It's a walking trail where you can see everything from thick forest to meadows. If you'd like to take a short, challenging hike and enjoy some solitude at the same time, head for Linn County's Ennis Preserve, located just east of Palisades-Kepler State Park south off Highway 30. You'll see wildflowers as you meander the loop of trail that heads for the Cedar River and back to the parking lot. Pinicon Ridge County Park near Central City offers hiking trails, lots of picnic space and fishing in the Wapsipinicon River. The Cedar Valley Nature Trail between Hiawatha and Waterloo is one of the state's most popular multi-use trails.
Many state parks offer hiking opportunities as well.
At Lake Macbride State Park near Solon you can hike along the water's edge. Mines of Spain State Recreation Area near Dubuque offers something for everyone. In addition to its E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center, which includes displays on the history of the region and aquariums filled with fish native to the area, there also are some opportunities for short hikes. Pikes Peak State Park near McGregor has trails with spectacular views of the Mississippi River. Some parts are handicapped-accessible.