and follow it eastward to the dam. Once we cross the dam, we will turn around and head back to the office. This hike is for all ages, and participants are invited to enjoy hot chocolate at the office immediately following the hike.
Contact: (641) 722-3371
10:00 AM
Meeting Location: Oak Woods Picnic Area near the entrance of Canyon Drive
Park Address: 1515 P Ave., Madrid, IA 50156
Description: Hike around the Canyon Drive entrance gates, and down the roadway into the Canyon. Typically during the winter months, you'll be met on the Canyon floor by walls of ice, frozen overtop the sandstone outcroppings. In the morning it is common to see deer, squirrels and many types of birds on this scenic hike. Having the foliage off the trees also provides spectacular views of the Des Moines River and Pea's Creek valleys as you descend the hill. Deemed "the most photogenic park in Iowa" by its own park manager, you'll be hard pressed to find a better First Day Hike than at Ledges State Park. Join Friends of the Ledges following the hike for a free will donation chili feed at the park office.
Contact: (515) 432-1852
10:00 AM
Meeting Location: Little Sioux Scout Ranch
Park Address: 32977 Larpenteur Memorial Rd, Little Sioux, IA 51545
Description: Forest staff are offering two guided hike options that both originate from the public parking area to the east ridge. Short loop will be 3.2 miles and the long loop will be 6.1 miles. Both hikes have some rugged terrain. Dress for the weather.
Contact: 712-456-2924
10:00 AM
Parking Location: Lower Stone Shelter House
Park Address: 9688 Caves Rd., Maquoketa, IA 52060
Description: Enjoy a guided hike on a trail through the timber to see the park in winter. The hike will be led by the Friends Group with refreshments provided. This will be a moderate hike, dress for the weather.
Contact: (563) 652-5833
Noon
Meeting Location: EB Lyons Nature Center
Park Address: 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA 52003
Description: Join the Friends of Mines of Spain and Dubuque County Conservation Board on a variety of guided hikes. Refreshments will be provided at the EB Lyons Nature Center after hikes.
Contact: For more information visit the Mines of Spain Friends Group Facebook page. (563) 556-0620
List items for First Day Hikes 2026, Guided Hikes 02
Noon – 2:00 PM
Meeting Location: Palisades Lodge
Park Address: 622 Kepler Dr., Mount Vernon, IA 52314
Description: Join us for a guided hike starting at the Palisades-Kepler Lodge. It will be a moderate 3/4 mile hike from the Lodge to the Sandbar. The course of the guided hike may change due to variable trail conditions. A park staff member will be at the destination to answer questions. Hikers are welcome to explore other trails and make their way back up to the Lodge at their own pace. There will be hot beverages and s’mores available, while supplies last. The Lodge will be closing at 2:00 p.m. Please dress for the weather and keep pets on leashes.
Contact: (319) 895-6039
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Meeting Location: Stone Shelter, Main Overlook Parking Area
Park Address: 15316 Great River Rd., McGregor, IA 52157
Description: Join us at the Stone shelter with a warm fire, snacks and refreshments. Walk out to the main overook and view the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers. Head north to the Crow’s Nest viewing platform, then down to Bridal Veil Falls and return the same way. For those looking for a longer hike continue up to the Hickory Ridge connector to the Weeping Rock Trail back to the parking lot. The hike includes dirt, board walk and concrete paths, plus some steep sections and stairways.
Contact: (563) 873-2341
1:00 PM
Meeting Location: Warming House/Lake Parking Lot
Park Address: 2148 340th St., Forest City, IA 50436
Description: Join us for a 1.4-mile guided hike through the forest put on by the Friends of Pilot Knob with sledding, s'mores, and other winter activities to follow! The hike will begin at 1 pm with other activities following. Please keep all pets on a leash. The trail surface is dirt and grass with some gentle inclines and a few steep sections.
Contact: Dawn Bill - Friends Group President: friendsofpilotknob@gmail.com
2:00 PM
Meeting Location: Park Office
Park Address: 680 Road M47, Harlan, IA 51537
Description: Join us to hike the 2-mile grass path around the east side of Prairie Rose Lake. The hike is pretty easy, with just a couple of hills. The Friends of Prairie Rose State Park usually provides hot cocoa and popcorn following the hike.
