Iao Needle Lookout and Ethnobotanical Loop
ANY
MED
YES
Difficulty: ⭐
Scenery: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mileage: 0.5 mi
Region: Iao Valley State Monument
Elev. Gain: 130 ft
When to Go: Year-Round
Avg. Time: 30 min
Parking: Large paved lot
Type: Lollipop
Pass: $5 day-use fee pp + $10 parking
Know Before You Go:
This short overlook trail is a nice 'bang-for-your-buck' hike given the short mileage and killer views.
This short walk brings you to the first lookout point of the formation known as The Needle and down to the Iao Stream.
If you have more time, we highly recommend doing the longer Iao Tableland trail.
This entire area is considered sacred so please be respectful while visiting.