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Whether you’re up for a brisk hike in the bluffs, a simple nature walk, bird watching or photography – we have some of the best hiking trails around! Below are individual listings for park areas that work great for hiking. Have a blast! We know you will…
Park at the upper entrance to Van Peenen Park along Quarry Hill Road. Walk from the gravel parking area up and at the top you will find 8 acres of tall prairie grass, trails for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing (this is a natural wildlife area which is not developed for picnicking and camping)
Van Peenen Park offers a variety of terrain including pine forests, steep climbs, and a “Rocky Road.” The Prairie and Pines are suitable for new riders but leaving these trials will take you to technical sections with now easy bail outs.
Head south on Pleasant Ave. towards the Fish Hatchery. Watch for the Carlson Park sign and parking lot next to the Catholic cemetery. Head either direction on the trail and enjoy this scenic two mile loop.
Located at the south end of Ohio St on the west side of Decorah. Start at the informational sign next to the butterfly garden and head towards the river. Pick a trail on the map at the Community Prairie to explore.
The prairie was planted to protect water quality along the Upper Iowa River and create habitat for native pollinators. The walking trails here are wide and grassy. A butterfly garden lies within the prairie and creates an easily accessible, peaceful space for visitors.
Park in the gravel area just south of the entrance to Dunning’s Spring Park. Walk to the waterfall and be sure to take time to walk across the stone bridge and climb the steps to view the source of Dunning’s Spring.
To the right of the stone bridge is a steep trail leading up to a series of trails above Ice Cave Road.
Dunning Springs is the site of a beautiful waterfall surrounded by limestone cliffs. The park features a walking path, scenic overlook, and bridge crafted by local stone mason, Ted WIlson.
The trails throughout Dunning Springs and Ice Cave Park are numerous. Due to their complexity and technical difficulty, not all the trails are marked on printed maps. Talk to experts at the local bike shops about navigating this system.
The Decorah Ice Cave gets its name from layers of ice that form every year in January and last through August. Trails surrounding the cave have steep inclines that cut around vines and exposed limestone.
The trails throughout Dunning Springs and Ice Cave Park are numerous. Due to their complexity and technical difficulty, not all the trails are marked on printed maps. Talk to experts at the local bike shops about navigating this system.
https://www.luther.edu/recservices/assets/Walking_Trail_Map_1.pdf
Luther College recently completed a .5 mile hiking trail that students and the public can enjoy! Along the trail users can enjoy bird watching, lush prairie grasses and flowers and a well-groomed grassy path for safe and fun-filled fun.
The Lower Luther Campus features the Gateway Prairie. Park near the Luther College tennis courts and walk north along the dike until you reach the Gateway Prairie. Like the community prairie, this is a great place for kids to explore.
Malanaphy Springs State Preserve is located on the Paleozoic Plateau landform region and contains a rugged forest, a large spring and a waterfall. Visitors can follow a trail from the parking area to a spring flowing from a cliff's opening. Visitors are also encouraged to visit the beautiful 10 foot waterfall, which is at the end of a series of cascading falls flowing over a porous lime deposit at their base and emptying into the Upper Iowa River (total height is ~ 60').
The steep slopes contain a forest with many rock outcrops throughout. The preserve houses more than 300 native vascular plants including sugar maple and basswood in the forest canopy and ironwood in the understory. Although there are dozens of springs which flow into the waters along your float from Bluffton to Decorah, Malanaphy Springs is the most well-known spring along the Upper Iowa River.
How to get here:
From the intersection of Iowa Highway 9 and US Highway 52, follow Highway 52 north. In one mile, turn left (west) on Pole Line Road. In 2.2 miles turn right onto Bluffton Road. In .7 miles take note of a parking lot on the right. The spring is a 1 mile walk.
You can park at the bottom by the river and walk the road through the park or drive to the top where there are scenic overlooks and trails for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing
Features elevation, steep descents, roots, tight corners, and rocky sections. It’s a skilled rider’s dream come true! The off-road trails in Palisades cross the paved road that cars drive up to see the overlook, so it’s wise to use caution as you go.
This trail is in Phelps Park. It begins at the overlook across from Larsen Fountain on the west side of the road (Park St.) and continues through a wooded area.
Decorah’s oldest park has ample parking and restroom fasciitis. Hikers can enjoy a scenic overlook and trail along the bluff that connects to the paved Trout Run Trail on the west end.
Park at Will Baker Park and hike to the top of Pulpit Rock. This short climb will take you to the iconic stone structure, Pulpit Rock. The city campground located across the road gets its name from this landmark. The view looks over the Upper Iowa River and Community Prairie.
Park in the gravel lot just south of the entrance to Dunning’s Spring Park and next to the Upper Iowa River. The trailhead is just east of where you park (to your left if you are facing the river). This is an out and back soft trail that is just over 2 miles round trip.
https://www.seedsavers.org/visit
Located just outside the city of Decorah the 890 acre farm boasts rolling hills, stoney bluffs, and beautiful rivers and streams as well as multiple gardens where nearly 1,000 varieties of seeds are grown each year.
Gardens, Trails & More
When you visit Heritage Farm, make sure to experience:
Park anywhere along Twin Springs Road and follow the stream “up river” until the stream disappears into the ground- you have found the source of Twin Springs! Near you is the start of the Twin Springs trail leading up the hill. The trail loops for about 3/4 of a mile through the woods.
This beautiful loop overlooks one of Decorah's natural springs. The changes in elevation will challenge experienced bikers and hikers.
The scenic Trout Run Trail loops through and around historic and picturesque Decorah and the surrounding area, passing along dikes, abandoned rail beds, and private farmlands. The trail offers views of forested limestone bluffs, rare algific talus slopes, and the beautiful Oneota Valley and Upper Iowa River.
In addition to biking, walking, running, and cross-country skiing opportunities, the trail provides safe, non-motorized access to trout streams, the Upper Iowa River, art pieces, and local parks, campgrounds, restaurants, ice cream shops, and businesses. Try beginning your trip at, or just stopping by, the Decorah Fish Hatchery, home to Siewers Springs (the second largest natural spring in Iowa) and the famous Decorah eagles! Bring along a picnic to enjoy in the new shelter and a fishing pole to try your hand at the trout in the nearby streams and their handicap-accessible points.
Quick Facts
Access Points
The Prairie Farmer Recreational Trail stretches from Calmar to Cresco, following the abandoned Milwaukee Railroad line. Walk, jog, or bike along the trail and take in the views of native prairies and woodland wildlife.
Quick Facts
Access Points
Source: https://www.mycountyparks.com/county/winneshiek/Parks.aspx
