As more and more Iowans get to know the great outdoors, many of our favorite hiking spots tend to be crowded, parking gets harder, and peace and quiet becomes a distant memory. Luckily, it’s still easy to find a quiet hiking spot in Iowa, if you know where to look! The remote Cedar Bluffs Natural Area is worth visiting to see beautiful overlooks and remarkably colorful wildflowers.
You’ll have to go gravel to find Cedar Bluffs Natural Area, southwest of the town of Beacon. Look for the dirt road just beyond the Eveland Access turnoff to find G62.
Google Local / Kirk Orler
It’s likely that you’ll have this 225-acre preserve all to yourself, especially if you head out on a weekday morning. It’s one of the best hidden gems in Iowa for nature lovers to explore.
Alltrails / April Kearns
There’s a loop trail that shows off the park, and it’s easy to follow from the trail head. You’ll travel just under two miles and gain 200 feet of elevation.
Alltrails / April Kearns
Cedar Bluffs is known for having the most colorful wildflower fields around. You can catch glimpses of native plants that attract birds, bees, and butterflies.
AllTrails / Ashley Glenn
Bring your camera to capture the park’s beauty!
AllTrails / Ashley Glenn
Despite being a remote, lightly trafficked spot, the trail is well maintained.
AllTrails / Brad Utterback
Keep an eye out for side trails that will take you to lookouts where you can see the sprawling Des Moines River Valley.
Google Local / Adam Benway
Interpretive signs tell you all about the wildflowers, wildlife, and plants that call this quiet hiking spot in Iowa their home.
Google Local / Adam Benway
Come to Cedar Bluffs and enjoy views of sandstone bluffs, beautiful wildflowers, and a valley that seems to go on forever. You’ll quickly fall in love.
AllTrails / Ashley Glenn
You can find a map of the loop trail through this quiet hiking spot in Iowa by visiting the Cedar Bluffs Natural Area page on AllTrails, here.
Google Local / Kirk Orler
Alltrails / April Kearns
AllTrails / Ashley Glenn
AllTrails / Brad Utterback
Google Local / Adam Benway
For more of the most inviting hiking spots in the Hawkeye State, read 11 Brief But Beautiful Hikes In Iowa You Can Take In Under An Hour.
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Address: Cedar Bluffs Natural Area, Oskaloosa, IA 52577, USA
