I found Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge by pure accident, but I am so glad that I did.I love finding places that have a variety of trails. There are 6 total trails with varying time and difficulty. I like that no matter which direction you start from the visitor center you arrive back to the main parking lot.
I can’t remember which trails I did – I think I did Munkres Homestead Trail to either Turkey Ridge or Loess Bluffs Trail and finished on Callow Trail.
Eagle Overlook Trail (1.2 miles, easy) – goes around the whole refuge. There is a viewing tower at the end of levee.
Loess Bluff Trails (0.8 miles, moderate to difficult) – starts behind the visitor center and connects with Callow Trail to take you back to the main parking lot.
Munkres Homestead Trail (1.0 miles, moderate to difficult) – begins at the parking lot and parallel with US Hwy 150 as it goes back into the refuge that’s when it starts getting difficult. It’s totally worth it because the view at Blue Goose Overlook is so pretty.
Turkey Ridge Trail (0.6 miles, moderate) – this trail can start by connecting to either Munkres Homestead or Loess Bluff Trail with a view of the prairie.
Paw Paw (0.2 miles, moderate) – connects Munkres Homestead and Loess Bluff Trail with a steep 0.2 trail.
The trails can be found on AllTrails (tag them) or get a map at the visitor station. If you don’t have time for the trails, there is a driving tour. You can get a map at the visitor center or turn right to start the tour.
Stop 1 – Headquarters – Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)
Stop 2 – Observation Tower – this observation tower is the first thing you’ll encounter. There are a few stairs, but the views overlook the 1400 acre Eagle Pool.
From there you’ll continue 10 miles around the refuge. For more information, you can check out the website.
