Iowa forests are beautiful year-round. The bright, fresh green of the spring leaves is a cheery herald of winter’s end; the rich, deep green of summer leaves provide shade from the hot sun; and the golden, rusty hues of fall delight all who see them. But winter? Winter forests have a magic of their own because instead of seeing the forest, you see through the forest.
Such unobstructed views make hiking at Cedar Bluffs Nature Area an entirely different experience in winter than during the rest of the year, when leaves hide both the big views and the smaller details of the forest.
Laura S. / Used With Permission
In winter, Cedar Bluffs Overlook, accessed along an approximately 1.5-mile loop hiking trail, offers a wide view of the confluence between the large Cedar Creek and the Des Moines River.
Laura S. / Used With Permission The triangular peninsula-like area between the rivers is known by old-timers as “the island,” and bald eagles often soar through the area below the overlook.
Winter hikes also reveal the stunning silhouettes of the trees of the forest. The gnarly, twisting burr oaks, the ghostly sycamores, and the shaggy hickories stand out against the blue sky.
Laura S. / Used With Permission
As you enjoy a leisurely stroll through these beautiful woods, also keep your eye out for winter birds, squirrels, and deer!
Laura S. / Used With Permission
If you take the full loop, you’ll encounter a steep ravine, but there’s no need to struggle and slip down a steep trail because you’ll find over 150 wooden stairs to guide you safely down and back up the hills.
Laura S. / Used With Permission
A small creek runs along the bottom of the ravine which is easily crossed by a wooden bridge or rocks that form a path through the stream.
Mahaska County Conservation / Facebook
While you’re at the bottom of the ravine, you can easily access the large Cedar Creek and also view the beautiful sandstone bluffs.
Mahaska County Conservation / Facebook
Other than the stairs and overlook platform, this area is largely undeveloped, letting nature shine.
Laura S. / Used With Permission
The remote location in rural Mahaska County means you may need to follow your GPS to find it, but it also means it’s rarely busy!
Laura S. / Used With Permission
Many thanks to Laura S. for generously providing photographs for this article.
Laura S. / Used With Permission
The triangular peninsula-like area between the rivers is known by old-timers as “the island,” and bald eagles often soar through the area below the overlook.
Mahaska County Conservation / Facebook
You’ll find a small gravel parking lot with access to the Cedar Bluffs Natural Area at 1211 Co Hwy G62 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Note that there are no bathroom facilities in this nature area. Learn more here from the Mahaska County Conservation website. For more winter hikes in Iowa, try this article.
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Address: Cedar Bluffs Natural Area, Oskaloosa, IA 52577, USA
