Favorite places to catch the fall colors in NE Iowa

I’ve been traveling to NE Iowa for many years in search of the best fall colors – and although the timing always varies each year, here are the locations that will give you the best chances to see the best colors.

Pikes Peak State Park, McGregor

Address: 32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157
Pikes Peak State Park boasts consistently vibrant fall colors, thanks to its location in Iowa’s unique Driftless Area topography, which features high bluffs and deep river valleys that create a stunning, layered display of red, orange, and yellow foliage.

Triangle Park, McGregor

Address: Intersection of Main, 1st, and A Street in McGregor,Iowa.
Be sure to check out Triangle Park, considered to be their local town square, just in the form of a triangle. There is typically really good colors along the bluffs that overlook Triangle Park.

Scenic Overlook, Marquette

Address: Scenic Overlook at 134 North St, Marquette, IA 52158
The bluffs overlooking Marquette are filled with dense forests with a variety of tree types, provide a wide pallet of colors. Be sure to check out the view of town and the bridge from the scenic overlook at the end of North Street.

Effigy Mounds National Monument, Harpers Ferry

Address: 151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146
Effigy Mounds National Monument hosts a variety of deciduous trees known for their brilliant fall displays. There are miles of great hiking trails and be sure to check out the five great scenic overlooks within the park.

Mt. Hosmer in Lansing, Iowa

Address: 271 Main St, Lansing, IA 52151
Take a drive to the top of Mt Hosmer, where you can enjoy scenic views of the Mississippi River, the historic Black Hawk Bridge, and views of Lansing, Iowa. The Black Hawk Bridge will close sometime in mid-October, so if you’re in town before that, be sure to take one last drive across one of Iowa’s scenic bridges. While at the top of Mt. Hosmer, consider two short hikes: Beck Point and Strong Point, which are short hikes through the fall foliage to get to scenic overlooks.

Scenic Overlook, Guttenberg

Address: Scenic Overlook at the intersection of Highway 52 and Lorenz Lane.
This scenic overlook on Highway 52 provides parking spots where you can take in the view across the river valley and check on the fall colors of the nearby bluffs. While you’re in town, also check out Big Springs Park, as its short hike leads you to one of Iowa’s few natural waterfalls.

Phelps Park, Decorah

Address: 613 Park St, Decorah, IA 52101
Phelps Park is a gem sitting on a bluff overlooking the Upper Iowa River Valley in Decorah, Iowa. Take the trail that connects down the bluff to Trout Run Trail, and you’ll discover several bridges and unique paths that are known for great fall colors. Also be sure to check out Trout Run Trail, which is an 11-mile paved path that encircles Decorah. Other great spots for checking out fall colors include Dunnings Spring, home to the tallest waterfall in Iowa.

Echo Valley State Park, West Union, Iowa

Address: 9672 Echo Valley Rd, West Union, IA 52175
Echo Valley State Park might be the most overlooked on this list. You’ll find great colors on the bluffs overlooking the park, along with places to splash in Otter Creek.

Backbone State Park, Delaware County

Address: 1347 129th St, Dundee, IA 52038
Backbone is a treasure trove for leaf peepers. Lots of great fall colors that you can catch from driving in your car or getting out for a short hike. Here are three great spots that you should take the time to get out of your vehicle: 1) The boat house on Backbone Lake. 2) Backbone Trail – a one-mile looped hike taking you through some rugged stone trails with scenic overlooks of the area. 3) Richmond Spring – pull off to check out the natural spring and rest at the tables and picnic area.

Yellow River State Forest, Paint Creek Unit, Allamakee County

Address: 729 State Forest Rd, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146
Yellow River State Forest’s vibrant fall colors are attributed to the region’s Driftless Area geology, which has a variety of deciduous trees like sugar maple, oak, and aspen. Besides driving through the area, my recommendations: Larkin Overlook and Paint Creek Overlook.