Malanaphy Springs Waterfall (Upper Iowa)

Malanaphy Springs Waterfall is a spring-fed waterfall that flows into Upper Iowa River in Winneshiek County, Iowa.  The waterfall is located in Malanaphy Springs State Preserve.

Hike Length: 1.8 miles
Estimated Time: 1 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Malanaphy Springs State Preserve
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Moderate
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are very slippery.  It is difficult to climb down to the river for a good view of the waterfall.
Trailhead GPS: 43.34497,-91.84265
Waterfall GPS: 43.35540,-91.83500

Directions:

From IA-9 and US-52 in Decorah, go north on US-52 for 2.2 miles and turn left on Pole Line Road.  In another 2.2 miles, turn right on Bluffton Road.  Go 0.7 miles and turn right into the small parking area just before the bridge over Upper Iowa River.

Map:

Hike Description:

From the parking area, follow the trail on a forested bluff above the Upper Iowa River.  There are a number of rock outcrops and cliffs along the trail.  In just under a mile, the trail ends at Malanaphy Springs.  The waterfall is below where the trail ends and only the top is visible from up here.

To see the entire thing, climb down on river right side.  It's wet and slippery and a difficult climb down though only about 10 feet.

Blog Entries:

30-Aug-2020: Waterfalls of Iowa

External Links:

Visit Decorah website: https://www.visitdecorah.com/business/malanaphy-springs