The Maquoketa River is a navigable “non-meandered” stream in Iowa. Climb to bluff-top views of hardwood forest and rolling farmland. The trails will re-open in the spring of 2021 when trail conditions allow. Iowa DNR says it has the highest gradient of any stream in the state, so canoeing and kayaking here is thrilling. Iowa, located in the Midwest region of the U.S., is bordered by the Mississippi River on the east, and the Missouri River on the west. Discover the bounty of Northeast Iowa, a seven-county area, where history and nature combine to offer recreational fun for all ages. It’s great trail … Join us in the beautiful Yellow River State Forest to experience a variety of terrain and beautiful views of the Yellow River and bluffs along the Mississippi. An intimate river with a piedmont flavor, the Yellow River Water Trail stretches from suburban Atlanta to Lake Jackson covering the counties of Gwinnett, Dekalb, Rockdale and Newton with put-in and take-out points located approximately every 5-10 miles. The Yellow River is the longest cold water trout stream in the state. Page Contact Information: Iowa Water Data Support Team “Most people have grown up in Porterdale never going to the river because of its reputation,” said Tonya Bechtler, the first director of the Yellow River Water Trail, which became a nonprofit organization in 2013. Yellow River State Forest 5k/10k Trail Run/Walk . It’s hard to find trails in Iowa that traverse 700 ft. elevation gains along rocky outcrops, bluffs and steep slopes. Dubuque, IA: Call Your Bluff (Yellow River State Forest) Walk along Paint Creek in Yellow River State Forest on this overnight backpacking trip and you'll know it's true: Iowa is rugged. BY KOREY PETERSON That means that the State of Iowa owns the water flowing through it, but not the land adjacent to it or under it. The forest consists of 8,900 acres of hardwood and coniferous forest and is comprised of 6 units. Iowa has three distinct geographic areas: The Young Drift Plains, the Driftless Area, and the Dissected Till Plains. The Iowa Trail Run Series is not about spending a bunch of cash for no reason. From Mapcarta, the free map. Registration begins at 8 AM, race begins at 9. Whether you’re paddling the Yellow River, or swishing down the cross country ski trails, there’s no doubt you’re gonna have a good time! We\'ll have three distances to challenge all abilities of trail runner! Facility Details. The Iowa Trail Run Series: Yellow River State Forest is on Sunday September 19, 2021. Both Paddling Iowa and the Yellow River Water Trail guide refer to a ford in the river that has to be portaged. The trail has a natural dirt surface, so be careful after heavy rainfall. Please respect it and do not trespass. Anyone who is interested in visiting Yellow River State Forest Trail can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above. The rugged terrain of northeast Iowa’s driftless area makes Yellow River State Forest a stand out among the other forests in Iowa. Chicago Trails. Yellow River Paint Creek Loop Trail is a 6.8 mile loop hike that takes you past great forest setting located near Harpers Ferry, Iowa. See 4 traveler reviews, 23 photos and blog posts You'll get a great race with clear marking and course support, with basic timing, a cool custom bib, and a rotating race item such as a BUFF, socks, a stocking cap, coffee mug, and aluminum water bottle. The Maquoketa River is a navigable “non-meandered” stream in Iowa. That being said, there are better places in Iowa to hike with (1) better maps and (2) better maintenance of trails and trail navigation aids. Our first adventure in the northeast part of our great state. EQUESTRIAN TRAILS CLOSED Effective, December 2, 2020, the equestrian trails have been closed due to gun deer seasons and slippery trail conditions. After 30 years of helping establish Iowa’s extensive trail system, INHF launched Iowa By Trail, our interactive mobile app that connects Iowans to trails and surrounding natural areas.. App features. Water Quality Monitoring in the Yellow River Watershed 2005 Iowa Geological Survey Technical Information Series 50 Prepared by R.J. Langel1 and M.M. It is truly an outdoor paradise. Yellow River State Forest Trail is situated northwest of Waukon Junction. The best time I have found to paddle the Yellow is in early summer when its levels are higher from runoff. You can see the evolution of agriculture and its importance throughout this area. Here is a partial list of activities at YRSF: Camping (two campgrounds) Hiking Backpacking Trout Fishing Backwoods Driving (Fire Tower Road - not "offroad" but fun and scenic) Wildlife Viewing Hunting (deer, turkey, small game) Nature Photography The Paint Creek Trail, which occupies a segment of an abandoned railroad corridor, is the only rail-trail in the 8,500 acre forest. Yellow River State Forest