Iowa fall: Mississippi, bridges of Madison County

The Associated Press

DES MOINES — Whether you're on a river, in the woods or driving by the famed bridges of Madison County, autumn colors are easy to find in Iowa.

The foliage is pretty anywhere along the Mississippi River but particularly in Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor, about three hours from Des Moines on the state's eastern border. (And yes, it is named for Zebulon Pike, who explored the area in the early 1800s and for whom Pikes Peak is named in Colorado.)

Go canoeing on the Des Moines or Raccoon rivers, and try the spectacular route on the Raccoon from Booneville into Des Moines. Or take a fall foliage cruise along the Mississippi: http://www.dubuqueriverrides.com.

The first half of October is a nice time to simply stroll the streets of Greater Des Moines — particularly Waterbury and South of Grand neighborhoods, where you'll find old oak trees, burning bush shrubs and redbud trees in every shade of orange and red.

About an hour southwest of Des Moines is Winterset, home to "The Bridges of Madison County" made famous in the book and movie, and a lovely place to view fall foliage. Roseman is the bridge Robert Kincaid seeks when he stops at Francesca Johnson's for directions in the story; it is also where Francesca leaves her note inviting him to dinner. Five more scenic covered bridges await the traveler.

The Ledges State Park, about an hour north of Des Moines in the town of Madrid, has miles of railroad trails leading up to beautiful vistas overlooking the Des Moines River Valley and the canyon. You'll find numerous tribal burial mounds in the area, along with white-tailed deer, raccoon, beaver, woodchuck and many types of birds.

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September 08, 2009 02:56 PM EDT

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