Whether you call it hiking, bushwalking, as they do in Australia, or trekking in South Africa or England, the health benefits from this pastime are numerous. The joy of hiking can be found in the beauty of the natural environment, and Iowa is no exception with its many acres of national forest and numerous clubs and trails. A hiking club is a great way to meet others with the same love of the outdoors.
Black Hawk Hiking Club
The Black Hawk Hiking Club explores the far-reaching corners of the Quad Cities. The Quad Cities are the communities of Davenport, Iowa; Moline, Illinois; Rock Island, Illinois; Bettendorf, Iowa and East Moline, Illinois who share the Mississippi River in the east of Iowa and the west of Illinois. The Black Hawk Club has a tradition of never cancelling a hike. Hikes are typically within a 1½-hour drive of the Quad-Cities. Hiking sites include Black Hawk State Historic Site in Rock Island; Sunderbruch Park and Credit Island, both in Davenport; Mines of Spain and Swiss Valley Nature Preserve near Dubuque, Iowa; and Starved Rock State Park near LaSalle-Peru. They also hike other recreational areas, farms and wildlife areas in western Illinois and eastern Iowa. A link to its website is in the Resources section.
Sierra Clubs
The Sierra Club has chapters throughout Iowa and leads trips, which are mostly hiking, but also include cycling and cross-country skiing. The following areas have chapters that you can contact: Cedar Wapsie, Central Iowa, Iowa City Area, Northwest Iowa and White Pine Group.The Eagle View chapter is for Clinton, Iowa and the Quad Cities Area group participates in both Iowa and Illinois chapters.
Iowa State University Mountaineering and Climbing Club
The Iowa State University Mountaineering and Climbing Club is not just for students. It meets at 8 p.m. on Mondays. With your paid membership you can participate in club elections, hold an elected office, participate at club outings, check out club gear, be a trip leader, and climb at the indoor climbing wall at Lied Recreation Center during club-reserved time.
Environmentally Responsible
Due to the fragility of some of the environment clubs you are hiking in, you should remember to take care of the environment in a way that hikers cannot detect the presence of previous hikers. Take out what you take in. Take care not to disturb or alter the surrounding environment. Learn about the animals in the area so that you prevent adverse impact on their habitat. Black Hawk's motto is to "'Take only pictures, leave only footprints."
Explore Wetlands, Prairies and Savannas
Join a hiking club today and discover Iowa's wetlands, hike along the prairie and savanna restorations, go creek-walking in the summer or watch for signs of wildlife by looking for tracks. All you need is a good pair of sturdy walking shoes or boots, weather appropriate clothing and water.
Member Comments