Have you really explored your own backyard?

I was looking for places to go leaf peeping. I was thinking of going to Minnesota, but too long of a drive for me. I was looking for local areas in northwest Iowa and discovered the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway. I found a map going from Akron, Iowa to Hamburg, Iowa.

I was really happy to find this and was shocked that it's right here where I live. I was trying to map out all the roads, but when it came time I just went to Akron and followed the signs. They made it very simple to follow and it really worked out.

I went on a few loops that easily brought me back to the main byway. I took Ridge Road loop, Stone State Park loop, Larpenteur loop, and Wilderness loop.

I love the rolling hills, definitely not the mountains but I love this scenery. I'm so happy I was able to take my camera out to take these photos.

I also got a few photos of some animals.

And I love barn photos. This is part one of my byway journey. I thought for sure it would be a good time for fall foliage but I think I'm a few days early. I'm hoping to continue this journey soon. There were other photo ops that I came across, but was not able to stop, so I have a few places to go back to and take photos.