Lost Lake Trail (Ledges State Park) Hiking Guide
Most of Ledges State Park is stairs and canyon rims. Lost Lake Trail is the exception: a shaded crushed-limestone path at the park's southern end that leads to a small lake and a picnic table at the water. The DNR calls it the park's most accessible trail, and it is the walk to choose when someone in the group can't do steps.
Route and Distance
The DNR's trail table lists the Lost Lake Interpretive Trail at 1.15 miles, open to hiking and cross-country skiing, rated Easy. The Outbound maps the loop at 1.4 miles with 88 feet of elevation gain, which is the figure this page uses. Either way it is a short, level walk by Ledges standards. The nearby Prairie Trail adds 0.91 miles if you want more time out of the trees.
Accessibility Details
The DNR gives unusually specific numbers here. The first 0.4 miles are built to be accessible, which makes an out-and-back of nearly a mile for wheelchair users. The tread is typically 48 inches wide, mostly flat with a few gentle grades, and one short section reaches a 4.9 percent slope. An accessible picnic table sits at the end beside Lost Lake. Elsewhere in the park, accessible modern restrooms are at Oak Woods Shelter, the Lower Picnic Area and Henning Shelter, and there is an accessible vault toilet at the Upper Picnic Area.
What You'll See
This is woods-and-water walking rather than cliff scenery. The Outbound's listing mentions deer, geese, ducks and eagles along the trail. For the sandstone, drive back north to the canyon, where the DNR says the ledges rise nearly 100 feet above the stream bed. An interpretive trail near the Oak Woods shelter, a different area of the park, focuses on lichens if you want a second short stop.
Seasons and Facilities Right Now
The DNR's October 19, 2026 notice shut Ledges' flush toilets and showers for winter; until November 30 a portable unit stands outside each campground restroom. The campground closes December 1 and reopens March 1, 2027. The lower parts of the park sit near the Des Moines River, and in past floods KWBG reported the boat ramp and lower canyon under water and Lower Ledges Road closed to cars, so check alerts after a wet spell.
Cost, Dogs and Hunting
There is nothing to pay: Iowa Code forbids an entrance fee at state parks. Leashed dogs are allowed, on a lead of six feet or less. From October 1 through December 31, 2026, the park hosts a limited archery-only antlerless deer hunt for 20 drawn hunters, so wear something bright on fall outings even on this gentle trail.
Hiking tips for Lost Lake Trail (Ledges State Park)
- Bring a wheelchair or stroller only as far as the accessible first 0.4 miles, then turn around.
- Pack a lunch for the accessible picnic table at the lake.
- Pair it with the canyon overlooks if part of your group wants steps and part doesn't.
- Check the DNR park alerts page after heavy rain; the river bottoms flood.
- Bring skis after a good snow; the DNR lists the trail for cross-country skiing.
Nearby trails to explore
- Crow's Nest Loop (Ledges State Park)
- Bottomland Trail (Walnut Woods State Park)
- Tallgrass Trail (Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Lost Lake is the Ledges walk everyone can join, including friends using wheels. Set up an outing on TrailMates, mention access needs in the event's group chat so plans fit everyone, and meet at the south end of the park. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.