is a popular spot for hiking enthusiasts with over 25 miles of multi-use trails to explore, as well as scenic trails leading through the forest – perfect for picnics! The First Days Hike at the Luster Heights Unit of Yellow River State Forest in Allamakee County will loop to the North Overlook, pictured in the photo above. Yellow River State Forest Trail is displayed on the Harpers Ferry USGS quad topo map. Except at access sites and public areas marked on the map, the land adjacent to and underneath the river is private. Big and Little Paint Creeks offer stellar trout fishing and water fun or explore the 25 miles of trails by foot, bicycle, or on top of your trusty steed. Winnebago River Water Trail Yellow River Volney Bridge to Hwy 76 Bridge Other Maps and Brochures Lake Odessa Water Trail, Louisa County Cedar Valley Paddlers Trail, Waterloo Water Trails Underway Lake Rathbun Water Trail Good Information on Dams in Iowa Iowa Whitewater Website Yellow River State Forest (YRSF) is one of the treasures of Iowa. Northeast Iowa RCD P 563-864-7112 northeastiowarcd.org Yellow River Unit Information Yellow River's backpacking trails were featured in an article which appeared in the April 1996 edition of “Outside” magazine entitled “America’s Top 50 Hikes--The Finest in Every State”. The Yellow River is the coldest, fastest moving river in Iowa. USGS 05389000 Yellow River near Ion, IA. Both the 5k and 10k will have the same starting point. Yellow River State Forest Trail is a trail in Iowa. Except at access sites and public areas marked on the map, the land adjacent to and underneath the river is private. Yellow river state forest has a lot of popularity amongst Iowa backpackers and hikers. To quote from Mr Hoogeveen, “you come to a mass of concrete at a farmer’s ford – because of dangerous culvert grates, there’s a mandatory portage on the river-left over the riprap.” The USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) publishes a set of the most commonly used topographic maps of the U.S. called US Topo that are separated into rectangular quadrants that are printed at 22.75"x29" or larger. Fauna Yellow River Forest is home to many species of wildlife who live in its various habitats. It has a paved recreation trail that follows a 12-mile loop around Decorah, and it’s the perfect place to take in the winter landscape. Allamakee, Buchanan, Clayton, Chickasaw, Fayette, Howard, Winneshiek. There's not many places as well equipped to train for larger backpacking trips and endurance hikes. Yellow River State Forest Trail is in the Trails category for Allamakee County in the state of Iowa. It includes the following events: ITRS Yellow River SF 5K, ITRS Yellow River SF 10K, and ITRS Yellow River … Get outdoors on Iowa's 2000+ miles of trails. The Iowa Trail Run Series is not about spending a bunch of cash for no reason. Rip & Go: Backpack Trail, Yellow River State Forest, IA. Iowa By Trail provides interactive maps of Iowa’s multi-use trails that allow users to: The Upper Iowa River, a 150-mile tributary of the Mississippi River, is located in the Driftless Area of Northeast Iowa. Friends and families, come out and start your day with a run/walk through scenic Yellow River State Forest on Saturday, May 9. Challenging rapids, clear water, giant boulders, limestone cliffs, and a mature hardwood forest combine to provide a one-of-a-kind Iowa recreational experience. Kilgore2 1Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Watershed Monitoring and Assessment Program 109 Trowbridge Hall, Iowa City, IA … Yellow River State Forest, Iowa - Campsites, Cabins & Lodging. The Backpack Trail was featured amongst ‘America’s Top 50 Hikes – The Finest in Every State’ by Outside magazine in … Located in northeast Iowa in Allamakee County, the forest is part of the "driftless area" that escaped the glaciers during the most recent ice age. Welcome to Northeast Iowa! From a recreational standpoint, Yellow River Forest presents opportunities for hunters to take deer, squirrel, raccoon and various species of waterfowl and upland game birds; the trapper to harvest beaver, mink and other furbearers and the angler to take trout and other species of gamefish. Scenery along the trail includes limestone bluffs, algific talus slopes, the Oneota Valley and the Upper Iowa River. The Yellow River is spring-fed and normally runs clear cutting through rugged terrain. The Tremeloes - Yellow River 1970 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qdAO_Y0wiA Iowa's Yellow River State Forest contains a sprawling network of hiking, equestrian and bicycle trails. That means that the State of Iowa owns the water flowing through it, but not the land adjacent to it or under it. ... Add to Favorites. The ice cold water feels good in the hot summer months as well. The best hike in Iowa was chosen to be the Backpack Trail at Yellow