Our family loves to spend as much time outside as possible when the weather is nice. One of our favorite ways to get some outdoor time is hiking on area trails. With fall right around the corner, it’s also a great way to view the fall colors. Here are some of our favorite places to hike with kids in the corridor area, so grab your baby carrier, hiking shoes, water, bug spray, and head out!
Palisades Kepler State Park
700 Kepler Dr. Mt. Vernon, IA 52314
This park is by far our family’s favorite. It’s right on the Cedar River and a popular spot for taking family photos. The Cedar Cliff trail goes up and runs right along the bluffs, offering beautiful views. It is decently challenging, with many stairs and tree roots, but my 3 and 5-year-olds have no problem doing a mile on it. After hiking the trail, my kids enjoy exploring the sand bar on the river to search for shells and rocks.
Pinicon Ridge Park
4732 Horseshoe Falls Rd Central City, IA
This park is right on the Wapsipinicon and has much to offer besides hiking! There is a nice playground by the campground, where you can begin your hike or make it the destination of your hike. Another neat feature this park has to offer is an observation tower. Our family likes to hike the Woodpecker Hill trail; you can loop around and visit the tower or drive right to the tower. While my kids think it’s incredible, this mama who is afraid of heights can be found tightly clutching the rails. Pinicon Ridge also has a wildlife observation area near the south entrance, and they also rent watercraft (canoes, kayaks, paddle boats)
Indian Creek Nature Center
5300 Otis Rd SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
The beautiful grounds at ICNC offer a variety of trails. Most are flat and easy to travel with kids. There is also a short trail near the main building with children’s activities. We like to view the displays in the main building as well. The building has nice restrooms – an advantage that some of the other recommended locations don’t have. We all know that’s a massive bonus as, inevitably, someone always has to go potty, even if they all went right before you left the house.
Wickiup Hill Learning Center
10260 Morris Hill Rd Toddville, IA
Wickiup Hill is a great place to bring littles! There is the beloved Wandering Woods trail that has a variety of activities along the way, including a zip line. You can also walk a boardwalk through the wetlands. An educational center with activities in the main building is open year-round, so it is also a great place to escape the house in the winter or on a rainy day.
These are just a few great places with trails to get your family outside and enjoy nature! No matter where you choose to go, be sure to bring sunscreen, bug spray, and water. It’s a good idea to check for ticks when you get back home. You may also want to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a meal outdoors. Where do you like to take your family hiking in the area? Let us know in the comments!
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