The best running trails in Chattahoochie County Park

Pulpit Rock, a prominent limestone bluff in Decorah, Iowa, is a picturesque natural landmark in Will Baker Park. This striking geological formation, sculpted by centuries of erosion, offers dramatic views of the Upper Iowa River and the surrounding cityscape. A moderately challenging one-mile loop trail, featuring some steep sections and stone steps, leads hikers to the summit. From this vantage point, visitors are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Decorah Community Prairie and the scenic rolling hills characteristic of Iowa's Driftless Area.

The water that feeds Dunning Spring comes from near the base of the Galena Aquifer. Beneath this aquifer is the much less permeable Decorah Shale, which acts as a "confining bed" or "floor" for the aquifer. When the Decorah Shale is exposed near the surface of the land, particularly on the sides of river valleys, it causes groundwater to discharge. This process creates beautiful waterfalls and springs, such as Dunning Spring.

Beautiful park with lots of shade

Park in the gravel lot just south of the entrance to Dunning’s Spring Park and next to the Upper Iowa River. The trailhead is just east of where you park (to your left if you are facing the river). This is an out and back soft trail that is just over 2 miles round trip. https://visitdecorah.com/trail/river-trail/

Park in the gravel area just south of the entrance to Dunning’s Spring Park. Walk to the waterfall and be sure to take time to walk across the stone bridge and climb the steps to view the source of Dunning’s Spring. To the right of the stone bridge is a steep trail leading up to a series of trails above Ice Cave Road. Dunning Springs is the site of a beautiful waterfall surrounded by limestone cliffs. The park features a walking path, scenic overlook, and bridge crafted by local stone mason, Ted Wilson. The trails throughout Dunning Springs and Ice Cave Park are numerous. Due to their complexity and technical difficulty, not all the trails are marked on printed maps. Talk to experts at the local bike shops about navigating this system. https://visitdecorah.com/trail/dunnings-spring-park/

Park anywhere along Twin Springs Road and follow the stream “up river” until the stream disappears into the ground—you have found the source of Twin Springs! Twin Springs park used to be the site of an Iowa DNR fish hatchery. It now is a City of Decorah Park, with benches, picnic tables, grills, a stocked trout stream, a children’s fishing pond, and trails for hiking. At the spring head, the 0.8-mile Odin’s Loop heads into the hills above the stream. https://visitdecorah.com/trail/twin-springs-park/

Dunning's Spring Park is named after the waterfall that highlights the area. The trails in the park are well-marked and fairly easy for all trail users. This network of trails connects over to the Barnhart-Van Peenen Park trail system.

Witness the mesmerizing source of the spring that feeds the park's stream, a natural wonder worth seeing. Explore a 0.8-mile scenic trail that winds through wooded hills and offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the fresh air.