The best walks and hikes in State Forest Nursery
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Hiking in State Forest Nursery offers trails within the nursery grounds and surrounding areas in Ames, Iowa. The region features a landscape of woodlands, open fields, and paths around ponds and lakes. These State Forest Nursery hiking trails are generally flat with minimal elevation change, making them accessible for various fitness levels. The area provides opportunities for observing wildlife and exploring natural settings.
Best hiking trails in State Forest Nursery
- The most popular hiking route is Ada Hayden Heritage Park…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
2.46km
00:37
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Easy 1.5-mile hike on the Stuart Smith Path in Ames, Iowa, offering lush greenery, Ioway Creek views, and memorial trees.
1.87km
00:30
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Hike the easy 1.2-mile Munn Woods Trail in Ames, Iowa, through a beautiful hardwood forest with Clear Creek and diverse wildlife.
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3.26km
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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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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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…
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Popular around State Forest Nursery
Tips from the Community
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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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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Hundreds of species of geese, ducks, herons, coots, and other birds frequent this lake. You can view these birds and other wildlife from most of the lakeshore, but here in particular you might also see beaver and muskrat activity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the hiking trails suitable for families with children?
Yes, the trails in this area are very family-friendly. The terrain is generally flat with minimal elevation change. A great option is the Ada Hayden Bridge loop from Franklin Township, which is a short and easy walk perfect for all ages.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails around the State Forest Nursery, such as those in Ada Hayden Heritage Park, provided they are kept on a leash and you clean up after them. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions.
Are there any circular or loop trails available?
The majority of the trails in this area are loops, making it easy to start and end your hike in the same place without backtracking. For a route focused on spotting local fauna, consider the Wildlife viewing loop from Franklin Township.
What is the terrain like on the hikes near the State Forest Nursery?
The landscape is characteristic of central Iowa, featuring gentle, well-maintained paths through woodlands, open fields, and around lakes. All the main trails are rated as easy, with very little elevation gain, making them accessible to hikers of all fitness levels.
Where are the hiking trails located?
The hiking trails are not on the State Forest Nursery's operational grounds but are located in nearby parks and natural areas in Ames. Key locations include Ada Hayden Heritage Park and the trails near the ISU Applied Sciences Complex.
Is there parking available at the trailheads?
Yes, the main parks and trail access points, such as Ada Hayden Heritage Park, have dedicated parking areas available for visitors. It's generally easy to find a spot to begin your hike.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
The area's mix of woodlands, fields, and ponds provides habitat for a variety of wildlife. Hikers often report seeing different bird species, deer, and other small mammals, especially on trails designed for wildlife observation.
Can I hike here during the winter?
Yes, hiking is possible in winter, though you should be prepared for cold temperatures and potentially icy or snow-covered paths. The flat nature of the trails makes them manageable, but proper footwear with good grip is recommended.
What do other hikers think of the trails in this area?
The trails are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the well-maintained paths, and the pleasant scenery around the lakes and through the wooded sections.
What is the State Forest Nursery itself?
The Iowa State Forest Nursery is a facility dedicated to growing and distributing native tree and shrub seedlings for conservation projects across the state. While not a recreational park, its work contributes to the health of the surrounding natural landscapes you can explore.
Can I buy plants or trees at the nursery?
Yes, the nursery sells a wide variety of native Iowa trees and shrubs to the public for conservation and landscaping purposes. Seedling orders typically begin in the fall for the following spring. You can find more information on the official State Forest Nursery program website.
Most popular routes in State Forest Nursery
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