Swan Lake & Sauk Rail Trail
7.3 mi · ▲ 220 ft · 2 hr 33 min
Swan Lake & Sauk Rail Trail is a 7.3-mile out-and-back in Swan Lake State Park near Carroll, IA. The route passes Swan Lake and Swan Lake. It is mostly level, with 220 ft of elevation gain, and mostly paved. It scores 35/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: green fringe.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Swan Lake & Sauk Rail Trail
7.3 mi · ▲ 220 ft · 2 hr 33 min
Elevation 1,223–1,326 ft
Out & Back · Swan Lake State Park
Trailhead: Sauk Rail Trail · 42.05695, -94.87012
Weather Sep 20: sunrise 7:05 AM · sunset 7:22 PM
Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start on Sauk Rail Trail, heading SE.
- 1.8 miBear right, heading SW.
- 0.5 miPass Swan Lake.
- 0.7 miPass Swan Lake.
- 1.5 miTurn left, heading N.
- 50 ftBear right, heading N.
- 2.7 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 1.7 mi in (~44 min). Leave by 6:18 PM for the 7:22 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:18 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
Good to know
- Parking lot at the trailhead
More from Sauk Rail Trail Trailhead
- Sauk Rail Trail 4 mi · ▲ 0 ft
- Sauk Rail Trail 7.3 mi · ▲ 0 ft
- Swan Lake & Sauk Rail Trail 4.6 mi · ▲ 166 ft
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Hikes near Carroll, Iowa