Dolliver Memorial State Park or: a walk in the woods

Dolliver Memorial State Park near Lehigh, Iowa checks all of my "day hiking" boxes for beginning hikers. You want a bit of a challenge with elevation? Check out the Indian Trail! You want easy steppin' instead? Meander the Center Trail! You want gorgeous views? Just look at my pictures!

Boneyard Hollow had some of my favorite views and terrain.

The trip to Dolliver was my last hurrah before school started. Not only was I going to hike, but I was also staying overnight. Don't worry, parentals! I stayed in a cabin with a lock! I hadn't heard much about Dolliver--it seems to get overshadowed by the nearby Ledges State Park--but I was so happy I visited.

Although the day was a bit muggy, there were no issues with ticks or mosquitos. Huzzah! I started out on the River Trail  and linked up with the Boneyard Trail. I had a paper map and a pretty good sense of direction. (One of those statements may be a lie...)

I realize that Iowa doesn't have purple mountain majesties or oceans white with foam. That's okay! Filled with lush green foliage and rust-colored sandstone bluffs, Dolliver doesn't need mountains or oceans to satisfy the senses. Even though it was a beautiful summer day, few people were on the trails. The scenery, coupled with the solitude, totally connected me to the journey of the trails. I was just focused on the present and my senses. For me, this is the best feeling when hiking.

(As a side note to fellow park visitors: stop carving your names into the bluffs! Show some respect. Sheesh!)

These sandstone bluffs surround Boneyard Hollow and the northern part of the park.

After the rockiness of the Boneyard Trail, the Center trail gave me a chance to catch my breath and appreciate the sounds and sights of a woodland walk. There were some steps (stepppps!) on the Copperas Trail, but they were gently sloped for the most part.

I really wanted to see the ceremonial/burial mounds located in the southeast corner of the park. Native Americans created these mounds almost a thousand years ago, and they overlook the Des Moines River from the top of the Indian Trail. However, I made a totally newbie move and saved that trail for last. I was wiped out by the time I got to the Indian Trail, and all those dang steps nearly did me in. I should have gone back the next morning, but I was sore and ready to head home after a sleepless night.

This hike was the longest I had hiked at one time, and I was extremely proud of myself. I would love to go back in the early fall and see the park awash in fiery autumnal colors. For any tenderfoot trekker, Dolliver Memorial State Park is a great place to get excited about hiking.

Final distance: 4 miles
Total time: Maybe 3 hours? I took some breaks and didn't have a watch.
Temperature: 80 degrees Fahrenheit
Bug bites/ticks: 0
Book read at night: Ariadne by Jennifer Saint