If you’ve been longing for a nice hike in the Hawkeye State, we’d like to share one with you, one that we expect will be right up your alley.  And, it is full of awe-inspiring rock formations, including a cave. Lace-up those hiking boots and follow us along to the Garrison Rock Resource Management Unit in Ottumwa, Iowa.

The Chief Wapello Trail, 1.7 miles out and back, is part of the Garrison Rock Resource Management Unit in Ottumwa.
Chief Wapello Trail/AllTrails
Chief Wapello (1787-1842) was a Native American chief of the Meskwaki tribe. He is buried in Agency, Iowa.
This area is named for Garrison Rock, a large sandstone outcrop affording a beautiful view of the Des Moines River valley.
Chief Wapello Trail/AllTrails
The setting is such that you may wonder if you will encounter hobbits, or gnomes perhaps, in your meanderings.
At each turn, you will be presented with a collection of intriguing rock formations.
Chief Wapello Trail/AllTrails
There is always something new to discover here!

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You can crawl into, or under, many of the rock formations, not the least of which is a cave.
Chief Wapello Trail/AllTrails
You never know when you may also get a gander at some of the local wildlife, often times a deer.
Chief Wapello Trail/AllTrails
The trail, good for all skill levels, crosses a creek in a few strategic spots.
Chief Wapello/AllTrails
If you are a history aficionado, check out the Pioneer Cemetery before you leave.

Keep this captivating hiking trail in mind next time you are seeking outdoor recreation in Iowa. You won’t want to let this cave, and the other assorted rock formations, go unseen! For lunch in Ottumwa, stop by Canteen Lunch in the Alley, serving up loose-meat sandwiches since 1927 at a 17-person counter.

If you would like to hike other trails in Iowa that feature caves, be sure to read these articles: Explore Caves And Rivers On A Short, Scenic Hike Through Iowa’s Wapsipinicon State Park and The Maquoketa Caves Loop Trail Will Show You A Completely New Side Of Iowa.

Have you hiked the Chief Wapello Trail in Iowa? Share your thoughts with us!

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6951 Cliffland Rd, Ottumwa, IA 52501, USA