Bridal Veil Falls in July 2014
As I said in a post about Malanaphy Spring Falls, one doesn’t really expect to find many waterfalls in Iowa. And honestly, there aren’t a whole lot, though there are still more than one might expect. Malanaphy Spring Falls was flowing very well in June of 2014, but Bridal Veil Falls wasn’t flowing very well.
When I visited the area, it was relatively warm, and at that point, any water source for the falls had mostly (though not all) dried up. And maybe there really isn’t ever much water flowing over the falls. I have to admit I don’t know if I’d go out of my way to see the falls (unless I knew there had been a lot of rain recently). And yet, I also have to admit that Pike Peaks State Park (where Bridal Veil Falls is found) is a really beautiful park. There are great views of the Upper Mississippi River from a 500′ bluff. So…if you decide to stop, then the trek along the stairways through the park is enjoyable as you discover Bridal Veil Falls.
Directions:
- From US-18 right near the Iowa/Wisconsin border (on the Iowa side), take the exit before you head over the Upper Mississippi River into Wisconsin.
- Head south along 1st Street. You’ll pass the Lady Luck Riverboat Casino if you’re headed in the right direction.
- At some point, 1st Street will turn into River Street, which will then turn into Main Street.
- Pass through the town of McGregor. Main Street will come to and end, and you will have to turn left onto Walton Street.
- After turning left, you will very quickly after turn right onto Clayton County Road 56.
- Drive along Clayton County Road 56 to the entrance of the park. (You want the entrance on Pike Peak Road. You will turn left on this road.)
- Drive to the parking area, and then obtain a map to help you find the falls. If I remember correctly, the signs to the falls are pretty clear.
Accessibility: 8/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: 10′
Length of Hike: Less than 1 mile round trip (multiple possible paths)
Where in the World is Bridal Veil Falls?
The Waterfall Record 
Have you spent much time in Nebraska? There are a surprising number of large waterfalls in that state, especially along the Niobrara River.
I haven’t yet. Now that you remind me, I may put that on my list of places to visit this year.
I think the Fort Niobrara area is where you would want to focus, but I reckon there is a couple over by the Pine Ridge too. I am envious if you make it there. I have been wanting to head out there for years.