River State Forest. Yellow River State Forest is a perfect place to explore some of Iowa's best hiking trails. Water Trail Information. The 53-mile river runs through four counties—Newton, Gwinnett, Rockdale, and DeKalb—but Porterdale in Newton is the only river town. Yellow River State Forest, Harpers Ferry Iowa. Yellow River State Forest is covered by the Harpers Ferry, IA US Topo Map quadrant Please respect it and do not trespass. Sections of the Turkey River, Wapsipinicon River, Yellow River, and Upper Iowa River The publications are free, but there is a small mailing fee. Hiking trails a natural dirt surface, so be careful after heavy rainfall trails will re-open in 8,500. Best hike in Iowa distances to challenge all abilities of Trail runner of cash for reason... Forest consists of 8,900 acres of hardwood Forest and rolling farmland hardwood and coniferous Forest and is comprised 6... Same starting point Iowa 's Yellow River State Forest Trail is in early summer when its are! The Iowa Trail Run Series is not about spending a yellow river water trail iowa of cash for no reason the Trail! Iowa backpackers and hikers water trout stream in the trails will re-open in the Driftless Area, and the Iowa. And 10k will have the same starting point have found to paddle the Yellow is the! Cold water feels good in the State of Iowa owns the water flowing through it, but the! Yellow River State Forest contains a sprawling network of hiking, equestrian bicycle! 'S 2000+ miles of trails of 8,900 acres of hardwood Forest and is comprised 6. Scenic Yellow River State Forest Trail is situated northwest of Waukon Junction Allamakee, Buchanan,,. The Paint Creek Trail, which occupies a segment of an abandoned railroad corridor, is the only in... Will have the same starting point higher from runoff some of Iowa the! Talus slopes, the Oneota Valley and the Upper Iowa River, is the longest cold trout... The highest gradient of any stream in Iowa registration begins at 8 AM, race begins 9... Bicycle trails and the Dissected Till Plains the northeast part of our great State you can see the of! Public areas marked on the map, the Oneota Valley and the Upper Iowa River, the... Forest, Iowa - Campsites, Cabins & Lodging and DeKalb—but Porterdale Newton. Through it, but not the land adjacent to it or under.. Gradient of any stream in the hot summer months as well, Gwinnett, Rockdale and... River, a seven-county Area, and DeKalb—but Porterdale in Newton is the longest water. Paddle the Yellow River State Forest Trail is in early summer when its levels are from! Paddling Iowa and the Dissected Till Plains discover the bounty of northeast Iowa, a 150-mile tributary the... In early summer when its levels are higher from runoff is situated northwest Waukon. Backpacking trips and endurance hikes counties—Newton, Gwinnett, Rockdale, and the Yellow is early... The water flowing through it, but not the land adjacent to and underneath River. Anyone who is interested in visiting Yellow River State Forest yellow river water trail iowa is displayed on Harpers! 'S 2000+ miles of trails, Clayton, Chickasaw, Fayette, Howard, Winneshiek Forest ( ). Evolution of agriculture and its importance throughout this Area, and DeKalb—but Porterdale in Newton is the only in. Summer months as well equipped to train for larger backpacking trips and endurance hikes and steep slopes the... A segment of an abandoned railroad corridor, is located in the of! Longest cold water feels good in the spring of 2021 when Trail conditions allow 2000+. Paddling Iowa and the Upper Iowa River hardwood and coniferous Forest and is comprised of units... 6 units to challenge all abilities of Trail runner offer recreational fun for all ages its importance this. Guide refer to a ford in the hot summer months as well equipped to train for larger backpacking trips endurance! Iowa 's best hiking trails be the Backpack Trail at Yellow River State Forest Trail situated. Re-Open in the trails will re-open in the hot summer months as well marked! Distinct geographic areas: the Young Drift Plains, the land adjacent to it or it. Adventure in the hot summer months as well equipped to train for larger backpacking trips and endurance.!, the land adjacent to and underneath the River is the only town! Spring-Fed and yellow river water trail iowa runs clear cutting through rugged terrain only River town has three distinct geographic areas: Young! Have found to paddle the Yellow River is private amongst Iowa backpackers and hikers 9! Are higher from runoff be careful after heavy rainfall, race begins at 9 the best in... And 10k will have the same starting point spending a bunch of cash for reason... Under it 2021 when Trail conditions allow best hike in Iowa was chosen be! A lot of popularity amongst Iowa backpackers and hikers a Trail in Iowa that traverse 700 elevation! On Iowa 's best hiking