Contact: (712) 773-2701
1:00 PM
Meeting Location: Park Office
Park Address: 2437 160th Rd, Guthrie Center, IA 50115
Description: Help us celebrate 100 Years of Springbrook State Park. Join us for a 2-mile hike to the highest point in the park, stopping at geologically and historically significant sites along the way and looking for signs of wildlife activity. Warm up with hot chocolate and cookies afterwards! Please dress for weather. There may be areas with ice or snow on trails.
Contact: (641) 747-3591
10:00 AM
Meeting Location: Woodburn Trailhead
Park Address: 2343-2395 330th Ave, Woodburn, IA 50275
Description: Join us for a 3-mile hike on a forest trail loop that goes through a mosaic of oak-hickory upland forest and walnut-cottonwood bottomland forest, with examples of different forest management practices along the trail loop. This hike is moderate to strenuous, with some switchbacks and creek crossings; dress for the weather.
Contact: 641-774-4559
10:00 AM
Meeting Location: Parking lot at the intersection of Stone State Park Drive and Pammel Road
Park Address: 5001 Talbot Road, Sioux City, IA 51103
Description: Join us for 2- to 3-mile guided hike along Buffalo Run Trail, Dakota Point Trail, and Stone Park Drive. This moderate hike has some changes of elevation and a few stairs. The paths are made of dirt with some crushed rock in area, along with a stretch of paved road.
What to Bring: Please dress for the weather.
Contact: An RSVP is not necessary. If you have questions please call the park office at (712) 305-5476
Noon – shelter open for potluck/refreshments. Hike starts at 1:00 PM
Meeting Location: Wa-Shawtee Lodge
Park Address: 2585 Waubonsie Park Rd., Hamburg, IA 51640
Description: The Hike will be approximately two miles long on a moderate route through the woods and prairies of Waubonsie State Park and nearby Wildlife Management areas. Park staff will select a route that best fits weather and snowpack conditions during the week of the hike. Wildlife viewing and landscape overlooks are abundant on our hikes. The Friends of Waubonsie will serve lunch from noon through the beginning of the hike, and Wa-Shawtee Lodge will remain open for an hour after the hike for participants to warm up. The trails are mostly compacted dirt, with some intermittent steep sections and rolling terrain.
Contact: (712) 350-0873
9:00 – 11:30 AM
Meeting Location: Walnut Wayside, more commonly known as the Paint Creek Bridge
Park Address: 745 State Forest Road, Harpers Ferry, Iowa, 52146
Description: We will start with a warm campfire, hot cocoa and some light snacks at the Walnut Wayside. The hike will ascend the steps of the Bluff Trail, which will be steep, and follow the trail to view both Paint Creek Overlooks along the way. There could possibly be a Bigfoot sighting, as he's known to hang out in this area. We will continue to follow the Bluff Trail to the Overlook Road, and take that back to the overlook, where we will descend the steps back to the Walnut Wayside. The views of this hike will be spectacular. In case of bad weather, or hazardous conditions on the Bluff Trail steps, we will do the very flat Paint Creek Trail to observe the new streambank improvements.
Contact: (563) 586-2254
Self-Guided Hikes (Recommended Trails to Explore on Your Own)
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Park Address: 1422 165th St, Hampton, IA 50441
Description: Begin at the new playground parking lot and walk behind the stone lodge to the causeway bridge. Follow the bridge to the end; take time to stop and look for our Bald Eagle nest (visible from the concrete bridge at the end). Then follow the hiking sign to the trail that goes along then shore; there are several photogenic spots of the lake. Follow the trail until you reach the dam. There are stairs marked by a hiking sign, take caution on the descent as they may be slippery. Stairs continue to a trail that lead to a concrete bridge that goes over the water to the stairs on the west side. These stairs are stone and may be slippery or icy. The trail ends at the top of the stairs, follow the lake shoreline alongside the campground towards the pine trees, the trail continues at the end of the road. Stay on the trail until you arrive at the boat ramp loop, and continue to follow the shoreline until you arrive back at the playground.
Contact: If you have questions contact the park office at (641) 456-2047.
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Trailhead Location: Beach Parking Lot
Park Address: 8552 NW 142nd Ave Polk City, IA
Description: Start at the beach parking lot and head southeast along the Neal Smith Trail to the Big Creek Dam, then turn around and head back. The full length of the trail is 2.5 miles one way, it is paved, and fairly flat. Enjoy the views of park and lake with the chance to see wildlife along the trail. Please dress for the weather and be sure to drink plenty of water.
