My favorite level B roads in the Loess Hills of Iowa
It’s time to get your vehicle dirty! (or trapped in mud, if you’re not careful). Iowa Road Trip has spent numerous hours traveling level B roads in the Loess Hills of Western Iowa and we are now releasing a list of my favorite Loess Hills backroads.
Yes, level B roads contain some of the most beautiful scenes – but yet are also some of the most dangerous roadways. Level B roads receive very little maintenance and are extremely dangerous during or after rain/snow.
There are level B roads all over Iowa, why is this list just from the Loess Hills?
The loess soil only exists in limited locations in the entire world and it helps create high sidewalls that tower over your vehicle. Although every county in Iowa has level B roads, only the backroads in the loess hills have towering sidewalls.
What criteria were used to determine my favorite level B roads in the Loess Hills?
The following factors were collected: how long is the drive? How tall are the sidewalls? Hills or inclines? S-curves or winding curves? Any bridges or other unique features?
I then assigned them to a 5-star format, with 5 stars being one of the best backroads available, working down to those with just one star.
My favorite level B roads in the Loess Hills:
- Hastie Hollow in Mills County – 5 stars
- Lake Hill in Mills County – 5 stars
- Lambert Ave in Mills County – 5 stars
- Fulton Ave in Harrison County – 5 stars
- Knox Ave in Woodbury County – 5 stars
- Sophies Hollow in Monona County – 4 stars
- 260th Street in Woodbury County – 4 stars
- Ideal Ave in Harrison County – 4 stars
Hastie Hollow in Mills County
I think Hastie Hollow in Mills County is the best level B backroad in Iowa. It has high sidewalls that cut through the loess hills soil, towering to heights near 20 feet. The road curves and winds through the hills, creating fantastic s-curves leading down to a single-lane bridge to cross Waubonsie Creek. On the other side, it winds again back up through the hills. Although the locals refer to it as Hastie Hollow, you’ll find it on Google maps as Pathfield Road.
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars
Length: 0.7 mile. Although it’s relatively short, it has quite a few features.
Sidewalls: Yes, the highest sidewalls are while you drive through the s-curves that wind down towards Waubonsie Creek.
Hills: Yes, it inclines down towards the creek. The hills on Hastie Hollow are not as sharp or steep of an incline compared to places like Olive Ave, but I think the other features more than make up for it.
S-Curve: Hastie Hollow has the best s-curves that wind through the towering sidecuts.
Bridge: Yes, a single-lane wooden bridge crosses the Waubonsie Creek.
Location: Here’s how to find Hastie Hollow: Google map location
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Lake Hill in Mills County
Mills County has some of the most outrageous backroads in Iowa – and Lake Hill is one of the best. Its sidewalls are some of the tallest and sharpest cut among level B roads.
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars
Length: 1 mile
Sidewalls: Yes, in fact, Lake Hill has some of the tallest and sharpest sidewalls
Hills: Yes
S-Curves: Although not a true S curve, there are several curves along the path that help conceal the upcoming view.
Bridge: No bridges.
It’s technically Raleigh Road, but the locals refer to it as Lake Hill and it’s one of the best level B roads in the state of Iowa because of the sidewalls.
Location: Here’s where you can find Lake Hill – Google map location
Lambert Ave in Mills County
The next 5-star road is also in Mills County and not very far from the first two recommendations. What’s unique about Lambert Ave is a 4-way intersection of level B roads. Otherwise, there are no S curves and the sidewalls are still tall, but not necessarily taller than the previous routes. Although it is a short route, it’s highly rated because the sidewalls are extremely sharp and tall. The intersection with 245th Street is also interesting as both are level B, so I would encourage you to travel north on 245th as well.
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars
Length: 0.5 miles
Sidewalls: Some of the best sidewalls in Western Iowa.
Hills: Yes, but nothing major
S-Curves: No S Curves
Bridge: No bridges.
