Every year, when the cooler weather comes in and the last bits of summer fade away, the hills, bluffs, cliffs, and forests of Iowa begin to brighten up with the gorgeous colors of autumn. To see some of the most impressive fall foliage in Iowa, head to Yellow River State Forest for a camping trip or a day hike.

Iowa's Yellow River State Forest is tucked up in the Driftless region, way up in the northeastern part of the Hawkeye State. There are six units within the forest, and it covers more than 8,500 acres of preserved land.
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You'll find miles and miles of trails here, and every step is worth exploring. The Paint Creek Unit alone has more than two dozen miles of maintained trail!
Google Local / Matt Shaffer

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Many of the trails are perfect for a day hike, and others make for good backpacking trips. There are hike-in campgrounds where you can spend a peaceful night in the wilderness.
Google Local / Michelle Heerboth
When autumn rolls around, hikers flock to the forest to see some of the most beautiful fall foliage in Iowa. The views of the river valley are remarkable.
Google Local / Matt Shaffer
Whether you're planning a day trip for a scenic hike or a longer backpacking or camping excursion, you're in for one-of-a-kind views and memories that will never fade if your destination is Yellow River State Forest.
Google Local / Matt Schaffer

You can find trail maps and more information about the forest’s most popular trails on AllTrails, right here. For campground information and general park hours, rules, and regulations, visit the Iowa DNR site, here.

Hiking through the Hawkeye State is one of the best ways to find gorgeous fall foliage in Iowa. Check out a few of our favorite fall hikes here and plan your next exciting trip.

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Yellow River State Forest, 729 State Forest Rd, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, USA