Yellow Banks Park has unique foliage and pretty views, with several trails to hike and a secluded fishing spot along the river.
Information:
Name: Yellow Banks Park
Address: 6801 SE 32nd Ave, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Type: Places to play and hike
Bathrooms: Yes
Shade: Yes, shaded shelters and shaded trails
Playground: Yes
Trails: Yes, grass/dirt
Water: Yes, river
Other notes:
Trail distances from their printed brochure, taken from the front
- Backpacker Trail (#1) 3/4 mile trail from pond to backpacking campsite
- Indian Mound Loop (#2) 1/4 mile trail from park road to Native American burial mound
- Savanna Trail (#3) 1/2 mile loop. See some of the last remaining savanna oak trees in Polk County, estimated to be more than 250 years old.
- Bluff Overlook Trail (#4) 1/2 mile trail from playground to overlook of river valley.
- Eagle view Trail (#5) 1/4 mile trail from park road to overlook of river valley.
- Pond Trail (#6) 1/2 mile trail from park road to pond.
Native American burial grounds, camping, fishing, boat ramp. ADA playground. Tree identification doc: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/media/22035/yb_final_tree_brochure.pdf Trail map: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/parks-trails/20-yellow-banks-park/map-detail/ Native american artifact history: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/media/8269/yellow-banks-park-artifacts.pdf
Official Website: https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/parks-trails/20-yellow-banks-park/
DSMOF Blog posts:
–Spring 2017 visit
Other things nearby of note:
If you’re looking for other places to get outside, check back-in with the interactive map!
Pictures:
Have you been here? Leave a comment and let people know what you think!