Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

Never seen a super moon? This may be our favorite way to experience one

See the super moon and more at Effigy Mounds National Monument

By
Super full moon with dark background
eedafizie / Shutterstock

If you’ve never been to Effigy Mounds, it’s definitely worth the trip. This national monument is located in northeastern Iowa, and it protects over 200 prehistoric mounds, including some that are shaped like animals. This fall, Effigy Mounds National Monument is offering visitors an opportunity to explore through a series of ranger-led hikes. With one of these hikes, you’ll even get the chance to see the super moon.

Scheduled throughout November, these hikes will allow participants to learn more about the ancient mounds, as well as take on a fun new hiking challenge. Each hike begins and ends at the visitor center, and those who complete a hike will earn a special reward to commemorate the experience.

Recommended Videos

See the super Moon at Effigy Mounds National Monument

The view from Fire Point at Effigy Mounds National Monument
NPS / NPS

Super Moon Hike to Fire Point – November 15 at 4:00 PM

A super moon is set to make an appearance on November 15, so the rangers at Effigy have organized a special two-mile hike to Fire Point so visitors can see it rise over the Mississippi River. Since the super moon appears larger and brighter than usual, participants will be treated to a Mother-Nature-lit view of bluffs and river valley.

Related: 
Upgrade your daily routine with the best smartwatches for men

The round-trip hike follows a wood-chipped trail with a moderate 350-foot elevation gain and is expected to take 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. Rangers encourage participants to bring a flashlight or headlamp for the return trip, since the way back will be dark.

Other upcoming hikes at Effigy Mounds National Monument

Fog over the mountains at Effigy Mounds National Monument
NPS / NPS

Hanging Rock Hike – November 3 at 12:30 PM

The fall hiking series kicks off with a seven-mile round-trip hike to Hanging Rock, one of the monument’s most iconic overlooks. This hike certainly isn’t easy. It will challenge participants with a 400-foot elevation climb, but the view from Hanging Rock is well worth it.

The hike is expected to take around 3 to 3.5 hours, so participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, pack snacks, and bring plenty of water to stay energized along the way.

Heritage Addition Hike – November 30 at 1:00 PM

For those looking to explore a quieter side of the monument, the Heritage Addition Hike is a great opportunity. This will be a  four-mile round-trip journey to introduce you to one of the park’s less-visited areas. This hike follows a mostly level path, but you should still come with proper footwear.

The hike will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, and participants should come prepared with water, snacks, and weather-appropriate gear.

Sarah Joseph
Sarah Joseph
Contributor
With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, Sarah is always thrilled to share nature with others through…
Topics

Editors’ Recommendations

Want to see wildlife up close? Head to these 7 national parks
Here are the nest national parks for spotting wildlife
A view of the grand canyon during the day

National Park Week is right around the corner, and to celebrate, the National Park Service has introduced a fee-free day for Easter Sunday on April 20th. If you're itching to explore a national park this spring, KÜHL has just released a new study that ranks the top U.S. national parks for wildlife spotting based on species diversity and visitor interest across eight categories: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and more. Here are the top seven!
Grand Canyon National Park

If you want to see the most wildlife this April, head to Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, according to the study. This park ranks first for birdwatching, with 447 species in the area, including some rare finds like the California condor, peregrine falcon, and red crossbill. It also comes in second place for spotting mammals, with 91 different species. Reptile lovers will also appreciate 58 species like Gila monsters and short-horned lizards, and 142 species of arachnids like spiders and scorpions.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Read more
The best things to do in Big Bend National Park: An adventure you’ll never forget
A list of the must-see stops on your next trip to the popular Texan park
The Big Bend National Park Entrance Sign

Big Bend National Park is the jewel of the Chihuahuan Desert, brimming with life just under its rugged surface. The park straddles the border of the United States and Mexico, and even has a border crossing between the two. There are dozens of things to do in Big Bend National Park -- it's one of the best places for stargazing, exploring the Rio Grande, and enjoying days worth of breathtaking trails.
Need help deciding what to prioritize in this massive park, which spans over 1,250 square miles? I regularly visit Big Bend, and these five park features are always worth a stop. They're doable in a single day or easily extended if you're spending a longer period of time in Big Bend.

Hike through Santa Elena Canyon

Read more
The 20 best U.S. national parks to explore now
There are a lot of national parks to see, so here's a list to start with
Glacier National Park

As filmmaker Ken Burs rightly described, the national park system was "America's best idea." Today, these nature oases see over 331 million recreational visits per year, by last year's count. According to the National Park Service, 2024 saw the highest number of U.S. national park visitors of all time, as people from all walks of life sought a bit more of the outdoors. If that's you, it can be overwhelming to try and figure out which park to explore. From sea to shining sea, I've compiled a list of our favorite U.S. national parks that will satisfy your taste for adventure.
National Park Pass programs

Before we get into our list of the best national parks, we need to have a quick chat about the various National Park Pass programs. These passes will give you entry to the 430 parks across the U.S., and it's a good idea to book them in advance even though many also allow you to pay with card only at the entrance gates. Depending on your needs, there are different types of passes to choose from.

Read more