Upper Iowa River Access Area

I was here for Malanaphy Falls for the Iowa waterfall loop. This was by far my favorite of the day. The hike was nice - less than 20 minutes for me. Just so pretty and relaxing

We hiked the trail to Malanaphy Springs and it was so beautiful! About a 30-45 min hike, but absolutely worth it! Highly recommend. These springs are almost hidden and it is one of the longest waterfalls I have seen in Iowa!

Malanaphy Springs was a great unexpected hike! Never even heard of it and you can't actually review it except under Upper Iowa River Access but we loved it. Very scenic with rock formations and fallen trees. Pretty easy but entertaining hike!

Wonderful little hike from the Bluffton Road to Malanephy Springs. About a half-hour each way, so bring some water and a snack. Most of the path is nearly level, though you might want to scramble about the embankment at the springs. The water is cold year round (under 60 degrees F). The stream meanders about 70 yards before dropping into the Upper Iowa River.

Be a little cautious if going to the actual spring, the ground is slick with packed dirt on the steep hill. Also the small bluff immediately above has many fissures - eventually erosion will cause a brief but potentially dangerous rockfall. This would most likely happen in late winter or spring time.

A beautiful half hour hike leads you to this spring fed fall which then flows into the Upper Iowa River.

Fantastic hike on most days, wideish trail and weed free, some trunks to cross, but kostly clear, well worth the trek out to the spring, very pretty.

Almost a mile back, but so worth the trek! Beautiful!! Rocky ground & many trees across the trail, so be careful.

One of the best waterfalls we saw on the iowa waterfall tour. Easy hike in and plenty of places to play around in the falls

Great nature hike with a beautiful cascade of spring water at the end!

Beautiful! There were trees across some of the paths you'd just need to go over or under. A few spots that were quite steep, it was so worth the hike. The moss growing up the trees and tons of mushrooms it made me think of a fairy tale.

We are not the athletic type. Fun hike tho, took us about 30 minutes to get to the falls. Dont wear flip flops, you're going up and down some steep parts and stepping over down trees. Bring water. Awesome hike.

It is very good place to go on the river and camp

Neat little waterfall. About 30-45 minutes each way. There's a rope to assist if you want to go above the falls, but getting to the falls is pretty easy! It would probably be cool from the river too, as it makes another drop into the river that you can barely see from the hike

About 30 minutes of walking along the river and through the forest with lots of plants and wildlife with the falls at the end. The hike is fairly easy even for me who doesnt hike much and has severe asthma. Theres a couple spots where its a little strenuous and I had to stop to catch my breath. The falls are beautiful! Getting down to the river to see the bottom of the falls was a bit of a chore and probably can't be achieved by someone who can't or isnt willing to climb like a monkey over dirt and rocks and fallen trees to get down to it. But even the upper falls is worth the walk! Would recommend and will be going again!

A nice hike. Maybe 30 mins in from the trailhead.

The hike is about 3 miles round trip. Plan on part of the trail being dirt/muddy with some pretty good hills so wear sturdy shoes. The waterfall is beautiful!

We visited Malanaphy Springs for a hike with our dog to see the waterfall while visiting Decorah. A 1-mile trail leads along the trail and ends at Malanaphy Springs. The waterfall drops into Upper Iowa River from here. Can't see much of the waterfall from the top and it's a tricky scramble down to the base, but beautiful views of the waterfall and river. The spring originates from a fissure in the cliffs above. It's a steep climb up loose gravel to see the cliffs and the spring. Definitely worth a visit if in Decorah and much less crowded than more popular attractions.

Upper Iowa river is the most scenic river in Iowa. Excellent time!

Gorgeous spring waterfall. Be sure to go all the way to the top! Walk was an easy 25 min hike for me. Very muddy when wet so come prepared.

Nice walk and beautiful scenery. Worth the drive out!