Contact: 515-984-6473
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Trailhead Location: Stubb Severson Nature Trail
Park Address: 228 S Blossom St, Lake View, IA 51450
Description: Enjoy a 1.5-mile grass trail used by wild game in the area. The path is mostly flat.
What to Bring: Dress for the weather.
Contact: If you have questions call the Park Office at (712) 657-8712.
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Meeting Location: 3041 Brushy Drive, Lehigh IA (gravel road)
Description: Hike south to the Mouth trail where Brushy Creek empties into the Des Moines River, continue along to the swamp trail and east loop. If you want additional miles continue south, or loop back north along the bluffs.
What to Bring: Dress for the weather.
Contact: 515 571 3705 or email: brushy_creek@dnr.iowa.gov
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Meeting Location: Beach parking area
Address: 6490 S Shore Dr, Clear Lake, IA 50428
Description Start at the beach parking overflow and enter through the opening in the split rail fence. Follow the trail until it comes to a T-intersection. Turn left and the trail ends quickly at the lodge loop road. Turn right to hike a little further. The hike is around 1/3 to 2/3 of a mile.
What to Bring: Dress for the weather.
Contact: (641) 357-4212
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Meeting Location: Campground check-in station
Park Address: 811 146th Ave., Knoxville, IA 50138
Description: Enjoy a self-guided hike along a 1.7-mile, all-weather trail traveling along forest edges and native prairie edges. The hike is a flat, rocked trail. Dress for the weather.
Contact: (641) 842-6008
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Meeting Location: Cedar Creek Picnic Area & Trailhead Parking
Park Address: 3333 Racine Ave., Danville, IA 52623
Description: Hike south from trailhead that goes up to bluff top with nice views of the Upper end of the lake. Follow trail south to beach area and turn around for return trip. Dress for the weather.
Contact: (319)392-4601
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Parking Location: Lodge Parking Lot
Park Address: 3659 Wyth Rd, Waterloo, IA 50703
Description: Hike the .5-mile Bird Observation Blind Trail -- start behind the George Wyth Lodge. Take a pit stop at the Audubon Bird Blind. Continue down the trail and turn right at the trail intersection. Northern Saw-whet Owls often frequent this area in late fall and winter; look in cedar trees where branches meet the trunk. Just before the trail opens up into the picnic area, take a right to get onto the Lodge Trail to make a loop. The trail is a dirt path. Dress for the weather.
Contact: (319) 232-5505
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Parking Location: Southeast parking lot on 140th St for the 5-mile hike on paged trail. OR South Shelter parking lot on 140th Street for 6-mile hike on grass path.
Park Address: 1480 130th St, Creston, IA 50801
Description: Enjoy 2.5 miles of paved trail (5 miles round trip) from SE Parking Lot on 140th street to the main boat ramp. Or mowed grass path for three miles (6 miles round trip) from south shelter parking lot on 140th Street to North End of the lake. Dress for the weather.
Contact: (641) 782-5131
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Parking Location: Gull Point Lodge parking lot or at the trailhead for the Barney Peterson Trail
Park Address: 1500 Harpen St., Milford, IA 51351
Description: Hike the 1.5-mile non-paved Barney Peterson Memorial Interpretive Trail that hosts tallgrass prairie, a scenic overlook, wildlife, and multiple species of trees and shrubs. The hike is on natural terrain and follows the slope of the land. Dress for the weather.
Contact: (712) 337-3211
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Meeting Location: North campground at the end of tent road loops
Park Address: 12194 Honey Creek Pl., Moravia, IA 52571
Description: A down-and-back 2-mile route along the shoreline of Honey Creek Bay. Trailhead is located at the tent loops in the North Campground. Discover peaceful views of Lake Rathbun amidst the oak and hickory forest. The trail is a dirt path.
Contact: (641) 724-3739
List items for Self-Guided Hikes (Recommended Trails to Explore on Your Own) 02
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Parking Location: Park at the campground
Park Address: 2720 Keomah Lane, Oskaloosa, IA 52577
Description: Enjoy this ¾ mile out and back hike to the beach house. Park at campground, enter trail near site 37 and walk down the hill and across the road. Follow the trail along the lakeshore. You will be able to see the work being done to restore the lake.
