Fashion Over Forty: What to Wear Hiking on a Warm Fall Day and Hiking in Iowa Pictures

Last weekend we had some beautiful summer like weather and at the same time the fall colors were at their peak so I decided to fit a hiking trip into our weekend. I don't know why we never visited this State Park in Eastern Iowa, Wildcat Den, because it's absolutely beautiful and less than 1.5 hours away from where I've lived for over 20 years. We usually drive east to visit the Starved Rock State Park area in Illinois for a day of hiking which is a beautiful area too, but this year we visited Iowa so much more!  And I am glad we discovered this this park! In case you are wondering, yes, there are native wildcats living in Iowa (Bobcats and Lynx) but they are very secretive and rarely seen. 

I'm sharing some pictures from this hike, but also wanted to write about what I wore, because I may have found the perfect yoga pants for hiking. (And of course I love them for yoga just the same). 

Since this was our first time visiting here and it's said to be at moderate hiking level, I wanted to be better prepared than hike in jeans and regular sneakers which I do often when I am familiar with the trails. 

Please note: Some affiliate links are used in this post, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links. As always this is at no cost to you. Thanks so much for supporting this blog.

I thought my Yogalicious yoga pants with side pockets would be perfect!

I found these yoga pants last year at TJ Maxx and purchased them in a capri and regular lengths. This is the capri which fits me more like a crop. There is a pocket on each side, perfect for holding a phone, keys or some cash. 

They are still available at TJ Maxx. You can find the Capri style HERE and the Ankle lengths HERE and they are also on Amazon - Capri lengths // Ankle lengths, although they are a bit more expensive through Amazon. 

Some of you probably prefer higher end Yoga pants like those from Lululemon, but for my personal needs these affordable leggings are just perfect.

The tank top by Rachel Zoe is another item I found at TJ Maxx, probably at the same time. While not a typical workout shirt, I thought it was perfect for this day and it paired will with my black yoga pants.  I don't have a link to this specific top, but TJ Maxx does have a nice selection of workout tops. 

My sneakers I purchased years ago, they are a trail running sneaker and I find them to be the next best thing to true hiking shoes or boots. Personally I prefer a trail running shoe over a hiking boot because they are lighter than traditional hiking shoes/boots but I am sure there are occasions when a traditional hiking shoe will be better. 

My exact pair is no longer available. This pair looks similar but in all black and white, which I'd actually prefer in this stage of my life. But since my adidas are in great condition, I won't be getting a new pair at this time. DSW has a good selection of trail running shoes at various prices and I also found a great selection on Amazon.  By the way, I don't actually use these to run, I hate running LOL and only use them for hiking. At the gym I use my Asics Gel Venture (again no running, but I do use the elliptical machine).

I tied a quarter zip sweatshirt around my waist in case I needed it, but could have left it at home on this day. Mine is old (by Reebok) and no longer available, but I found some similar options on Amazon. 

More photos are below.....

For those of you interested in this State Park: We came from the east and parked by the Pine Creek Grist Mill. When you cross the road (Wildcat Den Road) you will enter the trail from there. I suggest using the Alltrails app or take a screenshot of the trail map, as there aren't many signs throughout the park. 

You can also park at one of the picnic/camping areas. I'm pretty sure you'd just have to keep driving a bit further up the road (Wildcat Den Road) to get there.

Interesting root system!

I think these wooden stairs blend in so nicely with nature.

A peek at my husband and daughter below looking at what I think is part of the "Devil's Punchbowl".  

In the photo below my son is going through the "Fat Man's Squeeze" (yes, that's what they named this rock formation) with me to the left getting up there. 

The only snake we encountered - at the other end of "Fat Man's Squeeze". It's a good thing we didn't see it sooner or I wouldn't have climbed up there :) 

We didn't plan on hiking socially distant from each other but here we are 😀 

These river pictures were taken when we got back to the car at the mill. 

Shop This Look:

 Yogalicious Yoga Pants 

available HERE (TJMaxx) and HERE (Amazon)

Full lengths HERE (TJMaxx) and HERE (Amazon)

Trail Running Shoes Similar Option

Available HERE (Zappos) More Styles ( at Zappos) More Options (at DSW)

Trail Running Shoes on Amazon

Half Zip Top  (Amazon)

Thanks so much for visiting today! I hope you still have many nice fall days in your area. It definitely cooled off here and we've had some windy days. Many of the leaves are now on the ground. We surely picked the best day for this hike.

I'm linking up with these wonderful blogs:

Friday: Fancy Friday hosted by Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style // Lizzie in Lace //  Friday Favorites at Penny's Passion // A Little Bit of Everything // Friday Favorites // A Fireman’s Wife // Shelbee on the Edge //  Fabulous Friday Link Up with Lucy

Saturday: Dare to Share

Sunday: Style Splash linkup // Sunday Showcase (first Sunday)

Monday: Away From Blue // The Queen In Between (first Monday) // Claire Justine Creative Mondays // Glass of Glam // Mutton Style // Inspire Me Monday // Ageless Style Linkup (1st Monday) // Hello Monday // Random-osity Good, Random, Fun // You're The Star Blog Hop Link Party @Stonecottage Adventures

Tuesday: The Fashion Canvas // Shelbee On the Edge Spread the Kindness // I Do deClaire // Elegantly Dressed and Stylish // Myriad Musings // Jenerally Informed Happy Now Blog Link // Style Splash linkup // Tuesday with a Twist @Stonecottage Adventures // I Will Wear What I Like Linkup  // Randomosity - Good Random - Fun

Wednesday: What's Up Wednesday? (last wed. of month) // The Queen in Between Style Six // Straight A Style // Jersey Girl, Texan Heart // Fashion Frenzy at Seeking Sunshine and Rosy Outlook // Is This Mutton? Wow on Wednesday // Effortlessly Sophisticated // Wonderful Wednesday //  Welcome Wednesdays

Thursday: Fashion Files at Doused in Pink and Curly Crafty Mom // Elegance and Mommyhood // High Latitude Style // A Labour of Life // Mummabstylish // Thirty Minus One // Mutton Style // Thursday Favorite Things //  Little Things Thursday // Traffic Jam Weekend @Being a Wordsmith

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