ledges state park

I grew up not far from the Ledges State Park and visited often. It has been a number of years since my wife and I had been to the park, had some free time, and decided to swing through on our way to Ames from Perry. It was pretty much as I remembered it with numerous improvements. The drive through was serene and there were numerous hikers in the park even though the day was cloudy, cool, and breezy. It was a pleasant reminder of days gone by.

This was a great state park that you drove through and enjoy the scenic view of trees, rocks and drive thru water

We drove out from Omaha just to visit this place based on the photos; about a 3 hour drive. We were not disappointed. There are trails for just about every hiking ability. Many trails were up and down steep hills, and many of those had been developed with stone and railroad tie steps. We saw many children, dogs and older adults on these steep trails. There are multiple places to hike to that have some very nice scenic overlooks. Picnic tables and fire rings are located everywhere, The Lost Lake trail is flat and an easy hike. Canyon Road is both a beautiful walk and drive. Walkers must negotiate a series of stepping stones across several creeks, and those driving can cross the creek in their vehicles as the crossing is paved. The campgrounds looked really nice and secluded. May have to try it sometime.

This is a great place to go to. There are tons of trails for hiking and climbing along with picnic areas and old stone bridge and water that you get to drive through. Everyone should visit this place at least once.

Walk-in tent camping areas were nicely spaced, clean, and had campfire ring, grate, and picnic table. Showers/restrooms were clean and well lit. Park staff (especially Nick) were friendly and helpful. Nice trails and drive through the canyon. Only wish there were signs naming each of the trails.Quiet hours are not enforced. The first 2 nights we stayed in the pull-in area. The campers next to us came after 10 p.m. and spent 2 hours loudly setting up their circus-style tent. They didn't understand the concept of whispering and seemed ignorant of the fact that the rest of the park was completely quiet. We relocated to a walk-in site the next day. We brought earplugs and had to use them all three nights.Beware of raccoons! Inconsiderate people have fed them and they will walk right up to get food in broad daylight. They will sneak up behind you after dark and grab things - like cups.The canyon was beautiful but littered with cans, clothing, wrappers. Even in strange areas - between rocks halfway up the canyon walls. We enjoyed hiking, biking, and camping at Ledges. Will return someday.

I went here looking to do some hiking and the trails were nicely developed. lots of stairs, rails, and stone/wood steps. There wasn't a huge hiking trail system but what they had offered decent views and a pleasant walk through the woods. I wouldn't go out of my way to see this park but if you're around and want to enjoy a nice hike. I recommend it!

We stayed here this past weekend. It was a last minute find and luckily this place had spots available for our 3 campers. Now I wish I would have known more about this place or had a map because the pictures on here look fun! There were roads closed due to recent flooding so this may be the parts of the park we couldn't visit because they were closed. However our stay was nice. The camp spots are really nice. The shower houses were also really nice. My daughter even commented on how they smelled so clean. They are older so they may not look the best, but they were clean and that's the main thing! The roads are paved and the kids had a blast riding their bikes. We were in and out a lot due to the dance competition we were in the area for so we would definitely go back for another visit some day!

The Ledges State Park is always a wonderful place to visit, whether you want to just sit and read a book, picnic, or hike. It's very beautiful and a popular place for families to get together or for the younger crowd to play in the creek water.

We stayed at ledges this weekend. I was so excited because my sisters were always talking about what a beautiful park this was. Well, they were right. It was just my husband and I and we hiked many of the trails and rode our bikes through the ledges. Very beautiful! The camp sites themselves are beautiful as well. We stayed in an RV site. Many of the sites nestled back in the trees, and more private then any we have been to in the past. The tent sites are even more secluded and they even have tent sites that can only be obtained by hiking to them. Very cool. The issue I have with this park is the upkeep on the shower houses/bathrooms. The bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. The womens bathroom facility at the tent site was out of toilet paper andy my husband said the men's toilets weren't even working properly in one of the two facilities. The camp host and hostess did not seem like a good representation for the park either and were'nt the usual friendly older retired couple type. They had multiple people in very loud vehicles pulling up to their site throughout the day and evening to hang out. It didn't appear as if the park was their first priority. Overall great, beautiful park and only real complaint would be the bathrooms.

Sites are beautiful, placed in tree covered canopies. Just left after staying there our first time. Enjoyed hot showers! Note strict rules enforced on number tents per site, but no enforcement on quiet time hours!

I have been going to Ledges State Park since I was a child and it is by far my favorite place to walk and hike. We usually park near the top instead of driving down into the "canyon." If you enjoy walking in peace and quiet, autumn is the best time to visit. The weekends during spring and summer are often busy and can get noisy when families are barbecuing in the "canyon." Be sure to bring drinking water and bug spray, and food for a picnic if you're in the mood. If you do venture down into the "canyon," be sure to dip your feet into the water that flows over a section of the driving trail.

We have spent a lot of time at this park. You can hike, grill out or wade in the streams. Great place to spend the day with family, just chillin.

Its wonderful being able to get out of the car and walk through the water and its beautiful out there.

Ledges is one of my favorite Iowa parks. There is a winding road that takes you down to the bottom of the bluffs where you can then select from several different trails to hike. The trails wind through the hills and provide several scenic views of the park. There are a couple of stone shelters and a beautiful stone bridge as well. Its a favorite spot so if you are wanting the park to yourself you will want to come in the early morning. There's a stream that winds through the bottom of the park which is a favorite spot to play in with the kids.

we camped just one night. nicely kept grounds but sites are close together. bath and showers clean, trash recently emptied. nice places for picnics and short hikes. photogenic scenery. a nice respite but not alot to it.