Hike West Lake And East Lake Trail Loop

Effigy Mounds provides some of the best hiking opportunities in Iowa. It is located in the state’s northeastern most county, Allamakee County, along the Mississippi River. There are several units, the most notable being the north unit, located right next to the visitor center, and the south unit, which is located a little further down the road. The south unit is less used and less popular, but...

To get to Effigy Mounds National Monument travel to the town of Marquette, Iowa. If you drive north of town about three miles, the road will curve to the left, and the park entrance will be on the right.  After you park, you may take a stop in the Visitor Center to grab a map or any souvenirs. From the Visitor Center, follow the deck to the left side of the building to the bridge.  Once you c...

Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Area is such a cool find. When you first arrive it appears to be a massive plot of farm land. As you continue to hike and get into the wooded area, you begin to hear rushing water. Before you know it you're standing on a jaw-dropping overlook of 1 of the 3 canyons in the state of Iowa. There is a winding river through the gut with beautiful landscape and bluffs. Great...

Paint Creek Unit Loop is a 11 mile loop hike where you may see beautiful wild flowers located near Waterville, Iowa.

This year for Earth day, I decided to hike one of my favorite trails near Waterloo, Robinson Bird Sanctuary. I love exploring this area during the spring season because of the beautiful Bluebell flowers that cover the woods. The colors are so bright and imaginative on the trail, it makes it feel as if you're hiking through a fairy tale. I wanted to capture the trails beauty during spring blosso...

To get to the trailhead within Mines of Spain, drive to the Dubuque area, turn off of Highway 61/151, and on to Highway 52. From Highway 52, turn left onto Mines of Spain Road until you find the parking lot. Once you park your car, go up the wooden stairs to the trail. From here you can go either way, as it is a loop trail. I would suggest starting to the left. Once you take the left at the top...