Contact: (641) 673-6975
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Parking Location: When entering the park, turn left. You will find parking available at the boat ramp or at the top of the hill.
Park Address: 2303 Lake Rd. Bedford, IA 50833
Description: Start this 1.5-mile hike at the trail head west of the dam. There is a bridge that will cross the spillway. Once across the spillway, keep making left turns and you will find yourself back at on the east side of the dam. Maps at the trail intersections with "you are here" arrows can help you find your current location.
Contact: (712) 523-2700
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Parking Location: Iowa River access parking lot.
Park Address: 22620 Country Highway S56, Eldora, IA 50627
Description: Enjoy the 1-mile Wildcat-Hogsback Trail. Start at Iowa River Access and hike north along Iowa River and up to the Hogsback area and back to the Iowa River Access parking lot. This is a rock trail with some steep sections.
Contact: (641) 858-5832
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Parking Location: Park at Research Office
Park Address: 24550 US-34, Chariton, IA 50049
Description: Enjoy a self-guided hike on the 1.3 -mile grass trail. Start at the research office, and walk across the dam. Walk the lower lake trail until you connect with the upper lake trail, go north on the upper lake trail to complete the loop.
Contact: (641) 774-5632
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Parking Location: Dam Parking (220th Street/C Avenue parking area)
Park Address: 1215 220th Street, Gladbrook, IA 50635
Description: Enjoy this self-guided out-and-back South Trail Hike, which is about 1.5 miles. Start at the parking lot near the spillway/waterfall area at 220th St and C Ave. The South Trail starts across the bridge. Hike to the dam, going across and up the hill near the dam parking lot. Turn right part way up the hill to stay on the trail, which continues below Union Grove's cabins and campground. The bridge west of the campground is a great spot to turn around. The trail is mostly grass and is a moderate hike.
Contact: (641) 473-2556
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Parking Location: Visitor Parking in Campground and walk the Burr Oak Trail
Park Address: 2780 Viking Lake Road, Stanton, IA 51573
Description: Enjoy the 1-mile Burr Oak Trail. This is a grass-mowed path.
Contact: (712) 829-2235
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Parking Location: Once in the park, turn onto Hill Road and follow that to the Albany Equestrian Campground. Parking will be at the pit latrine/kiosk area.
Park Address: 10225 Ivy Rd, Fayette, IA 52142
Description: Enjoy this 1-mile hike on dirt and paved pathways. Hikers will start in the Albany Equestrian Campground and learn about the old town of Albany that once sat upon the site. They will continue down the Albany Bridge Road to the historic bridge and return on the same path.
Contact: (563) 425-4161
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Parking Location: Playground parking lot
Park Address: 3155 SE Walnut Woods Dr West Des Moines, IA 50265
Description: Enjoy a 1.5-mile hike through the woods along the Raccoon River. Start at the playground trail head. Follow the trail east until the no horses beyond here sign (just before the big bridge). Take the trail to the east picnic area and follow the road back to the playground area. This is a mostly flat dirt trail.
Contact: 515-285-4502
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Parking Location: Playground area
Park Address: 21301 County Road E34, Anamosa, IA 52205
Description: Enjoy a 1.75-mile self-guided hike. Start at the playground, cross the bridge heading west and stay to the right at the Y intersection. Before the stone bridge, go left onto the Pine Trail. Follow the trail up to the road and cross over to the Pond Trail. Head east until the Vista Trail, then hike north toward the Rotary Lodge. Once at the lodge, follow the road back to the playground. Enjoy the pretty white pines and some wildlife along the way! Maps available online and at the park office.
Contact: 319-462-2761
SELF GUIDED HIKE
Meeting Location: Upper Picnic Area Shelter
Park Address: 3489 State Park Road, Muscatine, IA 52761
Description: The 1.3-mile hike will begin at the Upper Picnic Area Shelter and follow the Punch Bowl Trail through the Devil's Punch Bowl. The hike will then follow the Lower Picnic Area Trail along Pine Creek, past Steamboat Rock, then loop back up the hill to the shelter. The gravel/dirt trail will have steep terrain and stairs in several spots.
Contact: (563) 263-4337