A spring-fed series of cascades dropping over limestone along a bluff above the Upper Iowa River near Decorah, with reported total drop on the order of 60 feet. The Malanaphy Falls Trail runs about 1.9 miles round-trip with modest elevation gain.
The falls are fed by Malanaphy Springs (Upper Iowa River tributary). It lies in Winneshiek, Iowa. The site is on public land managed by Malanaphy Springs State Preserve (Iowa DNR).
This is a moderate hike waterfall: a longer day hike, roughly one to several miles each way. Reaching it takes a moderate walk, so budget time and pack water before you set out. The walk to the main viewpoint runs about 1.9 miles round trip. The nearest town is Decorah.
When to go: Year-round (spring-fed); best flow in spring. Water volume swings with the seasons here, strongest after snowmelt or rain and lowest in late summer, so check recent streamflow before you go.
