Where can you go to find a hard hike in Iowa? Most of our hiking trails are easy to moderate, but there are a few that have earned an Alltrails rating of “difficult,” including Brent’s Trail in the Loess Hills region. This trail is potentially the steepest, hardest hike in the state – but the payoff if you tackle this trek yourself is out-of-this-world amazing. And even if you’re not feeling up for personally attempting one of Iowa’s hardest hikes, you’ll want to see some of the photos of this amazing place that other adventurers have shared.
Brent’s Trail is an 8-mile point-to-point path in Harrison County that connects the Gleason-Hubbel Wildlife Area to the Murray Hill Scenic Overlook.
Renier Navas / Alltrails
To make this connection, Brent’s Trail passes right through the Loess Hills State Forest, making it one of the hardest - and most beautiful - hikes in Iowa.
Alan Gray / Alltrails
In spring and summer, spot beautiful wildflowers hidden along the path and miles and miles of rolling green grassland.
Julia Bates Blunt / Alltrails
As fall and winter approach, enjoy a neutral-hued vista as the green gives way to tan.
Cindy Weis / Alltrails
The bravest adventurer can even tackle this trail after the snow flies when the Loess Hills are bathed in a beautiful blanket of white.
Brian Keairns / Alltrails
Before you lace up your boots and set out on this epic trail, though, here are a few things you’ll want to know.
Chris Van Boskirk / Alltrails
The trail is suitable for hiking, backpacking, and even cross-country skiing. It’s pet-friendly. It can get muddy, hot and sunny, and overgrown with poison ivy by turn. You’ll want to bring plenty of water, a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and maybe even wear long pants.
Brian Keairns / Alltrails
The total elevation gain is 1,646 feet, making it one of the steepest, toughest trails on Iowa soil.
Brian Keairns / Alltrails For even more of an adventure, you can add a 4-mile extension - the Brent’s Trail Extension which continues on south of the Gleason-Hubbel Wildlife Area through more of the Loess Hills State Forest.
But the views are worth every bit of that 1,642-foot climb.
Brian Keairns / Alltrails Many people walk the road back to their starting point for an easier trek once they’ve finished the entire Brent’s Trail.
From up here, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.
W Kuck / Alltrails
Yes, indeed, folks. This is Iowa.
Kelli Sparks / Alltrails
To learn more about this bucket-list worthy hike, visit Alltrails. You can find a map of the entire trail, including the extension, at the Harrison County Parks website here. Have you ever attempted Brent’s Trail before? Any tips? For a tamer (but still beautiful) option, try a scenic drive through the Loess Hills and beyond instead.
Renier Navas / Alltrails
Alan Gray / Alltrails
Julia Bates Blunt / Alltrails
Cindy Weis / Alltrails
Brian Keairns / Alltrails
Chris Van Boskirk / Alltrails
For even more of an adventure, you can add a 4-mile extension - the Brent’s Trail Extension which continues on south of the Gleason-Hubbel Wildlife Area through more of the Loess Hills State Forest.
Many people walk the road back to their starting point for an easier trek once they’ve finished the entire Brent’s Trail.
W Kuck / Alltrails
Kelli Sparks / Alltrails
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area, 1434 Larpenteur Memorial Rd, Mondamin, IA 51557, USA
