There’s a cool breeze in the air and kids are back in school, and that means only one thing – fall has arrived. My favorite time of year is the perfect time to go on a fall foliage hike in Iowa, as the leaves start to change. Iowa’s state parks are in full swing this time of year as leaf-peepers go to catch a glimpse – but surprisingly, one of the best hikes this time of year isn’t in a state park at all, but in the town of North Liberty, only minutes from major cities. Squire Point is a 1.4-mile hike found in a mixed-use nature area on the banks of the Iowa River, not far from campgrounds and golf courses. It also contains some of the most stunning views in all of Iowa, so come with us and discover one of the best hidden-gem hikes in the Hawkeye State!
Squire Point Recreation Area, just outside of North Liberty, is home to an easy and charming family-friendly hike that many people in the area might not know about. Taking around half an hour to complete, it’s a perfect breather from a day full of activities.
You won’t encounter any rough terrain on this hike, but given that it’s not a state park trail, it may be a little more informal than some. Keep an eye out for some gorgeous small water features along the way.
The trail is great to visit at all times of the year, but especially during the fall foliage season. The trees along the trail are truly gorgeous, and they take on a multitude of unique colors during the fall. It’s also likely to be relatively quiet, so there won’t be big crowds to contend with.
The leaves on the trees form a unique canopy, shading you as you walk and also giving you a show of colors everywhere you look. The trail tracks the banks of the Iowa River, so make sure to keep your camera ready – the views of the whole area are genuinely stunning. It’s hard to believe this little slice of natural bliss is only a few miles away from both Iowa City and Cedar Rapids.
Have you hiked Squire Point in North Liberty? Let us know about your visit to this underrated fall foliage hike in Iowa, and be sure to tell us all about your favorite places to enjoy autumn splendor in the Hawkeye State. If you’d like to see more pictures, visit the its official listing on AllTrails. If this hike puts you in the mood for more fall fun in North Liberty, we highly recommend Colony Acres Family Farm for some old-fashioned pumpkin-picking and more. The nearby Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Coralville is only a few miles away and is a great, affordable place for a family to stay the night between activities.
Feeling inspired? Try planning your own fall foliage adventure in the Hawkeye State using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner…