Explore river bluff backcountry at Hitchcock Nature Center
Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek, Iowa
Hike 10 miles of trails on more than 1,000 acres of Loess Hills forest and prairie near Omaha.
Trail Hitchcock Nature Center trail system
Overview
Hitchcock Nature Center is a 1,268-acre preserve of the Pottawattamie County, Iowa, park system. Although the Loess Hills run from north of St. Joseph, Mo., to South Dakota, most of this scenic ridgeline is on private property. That leaves plenty of stunning vistas, but few places to actually experience nature up close. Hitchcock Nature Center is one of the best opportunities to explore these unusual hills. Here, Loess ridges rise 300 feet above the Missouri River bottomlands, providing picturesque sunrises and sunsets. On clear days, the skyline of Omaha, Neb., is visible in the distance. The park’s visitors center has a 45-foot tall hawk watching tower, allowing you to view raptors and other birds navigating the wind currents. Capitalizing on the steep grade is the nearby Mt. Crescent Ski Area. Hitchcock is opened year round and rents snowshoes in winter months. Several backcountry, primitive camping sites are available, along with a few cabins. It’s a three hour drive from Downtown Kansas City.
About the Loess Hills
Loess hills were formed by wind-blown soil and not by geologic uplift, glacial deposits or erosion. They’ve been described as having a “wrinkled” look. Their appearance is striking: Dirt-scarred hills shoot up suddenly from river bottom flatlands with no transition zone. Natural terraces often form.
These “crumbly” hills were devoid of trees in their natural state, often because wildfires and grazing buffalo and elk kept them bare. With fire suppression and farming came trees, so much of the hill range is cloaked in forest. Yet much of the original “fire” remains in these hills, with plants usually associated with the West (such as Yucca) popping up here.
While loess soils are not unique to Missouri and Iowa, their size here is unmatched except for a region in China. This region is truly unique in the Americas.
Bonus
Nearby attractions include:
Arbor Day Farm is a family-oriented park (paid admission required) in Nebraska City, Neb. Lied Lodge, also in Nebraska City, is a unique, nature-oriented hotel.
Nebraska City is also home to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail and Visitors Center (paid admission) and Arbor Lodge State Historical Park (paid admission).
Length There are 10 miles of trails that wind through all corners of the park. They are well marked, dirt paths. Since the hills are prone to steep, sudden elevation gains, some of the hiking is challenging.
Address and location Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, Iowa, 51542
Conditions Trails are packed dirt and well marked and maintained. Steep elevation gains can make the hiking challenging. There is no water available outside the visitors center, so bring plenty on hot days.
Kid friendly? Most of these trails is for children who can carry their own weight. Strollers won’t budge. There is a short gravel educational loop near the visitors center for kids who are up for a shorter adventure.
How busy? This area is near Omaha, Neb., and Council Bluffs, Iowa, and is moderately trafficked. If you are seeking a quieter experience, visit on a weekday or in the offseason.
Pets Yes, on a leash.
Bikes Yes unless indicated otherwise.