Location: Google map location
Fulton Ave in Harrison County
Fulton Avenue is a long level B road, but it’s the first half mile that you’ll remember. The entrance has a narrow strip of loess that separates the level B road from the gravel road. Within the first 100 yards, the road takes a nearly 90-degree turn, then you’ll pass directly underneath a fallen tree that dangles over the tops of the loess ridges. For the next mile, you’ll be dodging ruts, ridges, and potholes to protect your vehicle’s suspension. I’ll warn you now, this road is usually in the worst condition of all the level B roads I’ve driven – but of course, the condition always depends on the recent weather.
In fact, if you want to experience one of the best level B roads without having to actually drive on it, then I would recommend parking on the gravel road at the start and then walking up the first quarter to half a mile.
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars
Length: 2.4 miles
Sidewalls: Yes
Hills: Yes
S-Curves: No S curves – but there is a really sharp 90-degree turn just a short distance from the start.
Bridge: No bridges.
Location: Google map location
Knox Ave in Woodbury County
There are no S curves and the side walls are not as high as the others – but Knox Avenue makes up for the difference in length and gorgeous views. When you combine Knox Avenue with 260th Street (another level B road), the path is over 2 miles long.
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars
Length: 2.23 miles, if you drive north on Knox Ave and turn right and follow 260th Street, which is also a level B road.
Sidewalls: Yes, lots of sections with high sidewalls.
Hills: The hills on Knox Avenue are what make it one of the best backroads. Starting at the intersection of Deer Run Trail and Knox Ave, facing north you’ll see the first really steep incline with large sidewalls. Once you make it to the top, you can see the rolling hills in the distance, with high sidewalls at most of the hilltops.
S-Curve: No curves.
Bridge: No bridges.
Location: Google map location
Sophies Hollow in Monona County
On Google maps, you’ll find this as Olive Avenue, but locals know it as Sophie’s Hollow. The entrance near Preparation Canyon State Park is a deep dive down into the hollow with sharp sidewalls. This section is also commonly referred to as “Suicide Hill” by the kids who remember sledding down the large hill during the winter months.
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars
Length: 1.5 miles
Sidewalls: Yes, the highest sidewalls are near the intersection of 314th Street and Olive Ave.
Hills: Yes, the most significant hill is located near the intersection of 314th Street and Olive Ave. Locals refer to it as “suicide hill” as they remember sledding down the hill in the winter.
S-Curve: There are a few slight curves to the road, but not any real dramatic S-curves like some of the other Loess Hills backroads.
Bridge: No
If it’s one of the most popular backroads, why is it only 4 stars?
It’s one of the most popular because of its location. It’s right between two popular locations: Preparation Canyon State Park and the Loess Hills Scenic Overlook, which leads to getting more visitors than most level B roads. However, as you explore other backroads, you’ll find that others have just as many, if not more features and adventures.
Location: Google Map Location
260th St in Woodbury County
Although it is relatively short in length, 260th Avenue has a very dramatic entrance where the road climbs a sharp hill that is carved through the hills. Trees dangle over the edge of the ridge.
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars
Length: 1.07 miles
Sidewalls: Yes, 10 to 15-foot sidewalls
Hills: Yes, the first hill is probably the steepest climb with the highest sidewalls
S-Curves: No curves at all, this is a straight east-west road
Bridge: No bridges.
Location: Google map location
Ideal Ave in Harrison County
Although it is relatively short in length, Ideal Ave picks up a 4-star rating because it contains a unique 3-way intersection with another level b road. At that location, all of the side walls come together.
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars
Length: 0.4 miles
Sidewalls: Yes, especially at the intersection with a field access road (which you can see in the video
Hills: Yes
S-Curves: No curves at all, but the intersection with a field access road is very interesting
Bridge: No bridges.
