Iowa often gets a bad reputation for being a flat, flyover state with little more than farms and cornfields, but those of us who call Iowa home know that’s absolutely not true. From remarkable lakes and rivers to sprawling forests full of wonder, Iowa is home to plenty of stunning natural beauty. The best way to experience said natural beauty is with an unforgettable hike, and we know just the place to take you. Lace up those hiking boots and get ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure.
This 2-mile trail leads adventurers across a footbridge, down a steep ravine towards the river, and to Wildcat Cave, hence the name: Wildcat Cave Trail.
Christin Cordova/AllTrails
The small cave is perched in the red sandstone wall approximately 15 feet above the dry streambed.
Christin Cordova/AllTrails The cave is small, measuring in at approximately six feet in height at the opening before dropping to a crawling height after ten feet, but it still makes for a wonderful adventure.
At the cave’s entrance, you will find signatures that date back to the 19th century, and deeper within the cave, petrified wood. Rumor has it that this cave was once a hang out of the infamous outlaw Jesse James, though we are unable to confirm or deny this claim.
Christin Cordova/AllTrails Bring a flashlight, gloves, and kneepads if you want to explore.
The trail is rocky, muddy, and overgrown, but if you’re looking to truly reconnect with nature, this is the place to do it.
Ryan Shepherd/AllTrails Be aware, however, that it is not advised to hike down the ravine if it is raining or if rain is possible, as flash flooding is common in this area.
Along your hike, you will discover incredible rock formations, a prairie overlooking the river, and native trees including oak, hickory, and paper birch.
Ryan Shepherd/AllTrails Depending on the time of year you visit, you might even encounter a seasonal waterfall.
The Wildcat Cave Trail is the main feature of the county park with the same name.
Ryan Shepherd/AllTrails Measuring in at just 46 acres of primitive land, prairie, and stream, this unique park is a popular destination among locals for stream fishing and hunting. This primitive park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
The Wildcat Cave Trail is located in Eldora, Iowa, and can be found here.
Christin Cordova/AllTrails
The cave is small, measuring in at approximately six feet in height at the opening before dropping to a crawling height after ten feet, but it still makes for a wonderful adventure.
Bring a flashlight, gloves, and kneepads if you want to explore.
Ryan Shepherd/AllTrails
Be aware, however, that it is not advised to hike down the ravine if it is raining or if rain is possible, as flash flooding is common in this area.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you might even encounter a seasonal waterfall.
Measuring in at just 46 acres of primitive land, prairie, and stream, this unique park is a popular destination among locals for stream fishing and hunting. This primitive park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
To discover another, perhaps more well-known and popular, trail in Iowa that leads hikers through a cave, click here.
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