 LHSF Preparation Canyon Unit (photo © 2016 Kenneth West)
Preparation Canyon State Park, in the heart of the Loess Hills in western Iowa, encompasses 344 acres, including what used to be the town of Preparation. Today, Preparation Canyon is a quiet enclave offering backcountry hiking, picnicking, and beautiful views of the unique Loess Hills. In 1853, Charles B. Thompson broke from the Utah-bound Mormon wagon trail and settled in this area. At one point, Preparation had sixty-seven houses, a school, newspaper, post office, skating rink and blacksmith shop. But by 1900, the town had all but faded away. The land was sold by descendants of the original settlers to the state of Iowa in parcels during the mid-20th century and became the state park. Hike on one of the several trails that wind through the rugged Loess Hills. The backcountry trails follow hills and valleys, leading to a nature study area and the hike-in camping sites. Hikers should be prepared for rough terrain and loose soil with sturdy hiking shoes and appropriate gear. Camp in one of ten hike-in camping sites, which are some of the only hike-in sites in the Iowa state park system. The trailhead to the hike-in sites is located in the southeast corner of the park. The sites each have a table and fire ring, but no bathroom facilities. Registration is on a first-come first-served basis with self-registration in the east parking lot. text source: Iowa DNR
 Loess Hills Scenic Overlook (photo © 2016 Kenneth West)  Jones Creek Pond (photo by Lance Brisbois)
 Primitive campsite at Jones Creek Pond (photo by Seth Brooks)
Sylvan Runkel State Preserve is a 330-acre preserve containing an outstanding example of Iowa’s Loess Hills landscape, with extensive native prairie covering steep hills. The tracts comprising the preserve were acquired by the Iowa Conservation Commission in 1973 and 1980 as part of the 3,000-acre Loess Hills Wildlife Area. In 1985, the Loess Hills Wildlife Area (including the preserve area) became part of a 10,420-acre National Natural Landmark. In 1996, the preserve was established for its biological and geological significance, and named in memory of Sylvan Runkel.  Sylvan Runkel State Preserve (photo by Lance Brisbois)
A number of Iowa threatened or endangered animals make their home here including the northern grasshopper mouse, plains pocket mouse and spadefoot toad. Wild turkeys and prairie chickens have been reintroduced. White-tail deer, fox squirrel, cottontail rabbit, coyote, raccoon and badger are common. Turkey vultures, bobwhite quail, ring-necked pheasant, whip-poor-will and many songbirds also exist in good populations. Controlled burns prevent brush and tree invasion and stimulate growth of prairie plants. The Loess Hills Prairie Seminar is held here every summer (intersection of Oak Avenue and 178th St). Before visiting a public wildlife area, please check out Chapter 51 : Wildlife Management Areas.  The Loess Hills Prairie Seminar is held at the wildlife area every summer (photo by Lance Brisbois)
 Turin Preserve Wildlife Area (photo by Golden Hills RC&D) Turin Preserve Wildlife Area is a 220-acre area featuring a rugged Loess Hills landscape with an abrupt west-facing ridge. It is located in the southern unit of the 3,000-acre Loess Hills Wildlife Area, 2 miles north of Turin and 7.5 miles east of Onawa in Monona County. The Iowa Conservation Commission purchased the area in 1974. In 1978, the area was dedicated as a biological and geological state preserve and became part of a National Natural Landmark in 1986. Before visiting a public wildlife area, please check out Chapter 51 : Wildlife Management Areas.
This 80-acre tract of dense native timber is located 4 miles southwest of Mapleton and just east of the Loess Hills Scenic Byway on Peach Avenue. Approximately 10 acres have been developed for camping, picnicking, hiking, and nature studies. A 1.6 mile trail takes you around the whole timber, with four benches for stopping and relaxing along the way. An open shelter house, 3 camping pads with 30 amp hook-ups, drinking water, and vault type toilet facilities are available. Upright/ground grills and picnic tables are also available. Whiting Woods is an excellent place to view wildlife and provides great hunting opportunities. Electric campsites are $20.00 per night, non-electric are $15.00 per night. A 10:30 curfew is enforced for all visitors. We currently do not take reservations for camping at this park as it is first come, first serve. text source: Monona County Conservation  Hitchman Nature Trail at Whiting Woods (photo by Seth Brooks) Other hiking opportunitiesThe following areas, managed by Monona County Conservation, also allow hiking. Check the linked websites for more information. Masters Prairie Trail This linear park is an abandoned railroad right of way, which consisting of 24 acres that have been smoothed and planted to native short grasses and wildflowers. The two-mile trail begins on the west side of the Maple River and follows Hwy. 141 to the west. It was purchased from the Rail Road in 1990, with money from NIPCO in return for a permanent easement for their power lines. Hunting is not allowed. Gramm Wetland Gramm Wetland has a popular 2-mile walking trail. Beaver Run Wildlife Area Davis Wetland Hiking the Byways is a regular series by Golden Hills RC&D that features publicly accessible lands open to hiking on the three scenic byways in western Iowa that Golden Hills RC&D coordinates: Glacial Trail Scenic Byway, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and Western Skies Scenic Byway. Each Friday a blog post covers hiking areas in one county on one of the aforementioned byways. For questions about hiking on the byways, contact Seth Brooks ([email protected]).
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