Last Updated on 3 March, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf

Ledges State Park is one of the crown jewels of the Iowa state parks system. Located centrally in the state and just north of Des Moines, this park is home to towering cliffs, fast-flowing creeks, and plenty of hiking!

This article is the ultimate hiker’s guide to the 8 breathtaking trails at Ledges State Park. I’ll go over the four and a half miles of hiking trails in detail, pointing out the best trails, notable points of interest, and stunning viewpoints along the way.

Hiking isn’t the only activity to do at Ledges. I’ll also cover some other activities and adventures to be had in this beautiful park.

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1. Lost Lake Trail (1.2 miles)

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources tells us that Ledges State Park contains around four and a half miles of hiking trails. 

Located at the southern edge of the park, the Lost Lake trail meanders along the Des Moines River before cutting away toward beautiful meadows and Lost Lake. Along the way, you’ll find interpretive signs with information about the trail, the park, and the nature around you.

The trail can get muddy after rain, and the mosquitoes are bad in the warmer months. We use Murphy’s Naturals bug repellent spray because it uses natural ingredients instead of harsh chemicals.

Waterproof boots and some trusty bug spray will make this trail more enjoyable in the summer. Better yet, check out this trail in the winter or during the shoulder seasons like early spring and late fall. We have a fantastic guide on winter hiking gear to help you prepare for any adventures in the cold season!

The Lost Lake Trail is ADA-accessible. Dogs are also welcome on this trail, but remember to keep them leashed to protect wildlife, other hikers, and reactive dogs.

• Trailhead: N41.9841, W93.8896
• Trail type: Loop
• Gear recommendations: Waterproof boots. Bug spray. 

Ledges State Park is known for its many stairs and steep trails, so the Lost Lake Trail is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an easy, gentle hike without all the elevation gain!

2. Prairie Trail (0.9 Miles)

The Prairie Trail at Ledges State Park is a fantastic adventure for those who love bird watching and wildflowers. The tall grasses are bursting with wild birds, and in the spring, the meadow puts on a brilliant show of colorful wildflowers.

A pair of binoculars can aid you in your search for birds! The Nocs Provisions Standard Issue Waterproof 10 x 25 Binoculars are lightweight, waterproof, and come with a lifetime warranty.

This trail is less popular than others in the park, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking for some solitude. However, it also means parts of the trail may be a little overgrown, especially in late spring with new plant growth.

• Trailhead: N41.9939, W93.8784
• Trail type: Loop
• Gear recommendations: binoculars for bird watching. Hiking pants for walking through long grass and protection from ticks.

Don’t forget to pack the snacks! Even for a short hike, food is, in my humble opinion, a necessity! Check out our guide to hiking snacks for the healthiest food to boost your energy on your excursions.

3. Oak Woods Trail (0.3 Miles)

The Oak Woods Trail is a short 0.3-mile trek to Inspiration Point. It can be connected to Hog’s Back and Mesquakie for a longer adventure. The trail is nice and shaded, meandering through the forest.

Inspiration Point is not much of an overlook. It looks into the trees from a slightly elevated perspective. Don’t expect a vast expanse or breathtaking views here!

• Trailhead: N41.9950, W93.8806
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Gear Recommendations: Sturdy hiking shoes and trekking poles.

Unless you plan to connect this trail with others, it’s not worth the trip. The views are okay, and Inspiration Point isn’t all that inspirational.

Hiking during hunting season? We’ve got you covered! Read our hiking safety guide to learn about how to stay safe and visible on the trails during hunting season.

4. Hog’s Back Trail (1.0 Miles)

The Hog’s Back Trail can be connected with the Oak Woods Trail or done on its own. It can also be combined with the Mesquakie Trail (up next!) for a longer hike. On its own, the Hog’s Back Trail is 1 mile long, making it a short and sweet trip through the forest on relatively flat terrain.

The Council Ring is a point of interest along the trail’s southern end. It’s not much of a view, but rather an open area surrounded by trees.

• Trailhead: N41.9946, W93.8850
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Gear Recommendations: Tennis shoes or hiking shoes.

Hog’s Back Trail is best done when connected to other trails, such as Mesquakie or Oak Woods. On its own, it’s a little short with minimal interesting views. Head over to our day hiking gear list to make sure you have everything you need to conquer the trails, long or short!

5. Mesquakie Trail (0.7 Miles)

The Mesquakie hiking trail starts at the Lower Ledges Parking lot, traversing north past Table Rock and connecting with Canyon Drive. It can be connected with the Hog’s Back trail or Old Indian Trail to extend the hike.

The trail is somewhat strenuous with an elevation gain of around 170 feet. A few sets of stairs can be found along the way, making this a good hike for intermediate to advanced hikers and a challenging adventure for beginners!

Table Rock is a point of interest along the trail. It’s a large, flat rock top elevated above Peas Creek with moderate views. 

• Trailhead: N41.9923, W93.8891
• Trail Type: Lollipop Loop
• Gear Recommendations: Binoculars for birding, sturdy hiking shoes, trekking poles.

Like most trails in Ledges State Park, the Mesquakie trail can be combined with others to make it a longer adventure. Consider pairing it with Hog’s Back or the Old Indian Trail! 

All trails at Ledges State Park are dog-friendly as well! If you decide to bring your furbag along, our list of dog hiking gear essentials can help you prepare Fido for the adventure of a lifetime.

