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Iowa Hiking|Nature

This One Hike In Iowa Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience

By Michaela Kendall | Published February 04, 2016

Contrary to what some out-of-staters may believe, Iowa isn’t flat – there are actually endless rolling hills, steep bluffs, underground caves and forest trails to keep any hiking enthusiast busy. One of the very best hiking spots in Iowa is in the eastern part of the state, at a spot called Maquoketa Caves State Park.

Maquoketa Caves State Park is a 323-acre park in Jackson County that contains more caves than any other state park in Iowa. A trail system throughout the park links the caves, formations, and overlooks while providing a scenic hiking experience like nothing else in Iowa.

The park features many different limestone caves, arches and chimneys including Dancehall Cave, Hernado's Hideaway, Shinbone Cave, Wye Cave, and an unmarked cave within the dancehall cavern locally known as Steelgate Cave.

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Hikers and cave explorers can venture deep into subterranean caverns...

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Take a stroll along a forest trail....

Or climb their way up to the top of the steep ledges and towering bluffs to get a view of the amazing area.

It is recommended that visitors bring water, jeans, a long sleeve shirt and a headlamp to enter the caves. Interpreters will give guided tours to facilitate the White Nose Syndrome (WNS) Awareness Program. This is a short program that will help to prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome to bats by humans. Attendance at the program is required for those who plan to enter the caves.

For a visual tour of beautiful Maquoketa Caves, check out this video by Total Voyage!

What do you think? Know of any more amazing hiking spots in Iowa? Share your thoughts with us!

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