October, 2020
As we entered Fall in Iowa after a summer of work from home, we really needed some fresh air. We had never been to Mines of Spain, which sits right along the Mississippi River about 90 minutes from our home.
Expectations were somewhat low as we envisioned a small State park with few amenities and some old mining operations. Boy, were we wrong.
We chose to start with the Eagle Scout Trail, a 5.6 mile out-and-back round trip hike. The hike begins with short .25 mile approach via the Cedar Ridge Trailhead, which runs through open prairie before the junction with the Eagle Scout Trail.
Beginning of Cedar Ridge Trail 
Cedar Ridge Trail Overlook
Once on the Eagle Scout Trail itself, you enter a fairly dense hardwood forest through rolling hills, with occasional meadows and farmland along the way. This trail included some interesting creek crossings, many song birds, and even a couple of Iowa bow hunters. Note that this Recreation Area does allow hunting; so, check in with the park rangers or online before venturing out. And, wear bright orange if choosing to go during hunting season.
Eagle Scout Trail 
Rocky bluffs 
Fall Colors 
Barn 
Prairie Fall Colors 
Birches in the Fall
As the name implies, this trail was built by Eagle Scouts and there are a few benches along the way for a rest stop or, as we did, a packed lunch. We were surprised that there weren’t many Mississippi River views from this section; but, a short hike on the Horseshoe Bluff Trail later in the visit provided that view. Along with the river views, the Horseshoe Bluff Trail takes you through an old quarry area that gives the park it’s name.
Mississippi Overlook 
Horseshoe Bluff Trail
For more information, Mines of Spain has a wonderful, recently revamped website with excellent history of the area, amenities, photos, and great trail maps: https://www.minesofspain.org/