6. Old Indian Trail (1.3 Miles)

The Old Indian Trail is in the northwest section of Ledges State Park. It contains many sets of steps and includes significant elevation gain, so beginners beware! That said, it’s a beautiful hike through the trees that hikers of almost any level can complete with a little perseverance.

The Crow’s Nest is a point of interest along this trail, but it doesn’t offer the great views its name suggests. Trees block any sort of panorama that might be had, making it nothing more than a decent place to take a seat on the provided bench and breathe in the nature around you.

• Trailhead: N41.9944, W93.8861
• Trail Type: Lollipop Loop
• Gear Recommendations: Sturdy hiking shoes, trekking poles, and water.

The Crow’s Nest Trail (next up!) overlaps with the Old Indian Trail, making it a great combination to extend the hike.

With all the stairs and elevation gain along this trail, it’s a good idea to pack a first aid kit in case of slips and falls. We have a fantastic guide on the items you need in a first aid kit here!

7. Crow’s Nest Trail (1.0 Miles)

The Crow’s Nest Trail starts slightly further down Canyon Drive from the Old Indian Trail. It leads to the Crow’s Nest point of interest, but takes a slightly different loop than the Old Indian Trail. Like the Old Indian Trail, there are several sets of stairs and some strenuous elevation gain.

• Trailhead: N41.9934, W93.8880
• Trail Type: Lollipop Loop
• Gear Recommendations: Sturdy hiking shoes, trekking poles, and water.

Combine the Crow’s Nest Trail and the Old Indian Trail to make the hike into a double loop to see new scenery for the entirety of the hike.

8. Hike-In Campsite Trail (0.6 Miles)

This easy trail is located on the park’s northeastern edge near the campground. The trail leads to multiple hike-in tent campsites, but even if you’re not camping, it offers pretty views of the surrounding forest and is not much used, so you can enjoy some solitude.

This is a great trail for beginners as it’s fairly level with minimal elevation gain. If you’re camped in the nearby campground, it’s a fantastic way to start the day!

• Trailhead: N41.9972, W93.8721
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Gear Recommendations: Hiking shoes or boots

Many social trails can be found along the path that are not maintained. Stay on the main path to complete the hike without any unwanted hiccups. Not sure what to pack for such a short hike? Check out our article on what to pack in your hiking bag for tips!

Other Things To Do At Ledges State Park

Whether hiking’s not your thing or you’ve explored all the trails the park has to offer, there is still plenty to do at Ledges besides hiking. Whether you want to camp, take a scenic drive, or wade in Pea Creek, there’s something for everyone.

Take The Scenic Route Down Canyon Drive

Starting at the park’s east entrance at the intersection of P Avenue and 250th Street, Canyon Drive is a scenic 1.8-mile drive through Ledges State Park. The road turns one-way after the first 0.3 miles, offering drivers a slower-paced excursion to enjoy the views.

This scenic road drives past several points of interest, including views of the canyon, Pea Creek, civilian conservation corps buildings, and the Des Moines River Valley. As you make your way through the park, you’ll see sandstone ledges rise nearly 100 feet above, offering a drastic landscape as you pass over Pea Creek seven times.

The drive ends at the park’s west entrance at the intersection with Oriole Road.

• Scenic Drive Start: N41.9938, W93.8738
• Scenic Drive End: N41.9934, W93.8908

Camping

The campground at Ledges State Park is open from March through November and requires an online reservation. There are 94 sites that are a mix of full hook-up, electric-only, non-electric, and hike-in tent sites.

Head over to our guide on Ledges State Park Camping to discover the 7 beautiful places to stay in and around the park!

Wade The Stream

Another favored pastime at Ledges State Park is wading in Pea Creek. This is a fun activity for bringing little kids to explore the park. Pea Creek meanders throughout the park and alongside several trails.

The best places to wade in the stream are near the parking areas along Canyon Road or while hiking the many trails that wind near the stream, such as the Old Indian Trail or Mesquakie’s northern section.

Have A Picnic

Bring the family, food, and refreshments to enjoy a picnic in beautiful Ledges State Park. There are five designated picnic areas in the park that are easily accessible from Canyon Drive or Oriole Road.

Each picnic area has several picnic tables, and most are located in shaded groves to escape the hot summer sun.

Fishing

The Des Moines River flows along the park’s west boundary and offers ample opportunities for fishing. Species you can find near the park include walleye, white bass, catfish, flathead, and striped bass.

Wrapping Up Ledges State Park

Ledges State Park is a marvel of sandstone cliffs, steep hiking trails, and gorgeous valley views located in Boone County, Iowa. Eight marvelous hiking trails can be found in the park, ranging from an easy 0.3-mile stroll to a challenging 2-mile escapade.

To recap, the eight hiking trails at Ledges State Park include:

• Lost Lake Trail (1.2 miles)
• Prairie Trail (0.9 miles)
• Oak Woods Trail (0.3 miles)
• Hog’s Back Trail (1.0 miles)
• Mesquakie Trail (1.4 miles)
• Old Indian Trail (1.3 miles)
• Crow’s Nest Trail (1.0 miles)
• Hike-In Campsite Trail (0.6 miles)

After exploring the park’s trails, you can always take a scenic auto tour down Canyon Drive, wade in Pea Creek, or have a lovely picnic beneath the forest canopy.

If you travel with your furbags like we do, you’ll be happy to know that Ledges State Park is dog-friendly! Whichever trail you decide to conquer, enjoy your time in nature and keep adventuring!

For more hiking and travel tips, head over to the Dirtbags with Furbags blog!