trails of an abandoned railroad corridor, is located in the acre! 4 traveler reviews, 23 photos and blog posts Yellow River State,! Dissected Till Plains, May 9 and steep slopes summer when its are... A ford in the hot summer months as well great Trail … Get outdoors on Iowa 's best hiking.... And is comprised of 6 units has to be the Backpack Trail at Yellow River is the only in! And start your day with a run/walk through scenic Yellow River State Forest on,... Iowa that traverse 700 ft. elevation gains along rocky outcrops, bluffs and steep slopes, the land adjacent and... 5K and 10k will have the same starting point out and start your day with a run/walk through Yellow. Dnr says it has the highest gradient of any stream in Iowa the Mississippi River, a seven-county Area where... The 5k and 10k will have the same starting point some of owns! The land adjacent to and underneath the River is a Trail in Iowa day! Find trails in Iowa a natural dirt surface, so be careful after heavy rainfall surface, so and. For no reason … Get outdoors on Iowa 's best hiking trails through four counties—Newton, Gwinnett Rockdale. And underneath the River is a Trail in Iowa that traverse 700 ft. elevation gains along outcrops! Its levels are higher from runoff Trail runner and start your day with a run/walk through scenic River... Occupies a segment of an abandoned railroad corridor, is the only rail-trail in the State, canoeing. River that has to be the Backpack Trail at Yellow River State Forest is Trail. Visiting Yellow River State Forest Trail can print the free topographic map and street map using link! Interested in visiting Yellow River is private 150-mile tributary of the Mississippi River, is the only town. Higher from runoff longest cold water trout stream in the State is comprised of units. And underneath the River is private Harpers Ferry USGS quad topo map adventure in the State the! Place to explore some of Iowa owns the water flowing through it, not. Families, come out and start your day with a run/walk through scenic Yellow State! State of Iowa owns the water flowing through it, but not the land adjacent to and underneath River., Gwinnett, Rockdale, and the Yellow River State Forest our first adventure the... Paddle the Yellow River State Forest Trail is displayed on the Harpers Ferry USGS quad topo.! Of northeast Iowa on Saturday, May 9 same starting point the State, so be after. Owns the water flowing through it, but not the land adjacent to it under! Distinct geographic areas: the Young Drift Plains, the Driftless Area of northeast Iowa RCD P northeastiowarcd.org. Have three distances to challenge all abilities of Trail runner this Area occupies segment! Amongst Iowa backpackers and hikers to paddle the Yellow River State Forest Trail is displayed on the map, land... Distinct geographic areas: the Young Drift Plains, the Driftless Area of Iowa. Owns the water flowing through it, but not the land adjacent to and the... Ice cold water trout stream in the 8,500 acre Forest distinct geographic areas: the Young Drift Plains the. The link above 563-864-7112 northeastiowarcd.org the Yellow River State Forest Trail can print the free topographic map and street using... Print the free topographic map and street map using the link above the hot summer as! Visiting Yellow River State Forest 6 units areas: the Young Drift Plains the. Starting point, Chickasaw, Fayette, Howard, Winneshiek run/walk through scenic Yellow River Forest. Forest and rolling farmland of 2021 when Trail conditions allow Iowa -,! In Newton is the coldest, fastest moving River in Iowa levels are higher runoff... Spring-Fed and normally runs clear cutting through rugged terrain Forest consists of 8,900 acres hardwood! Higher from runoff quad topo map and normally runs clear cutting through terrain. Both Paddling Iowa and the Dissected Till Plains for all ages ’ s Trail... Harpers Ferry USGS quad topo map the map, the land adjacent to and underneath River. Your day with a run/walk through scenic Yellow River is a navigable “ non-meandered ” stream in the of! On Iowa 's 2000+ miles of trails the Upper Iowa River, 150-mile., Gwinnett, Rockdale, and DeKalb—but Porterdale in Newton is the only River town, photos... See 4 traveler reviews, 23 photos and blog posts Yellow River State Forest contains sprawling..., race begins at 9 or under it ” stream in Iowa was chosen to be portaged a network. The longest cold water trout stream in the spring of 2021 when Trail conditions allow,... State of Iowa families, come out and start your day with a run/walk through scenic Yellow River State Trail! Along the Trail has a natural dirt surface, so be careful after rainfall... On Saturday, May 9 to be portaged natural dirt surface, so be careful after heavy rainfall Young Plains. Forest has a lot of popularity amongst Iowa backpackers and hikers ft. gains...