Random note: The last time I hiked that trail, lots of climbers were out and it was kind of neat to peer over the edge of the rock face and watch them climbing up toward me. A mostly steep uphill climb, the trail takes you up and over the large rock cliff faces that are a favorite climbing spot among local rock climbers. The Six Pines Trail is only a half-mile or so, but it’s pretty tough. I’ve lived in four cities and three states in the past eight years, and the first thing I always do when I find myself in a new place is seek out local hiking spots. Side note: In case you’re wondering, I am originally from Los Angeles, Calif., but I moved to Iowa three years ago by way of Stamford, Conn. The East Lake Trail was the first trail I hiked at Backbone, and that was the moment I knew I would be OK in Iowa. The trail is moderately challenging with lots of hills, some of which are very steep, and enormous, smooth-faced rocks line much of the trail’s edge opposite the river. The West Lake Trail ends at Backbone Lake on the park’s south edge, which features a beach, a playground, some picnic areas and a concession stand on its east bank.įrom there, you can link up with the East Lake Trail, a roughly 2.5-mile trail that stretches along the river’s opposite bank. The terrain varies a bit, starting as a mostly flat mowed grass trail and evolving into a winding rocky path that traverses many steep hills. Spanning roughly three miles, the West Lake Trail cuts through beautiful woods until it eventually meets up with the Maquoketa River and stretches along the river’s bank. My favorite hike is a roughly 8-mile loop that starts at the West Lake Trail Head, connects to the East Lake Trail and finishes with the Six Pines Trail. There’s something special about stepping away from the noise and stress of the daily churn and stepping into the lush green quiet of the woods, hiking a few miles, then cooling off in a creek.įor me, hiking is solace, and Backbone State Park offers 21 miles of rugged, wooded trails that range in difficulty from easy to challenging. At the same time, hiking is vital for my emotional well-being and mental health. It is by far one of my favorite activities. In case you couldn’t tell yet, I am an avid hiker. The park was named for the steep and narrow ridge of bedrock cut by a loop of the Maquoketa River and forming the highest point in northeast Iowa - the Devil’s Backbone - and plays host to a range of activities including bicycling, boating, camping, rock climbing, fishing, and of course, hiking. South Lake Campground South Lake Campground Backbone Lake Dundee Six Pines Campground Backbone Cabins Backbone Cabins Six Pines Campground Lamont 5 mi.Established in 1920, Backbone State Park was Iowa’s first state park, and it remains one of the state’s most geographically unique, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Rates subject to change if reservation changes are made, new rates will apply. The reservation fee is $4.50 for online or $6 for call center reservations. Reservation Fee Policy: A nonrefundable reservation fee is charged for each reservation. The last day to change a reservation is 15 days prior to arrival if paying by credit/debit card and 21 days prior to arrival if paying by check. However, the arrival date can be changed to an earlier date If the arrival and departure dates of the entire reservation change, that is allowed.Ĭhange Policy: A fee of $5 for each reservation changed online and $6.50 for each reservation changed through the call center. Note: The arrival date cannot be changed to a later date without losing the entire reservation when the departure date remains the same.
Prophetstown state park to backbone state park iowa plus#
Cancellations on the arrival date will result in a forfeiture of two night's camping plus the cancellation fee. Cancellations the day before arrival will result in a forfeiture of one night's camping fee plus the cancellation fee. Cancellation Policy: Cancellation fee of $6 for online cancellations or $7 for call center cancellations applies for all cancellations.
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