YRSF Bluff Trail and Larken Valley Trail Loop

The Yellow River State Forest is filled with outdoor recreation activities. Having a place like this in Northeast Iowa that is close by where you can go and enjoy nature and the outdoors. One hike that I really enjoy that I do quite frequently all year round is the Bluff Trail to the Larken Valley Trail loop. It really makes me feel like I’m in another world!

Loop Details

  • Level: Advanced

  • Pets can be off leash (except March-June)

  • Beautiful views

  • Clearly marked trails

  • Not crowded

You can start on either end of the trail from the parking lot. There is a steep uphill right away but the Bluff Trail side is steeper than the Larken Valley side.

Starting on the Bluff Trail side, it winds up along the cliff face. There are a few spots to stop and take in the views of the Yellow River and Large Paint Campground. Then it starts to go away from the bluff edge and back into the forest where there will be another medium incline with a pond on your left. From there you will hit a crossroads and this is where the Bluff Trail meets up with the Larken Valley Trail.

This trail is mostly gravel but there are larger rocks on the path once you get down into the valley. Once on the Larken Valley trail you will wind your way down into the valley before meeting one last minor incline before getting back to the parking lot.

Be careful on your way down the last 50 yds of the Larken Valley trail because of loose gravel. This loop took me about an hour without stopping.

This is one of the many great hiking trails to explore in the YRSF. Go out and hike this trail, you won’t regret it! Share this post with others who you think would enjoy this hike! 

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