The Loess Hills of Western Iowa aren’t your average hills. They are steep and sharp ridged hills that were formed at the end of the last ice age. The wind formed steep and sharply ridged hills that are known as the Loess Hills. The hills are home to some of Iowa’s largest remnant prairie and rare plant and animal species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
The byway goes through several Pottawattamie County towns including Council Bluffs, Crescent, and Honey Creek. On top of some of the most amazing views in the area, the byway provides numerous hiking, bicycling, and camping opportunities for people of all comfort levels.
There are numerous bicycle trails in Council Bluffs that connect to the well-known Wabash Trace Nature Trail. This converted railway right-of-way takes you 63 miles through the countryside. Even though it is in the Loess Hills, the route is majority flat and usable for bikers of all skill levels.
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Unleash your wanderlust and head to the Loess Hills. Take in the breathtaking beauty as you make your way from town to town. After exploring the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, you will never say that Iowa is nothing but flat corn fields again.