Location: Google map location
| Some additional level B roads that I traveled in the Loess Hills and rated as 3-stars | |||
| Kelsey Ave in Harrison County | 3 stars | ||
| Hardin Ave in Harrison County | 3 stars | ||
| Peach to E54 in Monona County | 3 stars | ||
| Peach to 314th St Monona County | 3 stars | ||
| Upper Olive Av Monona County | 3 stars | ||
| Lower Peach Av Monona County | 3 stars | ||
| 200th St in Woodbury County | 3 stars | ||
Full list of all Loess Hills level B roads that I traveled
Here’s the full list of all roads that I traveled by county, along with their rating. I have even left the 1 star rated routes on the list, in case you wanted to know which routes aren’t really worth the trip. To find a comprehensive map of all level B roads in Iowa, visit: https://iowadot.gov/maps/digital-maps/city-and-county-maps
Fremont County……………………..
- 167th Street : 2 stars
Harrison County………………………….
- Fulton Ave: 5 stars
- Kendall Trail : 1 star
- 190th Street : 1 star
- Jasper Trail :1 star
- Saw Mill Hollow : 2 stars
- Kelsey Ave: 3 stars
- Hardin Ave : 3 stars
Mills County……………………………………………
- Lake Hill : 5 stars
- Hastie Hollow : 5 stars
- Lambert Avenue: 5 stars
Monona County …………………………………………………….
- Peach to E54 : 3 stars
- Peach to 314th : 3 stars
- Ideal Ave : 3 stars
- Upper Olive Ave : 3 stars
- Orange Ave to 37 : 1 star
- Lower Peach : 3 stars
- 230th : 3 stars
- 112th trail : 1 star
- Sophies Hollow : 4 stars
Woodbury County…………………………………………………
What is a level B road?
Basically, it’s a dirt road that receives very little maintenance. Each county gets to designate nonpaved roads as Level A, B, or C. Level is A is your standard gravel road that leads to a family home and receives standard maintenance including grading and snow plowing. Level B roads do NOT lead to family homes, but they may provide access between other gravel roads or to farm fields. Level B roads receive minimal maintenance and are not plowed in the winter – however, level B roads are still open for the public to travel. Level C roads receive no maintenance at all – and are NOT open to the public. Are level B roads found all across Iowa? and are they just like these roads?
Do you need a four-wheel drive for this road?
No. In fact, I’ve driven on Pathfield Road with just a Hyundai Sonata, as well as a Santa Fe, Toyota Sienna, and a Ford Explorer (that wasn’t in 4-wheel drive). The most important factor is whether it has recently rained or not. Considering that this road doesn’t get much maintenance, it can easily deteriorate with heavy rain.
How can I find out the condition of the road prior to going?
Sorry, there is no place to call or check online for the status of the level B roads. As the sign at the entrance states, it is “enter at your own risk”. As a general rule of thumb, you do NOT want to visit after heavy rain.
If there are level B roads in every county in Iowa – do all of them look like this?
It’s true that every county in Iowa has level B roads, but the backroads of the Loess Hills are truly unique due to the soil type. The loess soil is a fine-grain, powdery soil that accumulates over time due to the wind. There are only two places in the world with this type of soil: one location in China and the other in Western Iowa. It’s this unique type of soil that doesn’t really collapse after each rain.
If the sidewall doesn’t collapse after heavy rain, then why do not advise traveling on it after rain?
After heavy rain, the main concern is the floor of the road, which is typically washed out and will contain large ruts.
Is there an available route/plan so visitors can experience as much of this as possible and not waste time wandering around lost?
Sorry, at this time we don’t have route/plan. For, I would recommend checking out the very bottom of the post, which has a list by county.
Really love to see these videos and pictures because we cannot take the motorcycle in those areas.
Nice article and TV interview!
Iowa is pretty special to us, but “Ten percent of Earth’s land area is covered by loesses or similar deposits,” so not just Iowa and China. Ref. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loess and esp. section, “Large areas of loess deposits and soils” for other locations and a map of large loess areas in North America.
If visiting these areas, keep your eyes open for loess kindchen rocks–children of the loess.
A friend sent this article to me just a few days before our vacation to the Loess Hills. I’m excited to check some of these places out!
I am wondering if these roads are one way, or if there’s enough room to pass a car coming from the other direction?
All of them are two way roads, even though there are some location that are very narrow – but be prepared to see potential traffic from the opposite direction