The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Story County
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Family friendly hiking trails in Story County, Iowa, traverse a landscape characterized by native prairies, dense woodlands, and serene lakeside and riverside paths. The region offers a variety of natural features, including expansive prairies at locations like McFarland Park and O'Neil Prairie, and numerous wooded areas such as Reactor Woods and Hertz Family Woods. Trails often follow the Skunk River or loop around lakes, providing accessible routes for various fitness levels and families.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Story County
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Ada Hayden Heritage Park Loop, a 4.0 miles (6.4 km) trail that takes 1 hour 37 minutes to complete, offering lake views and prairie landscapes.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is McFarland Park Blue Trail, an easy 2.8 miles (4.6 km) path. This route winds through woodlands and prairie, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Local hikers also love the Peggy's Trail Loop, a 2.0 miles (3.3 km) trail leading through dense woodlands, often completed in about 51 minutes.
- Hiking in Story County is defined by native prairies, dense woodlands, and riverine paths. The network offers easy, well-maintained options suitable for families and various ability levels.
- The routes in Story County are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 4 reviews. More than 80 hikers have used komoot to explore Story County's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
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2.33km
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The Ada Hayden Heritage Park North Loop offers an easy hike, perfect for a quick outdoor escape. You will enjoy peaceful water views of the 83-acre Ada Hayden Lake and wind through beautiful prairie landscapes, showcasing Iowa's native flora. Crossing the Ada Hayden Bridge provides excellent vantage points. This route covers 1.4 miles (2.3 km) with a minimal elevation gain of 20 feet (6 metres), taking about 35 minutes to complete.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as parking is available directly at Ada Hayden Heritage Park. The trails are generally accessible, but it is wise to check for local park updates before you go. The park often undergoes maintenance and improvement projects, which can lead to temporary closures of some hard-surface trails, including parts of this North Loop.
This loop is a great way to experience the natural environment of Ames, Iowa. The park is known for its diverse bird species, including geese, ducks, and even bald eagles, which are often seen around the lake. The prairie areas also highlight the region's native plant life, making it a notable spot for local ecology.
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3.93km
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Hike the easy 2.4-mile Ada Hayden Heritage Park North Loop for peaceful lake views, diverse wildlife, and a smooth concrete path in Ames, Io
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6.42km
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Explore the easy 4.0-mile Ada Hayden Heritage Park Loop in Ames, Iowa, offering scenic lake views and abundant wildlife.
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Peggy's Trail Loop is an easy 2.0-mile (3.3 km) hike through Reactor Woods in Ames, featuring wooded scenery and an Onion Creek overlook.
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4.56km
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Hike the easy 2.8-mile McFarland Park Blue Trail in Story County, Iowa, featuring McFarland Pond and prairie views.
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Popular around Story County
Tips from the Community
The pond is stocked with bluegill, bass, and catfish. You can fish from the shore or any of several docks that extend farther into the water.
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This portion of trail passes through tall grass prairie and is a good place to see wildflowers, especially black-eyed susans, and pollinating insects.
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Peggy's Trail is a loop through Reactor Woods, a small forest behind Iowa State University's Applied Sciences Complex, the former home of the Ames Laboratory Nuclear Research Reactor. Iowa State University played a significant role in uranium refinement for the Manhattan Project and in the development of nuclear energy after WWII. This property is where that research happened.
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A bench at the edge of a wooded slope overlooks Onion Creek and the forest below. The old chainlink-and-barbed-wire fence from the time the complex housed a nuclear reactor runs through the trees near this place. There is also a washed-out culvert nearby.
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There is a wooden bench swing here from which you can see most of Ada Hayden Heritage Park, including the lake and lower trails and the prairie reclamation project.
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Upper pond is a smaller, shallower body of water located along the gravel portion of the trail system, which sees fewer users than the paved paths. You might glimpse painted turtles and snapping turtles crossing the trail or sunning themselves on logs.
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You can find a picnic shelter with restrooms and a drinking fountain here. There are also fishing docks and benches nearby.
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This bridge bisects the lake, so it is a good place to search both the north and the south bodies simultaneously for loons, trumpeter swans, and other waterfowl.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Story County?
Story County offers a selection of easy, family-friendly hiking trails. This guide features 9 routes, all rated as easy, perfect for outings with children.
What kind of landscapes can we expect on family hikes in Story County?
Story County's family-friendly trails wind through a variety of beautiful landscapes. You'll discover native prairies, dense woodlands, and serene lakeside or riverside paths. Many routes, like the Ada Hayden Heritage Park Loop, offer scenic lake views and prairie landscapes, while others, such as the McFarland Park Blue Trail, lead through woodlands.
Are the family-friendly trails in Story County suitable for strollers or toddlers?
Many of the trails in Story County are well-maintained and generally flat, making them suitable for strollers and toddlers. Parks like Ada Hayden Heritage Park and McFarland Park offer wide, accessible paths. However, it's always a good idea to check specific trail conditions before heading out, especially after rain.
Are dogs allowed on the family-friendly hiking trails?
Yes, many trails in Story County are dog-friendly, provided your pet is kept on a leash. Popular spots like Ada Hayden Heritage Park, McFarland Park, and Peggy's Trail generally welcome leashed dogs. Always remember to clean up after your pet to keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Story County?
Spring and fall are often considered the best times for family hikes in Story County, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring brings wildflowers and lush greenery, while fall showcases vibrant foliage. Summer can be warm, so early mornings or late afternoons are recommended, and winter offers unique, quiet experiences, though some paths might be icy or snowy.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families?
Absolutely! Story County has several excellent circular routes perfect for families. The Ada Hayden Heritage Park Loop is a popular 4.0-mile option circling two lakes, and Peggy's Trail Loop in Reactor Woods offers a shorter, wooded circular experience.
Where can we find parking for these family-friendly trails?
Most major parks and trailheads in Story County offer convenient parking facilities. For example, Ada Hayden Heritage Park, McFarland Park, and the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail all have designated parking areas. It's generally easy to find a spot close to the trail access points, making it convenient for families.
What kind of wildlife might we see on a family hike in Story County?
Story County's diverse habitats are home to various wildlife. On your family hikes, you might spot a wide array of bird species, especially in prairie and wetland areas like Ada Hayden Heritage Park or O'Neil Prairie. Deer, rabbits, squirrels, and other small mammals are also common in wooded areas such as McFarland Park and Hertz Family Woods & Nature Preserve.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Story County?
The family-friendly trails in Story County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful natural scenery, and the accessibility for all ages, making them ideal for a relaxing family outing.
Are there any specific attractions or points of interest along these trails?
While hiking, you'll encounter various natural attractions. Ada Hayden Heritage Park features two scenic lakes, while McFarland Park offers a mix of prairie and woodland. Hertz Family Woods & Nature Preserve is known for its diverse tree species and wildflowers. Many parks also offer additional recreational opportunities like birdwatching, fishing, and picnicking.
Are there playgrounds near any of the family-friendly hiking trails?
Yes, several parks in Story County that feature hiking trails also include playgrounds, making them perfect for families with younger children. McFarland Park, for instance, offers both hiking trails and playground facilities, allowing for a full day of outdoor fun and play.
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