Updated July 2026
Dunning's Spring Falls
Dunning's Spring Falls tumbles in a long, stepped cascade through Dunning's Spring Park in Decorah, Iowa. Often called Iowa's tallest waterfall, the popular 200-foot figure measures the entire run of rapids and cascades rather than a single vertical drop. A short paved walk from the parking area reaches the base.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check City of Decorah for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Graded lakes within 25 miles
- FLake Meyer · Winneshiek County · 11.5 mi
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Frequently Asked Questions
No measured height is on record for Dunning's Spring Falls in the land-manager and survey sources this inventory draws on. We list it without a height rather than estimating one.
The Dunning's Spring Park trail reaches it about 0.2 miles (out-and-back), rated easy. The nearest town is Decorah. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with City of Decorah for closures and current conditions.
Spring. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
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