Viking Lake State Park Trail is a standout hiking destination in Stanton, IA, covering 5.0 miles with 300ft of elevation change. Stats: 5.0 miles, 300ft gain, Easy. Type: Loop. Surface: Dirt. Time: 2 hours. Fee: $6/vehicle. Dogs: Yes, on leash. Permit: No. Wildlife: deer, herons, eagles. Best seasons: Southwest Iowa lake. Pack water, layers, and appropriate footwear. Conditions vary across IA. Leave No Trace: stay on trail, pack out all waste, respect wildlife.