Laurel Iowa HIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Laurel, Iowa.
1. Linn Creek Recreational Trail
Town-to-Park Adventure. Explore 8 miles of paved pathway linking Riverview Park to Melbourne. Enjoy vibrant river bottom timberland, marshes, and wildflower-dotted prairies. Spot wildlife and connect with multiple parks and family-friendly amenities.
< MORE INFO >2. Iowa River's Edge Trail
Expansive River Trail. Trek along 34 miles of former rail line stretching from Marshalltown to Steamboat Rock. Marvel at scenic bluffs, wetlands, and diverse wildlife habitats. Discover iconic Iowa River Greenbelt landscapes on a mix of easy and moderate terrain.
< MORE INFO >3. Iowa 330 Trail
Highway-Edge Trek. Stretch your legs on 11 miles of smooth, easy trail from Melbourne to the outskirts of Marshalltown. Travel safely parallel to busy highways while soaking in vast rural Iowa vistas. Connect easily to the Linn Creek Trail at Grimes Farm Nature Center.
< MORE INFO >4. Heart of Iowa Nature Trail
Scenic Rail-Trail Route. Enjoy gentle grades and broad views on this developing trail ending in Rhodes, near Melbourne. Ideal for hiking, biking, and nature watching on soft surfaces. Promises future expansion for even longer adventures across central Iowa.
< MORE INFO >5. Grimes Farm Nature Center Trails
Family Nature Escape. Stroll looping trails through prairie, woodland, and wetlands near Marshalltown. Encounter educational exhibits, birdwatching opportunities, and peaceful picnic spots. Perfect for families and casual hikers seeking an easy outing.
< MORE INFO >6. Pine Lake Trail
Old Pines Pathway. Wander 2.4 miles through the heart of Pine Lake State Park among ancient white pines. Experience shaded, wooded trails and lakeshore scenes. Trail offers easy to moderate sections and access to scenic picnic areas.
< MORE INFO >7. Newton Hike and Bike Trail
Urban-Nature Connector. Follow a 6-mile paved trail that winds through Newton's parks and greenbelts. Delight in a gentle, easy trek ideal for all skill levels. Provides a great blend of small-town charm and fresh air escapes.
< MORE INFO >8. Old Creamery Nature Trail
Historic Gravel Route. Journey 15.3 miles along cinder, crushed stone, and gravel paths between Vinton and Dysart. Experience prairie remnants, historic sites, and the charm of rural Iowa communities. Trail offers mostly flat, easy hiking perfect for long walks or biking.
< MORE INFO >9. Neal Smith Trail
Riverbank Classic Trek. Adventure on a 24.5-mile asphalt trail rolling along the Des Moines River through lush forests and riverside meadows. Connects to the Ding Darling Greenway for abundant wildlife viewing. Suitable for both long-distance hikers and casual strollers.
< MORE INFO >10. Nicholson-Ford Wetlands Trail
Wetlands Wildlife Walk. Meander through the lush wetlands of Nicholson-Ford within the Marshalltown trail network. Enjoy close encounters with waterfowl, amphibians, and unique marshland plants. Short, scenic loops are perfect for a peaceful nature experience.
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