Ledges State Park - Madrid, IA
Ledges State Park – Dog-Friendly Trails & Outdoor Fun in Madrid, Iowa
Ledges State Park is a scenic gem located in Madrid, Iowa, known for its dramatic bluffs, plentiful trails, and pet-friendly outdoor activities. Dog owners will love exploring the park’s hiking trails, which offer both gentle paths and challenging slopes, making it one of the best places for dog-friendly hiking in central Iowa. The cool creek that runs at the bottom of the park is a highlight for visitors and their pups, who can enjoy a splash or a refreshing walk through the water. Dogs are welcome throughout the park as long as they remain on a leash.
Besides its natural beauty, Ledges State Park features amenities for families and groups, such as playgrounds, disc golf, picnic areas, and clean, accessible bathrooms. With open green spaces, well-spaced trees for shade, and a variety of recreational facilities, it’s a great spot for pet lovers and families to enjoy together. Be sure to bring bug spray for ticks and mosquitos, and always follow posted leash guidelines to keep the park enjoyable for all visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? All dogs must be leashed while in the park.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? Yes, there are easily accessible restrooms in the park. However, some restrooms may have lighting issues.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, there are well-equipped playgrounds and other activities like disc golf and sports courts.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, there are picnic tables and grills available throughout the park.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Yes, ticks and mosquitos have been reported in the park, especially during warmer months.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park is known for its beautiful hiking trails suitable for dogs and their owners.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, visitors note the park is kept clean and tidy.
Reviews
This is a great hidden gem of Iowa full of Creek walking opportunities. The hiking trails are plentiful and tons of space to spread out how to picnic, grill up some food, and just enjoy time and space with friends and family in nature. Bathrooms are easily accessible and the entire park is kept very clean & tidy. Doggos are welcome and must be leashed. They love it and making new friends. Ours especially look forward to creek walking. Don’t be shy, just say Hi!
We will be going back regularly. Hope to see you there.
Really enjoyed this park. You can hike the trails and follow the one way road through the park and drive through the creek that crosses the road three different times. Kids wait for cars to drive by and splash them. Be sure to bring mosquito spray, I was bitten within minutes in the middle of the day.
Beautiful views. The stream was fun to walk through; it was nice and cool. The kids loved it when the kids would go fast through the stream to make a big splash. The playground was fun for the kids. It was fun to see that our site had wild berries (not ripe). There were only 2 downsides. 1. There’s not a way for people wanting to camp to see that a site has been reserved (we had to ask people to leave because they were at our site about to set up camp). 2. Ten plus ticks hitched a ride on our tent (didn’t see them until we got home to dry out the tent; we managed to kill most of them, 2 might have fallen to the ground; we have since sprayed the tent with permethrin to prevent it in the future).
Amazing state park with some excellent trails. The trails are not flat and easy they are sloped and one needs to climb up and down. If you want to hike this place bring a hiking pole and also be ready for a decent climb and descent. The creek at the bottom of the trail made the whole hole worth it. I will recommend this park to all.
This was a nice, chance stop. We happened to wander across it backroading in Iowa. Lots of beautiful scenery, and the park system is set up so the river runs over the roads several different times, so you get to drive through the river. Beautiful area; if you’re ever in the area, I recommend it. There’s a campground and family activities.