Brent's Trail is dedicated in loving memory to Brent Olson, the area forester for the Loess Hills State Forest. Brent had a vision of a long-distance hiking trail in Harrison County—he wanted people to experience the beauty of the Loess Hills in a unique way, and the trail named in his honor delivers in every aspect. Since its opening in 2019, Brent's Trail has gained national attention as one of the best (and most difficult!) hikes in the state of Iowa. It's a partnership between Harrison County Conservation Board and Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Other partners and supporters include Friends of Loess Hills State Forest and Preparation Canyon State Park, Loess Hills Missouri River Region, Golden Hills RC&D, and Loess Hills Alliance. Brent's Trail is an 8-mile hiking trail connecting Harrison County Conservation’s Murray Hill Scenic Overlook and Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area via the Loess Hills State Forest. The trail is the start of a proposed trail that will eventually connect the northern and southern ends of the State Forest. A three-mile southern extension was added in 2021, giving hikers the choice of an 11-mile arduous trek through the state forest. Primitive, dispersed camping is allowed within Loess Hills State Forest. Potable water and restrooms are not available along the trail. Where should you start Brent's Trail?
Unfortunately, there are no shuttle services to return you from one trailhead to another. While not eco-friendly, the simplest solution is to drive two cars and leave one at your finishing point, whether that is one of the three trailheads or another point along Brent's Trail. Our preferred route is to begin at Murray Hill Scenic Overlook, as the views are better hiking south.What if you only have one car?
Another option is to turn around at the parking area at 1715 138th Trail and return in the opposite direction. This parking area in the state forest is approximately the halfway point of the original 8-mile Brent's Trail, which makes it an ideal place to turn around whether you begin at Murray Hill or Gleason-Hubel. There is plenty of shade in this parking area, so you can rest before resuming your journey.
What are the top scenic spots along Brent's Trail?Murray Hill - Murray Hill Scenic Overlook offers a panoramic view of the Missouri River Valley. Yucca plants and native flowers dominate the Loess Hill prairie landscape. Interpretive signs are located at the overlook that explain the significance and history of the Loess Hills. Make the steep climb on the trail and you will be rewarded with one of the most picturesque locations in the Loess Hills.
View of the Missouri and Little Sioux - Overlooking 138th Trail near the junction of Brent's Trail and state forest trail LS-2 (refer to the trail map), this spot was Brent Olson's favorite view in the Loess Hills State Forest. Both the Missouri and Little Sioux Rivers are visible from this point, as well as Nebraska further to the west. Fulton Ave - The trail once again follows a section of a classic road cut in the Loess Hills. Fulton Ave is one of the most scenic and impressive Level B roads in the Loess Hills. Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area - Gleason-Hubel Wildlife Area has 165 acres that is predominately woodland, along with ridge top native prairie stands and a network of trails of almost 3 miles. It is an excellent bird watching location for migrating woodland species and morel mushroom hunting. Little Sioux Scenic Overlook - If you hike the southern extension, there is a bench atop a ridge overlooking the Missouri River floodplain. The hike to the overlook is steep, but the expansive views and solitude are worth the effort. What do you need to hike Brent's Trail?
Can you camp along Brent's Trail?There are no campsites along Brent's Trail, however, dispersed camping is permitted throughout the Loess Hills State Forest. There is no potable water along the trail, so if you plan to camp you will either have to carry all your water or cache water somewhere along the trail. The parking areas (blue address signs on the trail map) are logical places to safely store extra water and supplies.
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