Hiking the Nishnabotna Rock Cut Trail

East Nishnabotna River (photo by Seth Brooks)

A quiet, 1.5-mile (one way) forest trail on the northern edge of Cold Springs Park leads to one of the most underrated and fascinating geology sites in Iowa. The limestone outcrop and, when the water level is low, flat rock shelf on the East Nishnabotna River are wonderful places to explore and relax on a beautiful day. The hike to the river is an easy, flat trail underneath the cool forest canopy.

The trail leads to the East Nishnabotna River and a unique limestone outcropping. If water levels are low, you can venture out on a flat rock shelf. However, if the river is high, you may not be able to access the rock shelf. The river has dangerous currents and deep holes in places, so take extreme caution at any time of year.

East Nishnabotna River (photo by Seth Brooks)

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Cold Springs Park, a 104-acre park managed by Cass County Conservation, is a long-time favorite of area residents. The park is one mile south of Lewis.  A large camping area and a 16-acre lake provide numerous recreational opportunities, including fishing, swimming, and paddling.

The trailhead is accessed on Lewis Road, just north of the park's main entrance

Access to the Nishnabotna Rock Cut Trail is from an unmarked gravel road located on Lewis Road just north of the main entrance to Cold Springs Park. This access is not marked by a sign, so it is easy to miss. There is no information at the trailhead except a sign warning about the dangerous current and deep water.

The trail is a wide, mowed grass trail. There are no trail markers, but there are also no intersecting trails so the only way to get lost is if you venture off the trail. Spring is a wonderful time to visit, as ephemeral spring wildflowers are blooming on the forest floor. Warblers may also be seen migrating through the park in spring, while fall is an excellent time to visit during peak color in late September or early October.

Once you reach the East Nishnabotna, there are several ways to the river. The footpath on the north of the loop at the end of the trail leads to an access point requiring a short scramble down to the river. There is another access that leads to a sandy area. If water is low, you can also access the rock shelf from here. If water is high, however, you will need to scramble down the aforementioned path to reach the rock shelf.

The area is a popular destination for family picnics and swimming during the summer, but it has dangerous currents and deep water. There are some spots in the river that are thirty to forty feet deep. Additionally, the currents can create a whirlpool effect that can be dangerous even for very good swimmers. Unfortunately, several people have drowned over the years despite warnings. If you recreate at the Rock Cut, please take the warnings seriously.

White Trout Lily (photo by Seth Brooks)

Dutchman's Breeches (photo by Seth Brooks)

Fishing at the Nishnabotna Rock Cut

Fishing at the Nishnabotna Rock Cut

Map via AllTrails. Note the trailhead's location in relation to the park's main entrance.

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