Fortune Road

Fortune Road is a true hidden gem in Iowa, winding through a rugged valley that feels like a road time forgot. The trail can be started from either Edgewood or the north side and follows a rocky, two-lane road as it meanders down from the ridge, passing dramatic cliffs and beautiful wooded scenery along the way. Near the bottom of the valley, you’ll find access to Bixby State Preserve, where a short hike leads to an ice cave that stays remarkably cold even during the hottest days of summer. The route also crosses Bear Creek on a paved crossing that can become slippery from buildup on the road, so use caution. As you climb out of the valley on the south side, a small creek winds alongside the road beneath overhanging rocks and towering trees. Add in a stop in Edgewood Meat Locker for some fresh meat, bacon, brats, sausage, or beef sticks, and Fortune Road makes for a scenic and memorable Iowa backroad adventure.