Couple go for hike in woods and make baffling discovery hidden in trees

There's nothing quite like embarking on an adventure or a proper hike, as there are all sorts of fabulous walking trails people can explore. However, no matter how keen people may be to clock up the steps, sometimes they don't realise precisely what they'll stumble upon when they venture out on a hike.

One couple were recently exploring the Loess Hills of Iowa when they made a rather extraordinary discovery during their travels. It left them so gobsmacked that they shared photographs on Reddit to try and work out what it was, and the tale has fascinated many people, as it's left them utterly intrigued.

Turning to fellow users to ask what it was, the social media poster wrote: "What was this? Found on a hike in the Loess Hills of Iowa (yes Iowa dos have some decent hiking here). It was in a state park, but on an isolated trail, with no other structures around."

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In the photographs you could clearly see an abandoned property was discovered in the middle of a secluded area. The tiny hut-like building looked like it was constructed into a wall, and was rather small inside.

The floor of the little shelter was carpeted with twigs and wood, and was completely empty apart from that. Images of the unusual find have certainly got plenty of people chatting.

One person suggested: "It's called a root cellar." Someone else replied: "All over the Midwest people have these root cellars.

"They frequently aren't part of the house on older homesteads because the effort to dig a deep pit before setting up a house was too great. Scandinavian (specifically Swedish) cabins often had a section like this as well for winter to keep meat and food fresh without freezing it by leaving it out in the snow as well.

"It wasn't always just for roots and cold storage - it could keep food from freezing solid and being ruined (think eggs and the like)."

A third person chimed in with: "Saw the picture and immediately recognised It! And as many have stated, it's an old root cellar. That location was the site of an old home and barn/garage, so that is mostly what's left of the old place. Location - Little Sioux Unit, Iowa State Forest."

Meanwhile, another added: "I managed about 2,000 acres of Loess Hills Forest and there are some gorgeous views out that way! Also tons of old structures. Lots of folks said it but this is an old root cellar."

If you're unfamiliar with the term "root cellar", it refers to a structure typically built underground. It's used for storing food without the need for electricity, maintaining cool, dark and humid conditions.

Historically, it was deemed essential for preserving root vegetables such as potatoes and carrots throughout the winter, but it could also be used for fruits, nuts and other produce.

Modern versions of these cellars still exist. They can range from a simple buried box to a basement cold closet or even a more elaborate underground building.

The subterranean design provides a naturally cool and stable environment, which aids in preventing produce from freezing in the winter and maintaining coolness in the summer. Plus, the dark space is also ideal for most storage crops to prevent sprouting or other forms of decay.