Loess Hills National Scenic Byway: Smokey Hollow Loop
Loess Hills National Scenic Byway: Smokey Hollow Loop is a National Scenic Byway in Iowa. Within Iowa it covers roughly 12 miles. The map below shows its route. Use “Plan a drive” to open it in the Road Sorties route planner — already routing along Loess Hills National Scenic Byway: Smokey Hollow Loop with scenic roads turned on, ready to add your own stops.
Smokey Hollow Loop climbs out of Smithland, Iowa, on gravel section-line roads that show off some of the steepest loess ridges in Woodbury County. From Smithland the route heads north on Highway 31 to the crossroads town of Oto, then turns onto 290th Street for three miles before a final turn south on Knox Avenue back toward the byway spine. The hollow's name is said to come from haze that settles into the draw between ridges on cool mornings, a common sight across the Loess Hills' steep, narrow valleys. It's one of three excursion loops that branch off the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway in Woodbury County, alongside Stone Park Loop to the north and Stagecoach Trail Loop to the south, and it's best driven slowly since the gravel grades can turn sharp after rain.
- Smithland to Oto, Woodbury County
- steep loess ridge gravel roads
- 290th Street & Knox Avenue route
- one of 3 Woodbury County loops
- narrow hollow terrain
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What is a National Scenic Byway?
National Scenic Byways are roads recognized at the federal level for at least one outstanding quality — scenic, natural, historic, cultural, archaeological or recreational — that gives travelers a reason to seek them out rather than just pass through.
Where to Stay along Loess Hills National Scenic Byway: Smokey Hollow Loop
No campgrounds are listed close to Loess Hills National Scenic Byway: Smokey Hollow Loop yet, but there are rooms near the route.
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