The best walks and hikes around Council Bluffs

Yes, many parks and trails in the Council Bluffs area welcome dogs. Vincent Bluff State Preserve is a popular spot for hiking with dogs, offering some good elevation changes over shorter distances. The trails at Lewis and Clark Park & Monument are also a great option for enjoying a walk with your furry friend while taking in the views.

For a unique and easy family outing, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge — Omaha is a great choice. It's a short, flat walk where kids can have fun standing in both Iowa and Nebraska at the same time. Lake Manawa State Park also offers gentle trails suitable for all ages.

The Loess Hills provide the most dramatic scenery in the region. For panoramic views, head to the 45-foot-tall HawkWatch Tower at Hitchcock Nature Center. You can also get expansive views of the city, the Missouri River, and the Omaha skyline from the trails at Vincent Bluff State Preserve and Fairmount Park.

The hiking is defined by the unique Loess Hills, which are hills made of wind-deposited silt. This creates a landscape of rolling hills with some surprisingly rugged and steep sections. You'll find a mix of prairie, oak savanna, and forest. While some trails like the Wabash Trace are flat, many routes in the nature preserves involve significant elevation changes.

Yes, the Wabash Trace Nature Trail is a 63-mile trail that starts in Council Bluffs and runs to the Missouri border. It's a converted railroad line with a crushed gravel surface, making it ideal for long, uninterrupted walks or bike rides through a tree-lined corridor.

The Hidden Lake, Prairie and Marsh Trail loop — Fontenelle Forest — Omaha is a great option that takes you through varied landscapes including prairie and marshland. Many of the trail systems, like the one at Hitchcock Nature Center, are designed with interconnecting loops, allowing you to create a walk of your desired length.

There are over 30 curated hiking routes to explore around Council Bluffs on komoot. The area's trail system is quite extensive, with over 40 miles of recreational trails connecting various parks and landmarks throughout the city and surrounding nature preserves.

The trails around Council Bluffs are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the unique experience of walking through the Loess Hills, the well-maintained paths, and the beautiful scenic overlooks of the Missouri River valley.

Yes, for a more strenuous hike, consider the History Trail, Missouri Trail, and Riverview Boardwalk loop — Fontenelle Forest. This route covers over 8 miles and includes considerable climbing through the forest. The trails within Hitchcock Nature Center also offer challenging climbs up the steep Loess Hills.

For direct river access and views, the Stream, Cottonwood and Missouri Trail — Fontenelle Forest — Omaha follows the Missouri River. Additionally, many of the hilltop trails, such as those at Lewis and Clark Monument Park, provide sweeping views of the river from above.

Spring and fall are ideal for hiking in Council Bluffs, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with spring wildflowers or autumn colors. Summer can be hot and humid, so early morning hikes are recommended. Winter hiking is also possible, especially on clear, crisp days, and offers a different perspective of the Loess Hills landscape.

Yes, many excellent trails are free to access. You can explore Vincent Bluff State Preserve, Fairmount Park, and the Wabash Trace Nature Trail without an entry fee. Some locations like Hitchcock Nature Center may have a small vehicle entry fee which helps support the park's maintenance and conservation efforts.