Best Hikes in the Heartland

There are numerous alternatives throughout the Midwest if you're seeking a new hiking destination. Despite its lack of altitude, the region offers abundant natural beauty, from rolling plains and woods to sandstone canyons and concealed waterfalls. In addition to its stunning scenery, the Midwest is home to some of the nation's finest national parks.

Greer Spring Trail in Mark Twain National Forest is one of the tops walks in the Midwest. This trail leads to a hidden 230-million-gallon-per-day spring in the forest. The 1.5-mile round-trip path gains a total of 200 feet in elevation. Unfortunately, there are also pretty steep sections. Therefore hiking shoes with excellent traction are advised.

Wisconsin's Devil's Lake circle path is another of the best walks in the Midwest. This route is located near Baraboo and provides fantastic views. In addition to Ice Age artifacts, you will encounter them along the trail. This circle incorporates three different trails: the East Bluff Trail, the Balanced Rock Trail, and the Grizzly Ridge Trail.

The Loess Hills are another fantastic hiking destination in the Midwest. They extend 200 miles along the Missouri River and are a distinct land structure. The only other identical formation is in China. Thus any nature enthusiast must visit this location. The Loess Hills offer breathtaking beauty and are a perfect day trip destination from the city. It is an ideal location for families and couples due to its natural beauty.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park lies in the western region of North Dakota. This park is one of the nation's most underappreciated national parks. It contains several state forests and rolling hills. The Caprock Coulee Circular Trail, a 4.4-mile loop trail, is a popular hiking site in the park. It offers spectacular landscape vistas and regular wildlife sightings. The trail in the park's center is an excellent option for hikers of all abilities.

Multiple national parks in the Midwest provide numerous hiking options. For example, Custer State Park is a fantastic place for a hiking excursion and offers a variety of additional attractions, such as picturesque lakes and excellent wildlife viewing. Mount Rushmore and the Badlands National Park are also nearby. So whether you're looking for a day hike or a multi-day adventure, there's bound to be a fantastic path near your home.

The North Shore of Minnesota is an excellent hiking destination. Within 30 miles, there are various waterfalls and excellent hiking paths. Hikers can enjoy the stunning colors of the fall leaves in the autumn. The Oberg Mountain Loop in Minnesota is an additional excellent day travel option. The Saddle Rock Trail in Scotts Bluff National Monument is another fantastic walk. This straightforward hike offers breathtaking vistas of limestone structures and an incredible rock tunnel.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is an additional excellent hiking location in the Midwest. This park is located on Kendall Park Road, forty minutes south of Cleveland. The Ledges Trail is a 2.2-mile circle that requires around 1.5 hours to complete and gains 80 feet in elevation. This hike is appropriate for inexperienced hikers and does not require extensive hiking expertise or physical fitness. The park's natural splendor is stunning, and tourists may take photographs along the walk.

South Dakota's Badlands National Park is a magnificent terrain. Its steep valleys and spires create a distinctive landscape. The Notch Trail, being 1.3 miles in length, provides hikers with a spectacular perspective of the surrounding area.

Try the Superior Hiking Trail in Wisconsin if you are searching for a lengthier hiking experience. It spans the border between Canada and Wisconsin and offers some of the best hiking in the Midwest. The route is well-planned and accessible in segments. This trail is ideal for walkers of all experience levels. The trek is approximately $20 to hike, but the vistas are well worth the cost.

The Platte River State Park is another fantastic location to visit if you're seeking adventure. This state park has more than 100 miles of hiking paths suitable for individuals of all fitness levels and families. Additionally, a zip line allows you to cross the Missouri River in style.