WARREN COUNTY: Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park

 


November is a great time to hike at Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park because there are fewer mountain bikers on the trails.  The park was developed on the site of a former coal mine, which created unique terrain for the 5.83 mile trail system.  The best trail map available can be purchased for 99 cents from Iowa Parklands.

There are two parking lots that each have vault restrooms open year-round.  I recommending parking at the first lot you'll see coming from Highways 65 and 69, which has easy access to the trailhead for Coal Miner's Daughter.  All Trails has a great route to follow from there, just be aware that a small portion of the route runs along the paved bike trail on the road through the park.

There's only one thing I don't like about this state park and that's the proximity of Banner Shooting Range.  We heard constant gunfire during our afternoon hike today.