As cozy as it is sitting inside and watching the snow fall, getting outdoors can be even more fun. Here are a few Iowa state parks that make bundling up worth it for the memories made, whether it's in your hiking boots or snowshoes, or maybe on skis or a snowmobile!
![Lakes & Land](/Content/images/icons/icon-lakes-land.png)
Pilot Knob State Park - Forest City
Pine Lake State Park - Eldora
![](/userdocs/modules/module25/PineLake.jpg)
![Loess Hills & Beyond](/Content/images/icons/icon-loess-hills.png)
Prairie Rose State Park - Harlan
![](/userdocs/modules/module25/ed9a955a26e8b5f8abb2b4e1677efe781b3b8d4c0eecb6f034ce9c068a96832a.jpg)
Green Valley State Park - Creston
Springbrook State Park - Guthrie Center
![Capital Country](/Content/images/icons/icon-capital-country.png)
Ledges State Park - Madrid
![](/userdocs/modules/module25/22o_Ledges State Park13_Madrid_FH.jpg)
![Driftless Area](/Content/images/icons/icon-driftless.png)
Backbone State Park - Dundee
![](/userdocs/modules/module25/Backbone State Park.jpg)
Cedar Rock State Park - Independence
![Storied & Scenic](/Content/images/icons/icon-storied-scenic.png)
Stephens State Forest - Chariton
Lake Macbride State Park, Solon
![](/userdocs/modules/module25/23p_Lake Macbride State Park 2_Solon_Solange Saxby.jpg)
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area - Palo
Reprinted with permission from Iowa Outdoors magazine, a publication of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. To subscribe or find more information about state parks, visit the Iowa DNR.
Tips for Hiking a Local Trail
Use Local & State Parks
Local and state parks have easy to navigate trails that provide quick access to scenic areas close by or in our own neighborhood. Find a list of trails maintained in Iowa State Parks at iowadnr.gov.
![Use Local & State Parks](/userdocs/modules/module18/22o_Ledges State Park13_Madrid_FH-custom.jpg)
Hike with a Friend
If you are new to hiking, ask a friend who hikes to come along. If you don’t know any hikers, find a hiking club that regularly plans outings.
![Hike with a Friend](/userdocs/modules/module18/23p_Lake Macbride State Park_Solon_Kathleen Maris Paltrineri-custom.jpg)
Start Easy
Start on easy, shorter distance trails, you can tackle longer and more difficult trails as you build endurance and confidence.
![Start Easy](/userdocs/modules/module18/winter-hike-ledges.jpg)
Dress in layers
Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes or boots. You can add or remove layers as conditions change.
![Dress in layers](/userdocs/modules/module18/23p_Lake Macbride State Park 2_Solon_Solange Saxby.jpg)
Pack plenty of water and snacks
Pack plenty of water and snacks (bring more than you think you need), a first aid kit, sunscreen and a charged phone in a well-fitting backpack.
![Pack plenty of water and snacks](/userdocs/modules/module18/Iowa_Views.jpg)
Check the Weather
Check the weather conditions before you adventure out. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
![Check the Weather](/userdocs/modules/module18/winter-hike-waterfall.jpg)