The best walks and hikes in Pottawattamie County
5.0
(28)
239
hikers
58
hikes
Hiking in Pottawattamie County offers a diverse landscape characterized by riverfront trails, forested areas, and unique Loess Hills formations. The region features varied terrain, including gentle paths along waterways and more challenging routes through nature preserves. These natural features provide opportunities for outdoor recreation across different difficulty levels.
Best hiking trails in Pottawattamie County
- The most popular hiking route is Omaha Riverfront Trail — Omaha, a 15.9 miles (25.7 km) trail that takes 6 hours 29 minutes to complete.…
Last updated: June 25, 2026
8
hikers
10.4km
03:02
280m
280m
Embark on the Dozer Cut, Bunker Hill, and Badger Ridge Trail Loop for a moderate hiking experience through the unique Loess Hills. This 6.5-mile (10.4 km) route features surprisingly steep…
3
hikers
7.76km
01:57
10m
10m
Embark on an easy hike along the Lake Manawa Trail, offering continuous scenic views of the lake itself. This 4.8-mile (7.8 km) route features a gentle 33 feet (10 metres)…
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2
hikers
2.89km
00:50
70m
70m
Hike the easy 1.8-mile Folsom Point Preserve Loop in Iowa, offering panoramic views of the Missouri River floodplain and prairie ridges.
6.92km
01:45
20m
10m
Hike the easy 4.3-mile Iowa Riverfront Trail for views of the Omaha skyline and a unique experience on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.
1.90km
00:29
0m
10m
Embark on an easy hike along the Missouri Trail, a gentle 1.2-mile (1.9 km) route through the serene Fontenelle Forest. You will experience forested hills and pleasant views, especially from…
2.90km
00:53
100m
110m
Hike the easy 1.8-mile Lewis and Clark Monument Loop for scenic views of the Missouri River and Omaha skyline from Lewis and Clark Monument
898m
00:14
0m
0m
Embark on an easy hike across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, a distinctive S-curved, cable-stayed structure offering sweeping views. As you cross, you'll see the downtown skylines of Omaha and…
645m
00:11
10m
20m
Embark on the easy Ridge Trail, a short hike offering expansive views and glimpses of the surrounding forest. This route gives you a sense of being elevated as you walk,…
5.0
(1)
23
hikers
2.32km
00:35
10m
10m
Embark on an easy hike across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge Trail, a unique S-curve structure offering expansive views of the Omaha skyline and the Missouri River. This gentle route…
5.0
(2)
9
hikers
4.65km
01:18
80m
80m
Hike the moderate 2.9-mile Hackberry, Hawthorn, Chickadee, Hickory and Ridge Trail Loop through diverse landscapes in Fontenelle Forest.
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Popular around Pottawattamie County
Hiking in Longs Landing County Park
Hiking in Gifford State Forest
Hiking around Council Bluffs
Hiking around Carter Lake
Hiking around Crescent
The Lewis & Clark Trail — Following the Corps of Discovery
Running Trails in Pottawattamie County
Cycling in Pottawattamie County
Road Cycling Routes in Pottawattamie County
Other adventures in Pottawattamie County
Tips from the Community
The facilities were very nice. Picnic tables to have a snack at and a fountain to fill bottles. I usually balk at paying entrance fees to visit nature but the facility is really worth it. The raptor center was worth the price of admission.
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We saw turkey near here and the noise from the frogs was deafening! There must have been hundreds but we never saw a single one!
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The wooden boardwalk makes this accessible to everyone. Parents with small children and strollers, the elderly or others with mobility issues will enjoy the journey.
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You get a nice view of the river here, and could even park your bike and hop on a river cruise if you like. But the best thing about River Road (just south of you) is that it connects cycle-friendly paths on the north and south sides of I-80.
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From here you gain an awesome view of the bendy Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. A real feat of engineering and an interesting perspective to view it from.
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The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is a 3,000-foot-long pedestrian bridge over the Missouri River between Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska. It is a popular way for cyclist, runners and walkers to move between the two cities.
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OMAR is a troll that traveled Omaha and wants to share its experiences, especially with kids, in an interactive way. You can find him 'in person' under the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.
2
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The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center provides visitors with a comprehensive experience related to the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804–1806. Inside you can find informative exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentation about the journey.
2
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Pottawattamie County?
Pottawattamie County offers a wide range of hiking opportunities, with over 35 routes available for exploration. These trails cater to various skill levels, from easy strolls to more challenging climbs.
What types of terrain can I expect on hikes in Pottawattamie County?
The region features diverse terrain, including riverfront paths, dense woodlands, and the distinctive Loess Hills landscape. You'll find everything from gentle, flat sections to routes with significant elevation changes, particularly in areas like the Loess Hills.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hiking options in Pottawattamie County?
Yes, there are many easy routes suitable for families. For instance, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge — Omaha offers a short, accessible walk. Another great option is the Neale Woods loop — Omaha, which is also rated as easy.
Where can I find a moderate hike with elevation changes in the area?
For a moderate hike with elevation changes, consider the Hitchcock Nature Center loop from Hitchcock Nature Center. This 5.7-mile (9.1 km) path navigates the unique Loess Hills terrain, offering a good workout with scenic views.
Are there any circular hiking routes in Pottawattamie County?
Yes, several routes offer a circular experience. The Hawthorn Trail loop — Fontanelle Forest — Omaha is a moderate circular trail. Another popular option is the History Trail, Missouri Trail, and Riverview Boardwalk loop — Fontenelle Forest.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Pottawattamie County?
The trails in Pottawattamie County are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 5.0 stars from over 14 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from riverfront views to the unique Loess Hills, and the variety of routes suitable for different abilities.
Are there any trails that offer views of the Missouri River?
Absolutely. The Omaha Riverfront Trail — Omaha is a prime example, following the Missouri River and providing continuous waterfront views. The Tom's Treehouse and Play Fort – View of the Missouri River loop from Bellevue also offers river vistas.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes available?
For a more challenging and longer experience, the Omaha Riverfront Trail — Omaha is a difficult 15.9-mile (25.7 km) trail that takes approximately 6 hours 29 minutes to complete.
What is the best way to explore Fontenelle Forest?
Fontenelle Forest offers several excellent hiking opportunities. You could try the Hawthorn Trail loop — Fontanelle Forest — Omaha for a moderate experience, or the longer History Trail, Missouri Trail, and Riverview Boardwalk loop — Fontenelle Forest.
Are there any short, easy walks for a quick outing?
Yes, for a quick and easy outing, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge — Omaha is a short and pleasant option. Another accessible choice is the Tom's Treehouse and Play Fort – View of the Missouri River loop from Bellevue.
What is the general difficulty level of hikes in Pottawattamie County?
Pottawattamie County offers a good mix of difficulties. Out of the 35 available routes, 20 are rated as easy, 13 as moderate, and 2 as difficult. This ensures there's a suitable trail for almost every fitness level.
Most popular routes in Pottawattamie County
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