Best Hiking Trails in Scott County Park

Overview

This county park has all of the amenities; hiking, biking, equestrian, camping, picnicking, swimming and golf. Scott County Park is the largest park in Scott county Iowa. You can also find basketball and volleyball courts located in the park. It has a number of single and multi-use trails scattered throughout the park. It’s a great place to come and enjoy an easy stroll and a picnic lunch.

The primary single-use trail is Glynn’s Creek Trail which is suitable for persons of all ages. It is a short three mile trail that some might refer to as a lollypop trail. This trail and all other trails at the park are well marked and well maintained trails that wind through a hardwood forest or along prairie grasses. The Glynn’s Creek trail is wide and unencumbered. There are two different trailhead locations, but for the purposes of this review let us start at the farthest south location near the Cody Lake Shelter. This features a large parking lot along with a restroom to accommodate hikers. Shortly after beginning your hike your first decision must be made, left or right. Either way works! If you decide to go right you will encounter a stream crossing. There used to be a bridge at this location. There are stones to step on, but be careful as they are not secure. The stream, under normal conditions, is not deep (less than a foot), but you will get your feet wet. Avoid the stream if hiking after a heavy rain. If you go left you will avoid the stream altogether. Both trails converge and then continue north to Walnut Grove Pioneer Village. The Pioneer Village is an open air museum consisting of twenty-two buildings. Adults and children will enjoy the village so do make sure you visit.

The multi-use trails (hiking, off road bicycling and equestrian) are all located on the east side of the park. The trail systems are predominately accessed from two points. The first point is located approximately a half mile east of the park’s entrance on 270th street. This point is labeled Equestrian Area on the site map, but is also a starting point for hikers and off road cyclists. A second point that is popular with cyclists is the parking lot adjacent to the north end of Pride Lake. This area has two large parking lots to accommodate everyone, hikers, cyclists, and those engaged in fishing. From this location you can either head north or south depending on which trails you wish to use. The trails are approximately three feet in width and are packed dirt and wind through a hardwood forest. There are a number of off road cyclist obstacles, but these are easily avoided. These trails can be enjoy by persons of all ages, but remember to be mindful of the cyclist that you may encounter. In other words be prepared to step off of the trail to allow the cyclist to pass.

Picnic facilities, shelters and restrooms are located throughout the park. You should have no problem finding a location to relax, away from people, as you enjoy your outing.

Getting Started

Scott County Park is located in Scott County, Iowa approximately sixteen miles north of Davenport Iowa. Take Highway 61 north to the Park View Exit (267th Street) then follow the signs. The park entrance is on 270th street and will be on your left. An Entrance Station is located at the main entrance to the park, but you only need to stop if you plan on camping. A map of the park can be found at https://www.scottcountyiowa.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/pages/20170314_SCP_Brochure_DRAFT2.pdf. For the equestrian entrance continue east on 270th street for another half mile and that entrance will also be on your left. You can access the multi-use trails from this location as well as from inside the park. You can access the Walnut Grove Pioneer Village off of 290th street as well as North entrance to the park. Enjoy your time at the park as there is a lot to do.

When to Go

With all of the activities that are available warm weather months are the best time to visit. If you plan to visit the Pioneer Village it is only open from April 1st to October 31st. If you are planning to hike make sure that you check trail status at https://www.scottcountyiowa.gov/conservation/scott-county-park/trails/status as the trails do close due to weather. This is done to prevent trail rut.

Permits

No permits are required, but there is a fee for camping and renting the shelters. If you do plan to visit the Dan Nagel Walnut Grove Pioneer Village there is a suggested donation of $2.00 for Adults and $1.00 for children over five years of age.

Dog Info

Scott County Park is a dog friendly park, but they must remain on a leash at all times.