Repost: Great Escapes: 7 of Iowa’s Best Hikes

Seven of Iowa's Best Hikes

I've only hiked at Wildcat Den. Probably will be a post forthcoming.

**reposted** from Iowa's DNR website:LINK

Whether you’re looking to get away from civilization for a weekend or just take in some beautiful scenery for an hour or two with the family, Iowa – yes, Iowa – offers some incredible hikes in our state parks and forests.

Yellow River State Forest
For backpackers looking for a backcountry experience, head straight to northeast Iowa’s Yellow River State Forest. At Yellow River, you can enjoy long hikes with varying elevation, and even camp primitively. With about 32 miles of trail, it’s easy to feel like you’ve escaped it all in this gorgeous setting.

Loess Hills State Forest and Stone State Park
Locals say you can hike and camp primitively for three days in this unique landscape without covering the same ground twice. If the 50 miles of trail in the state forest aren’t enough, you can find more just an hour up the road at the historic Stone State Park on the outskirts of Sioux City. The Loess Hills – a landscape rare in the world – afford vistas not often seen in Iowa. Loess soils are highly erodible but when left undisturbed, they hold solidly, forming tiers which follow the contours and are a sight to behold. Add in the native prairie that abounds in the area and you have a great place to wander while taking in sweeping vistas and discovering precious rare plants.

Ledges State Park
Steeped in natural history, Ledges is known for its picturesque canyon that leads to the Des Moines River. Climb the trails in the canyon area to get a bird’s eye view of picnickers and kids splashing in the creek below. Or wander through the Lost Lake section of Ledges to find a serene overlook of the Des Moines River. While Ledges has just 4.6 miles of trails, the scenery makes it feel like much more. Finish off the day by heading to a secluded hike-in only campsite.

Maquoketa Caves State Park
A trip to Maquoketa Caves isn’t complete without exploring the park’s 15 small caves, connected by boardwalks and bridges. Head to the 7 miles of trails to traipse through prairie or woodlands and take in dramatic vistas. Make a weekend of it and bring the tent with walk-in sites just off the main campground. Take part in an interpretive program to learn more about the park and its Civilian Conservation Corps work.

Waubonsie State Park
Steal away to the far southwest corner of Iowa to take in majestic views of ridgetop prairie and mature woodland along the southern tip of the Loess Hills. Waubonsie offers 10.5 miles of trail in a unique setting.

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park
Set out on gently sloping trails, including a path around a small swimming lake in this relaxing and peaceful park. Stay over in a cabin for more trips on the 12.5 miles of trail. Day trippers can make a quick trip back to civilization to enjoy restaurants and shops in the villages of Van Buren County.

Wildcat Den State Park
The trails are all about scenery at Wildcat Den, just a mile upstream of the Mississippi River. Explore almost 4 miles of trail, including a short hike with great views of rock outcroppings on your way to the Devil’s Punch Bowl. Check out the restored grist mill or schoolhouse near the historic Pine Creek bridge. Camp at the park, or head over to the Fairport State Recreation Area, just two miles away, to camp along the mighty Mississippi.

"Worth a voyage across the Atlantic" - Hiking Maryland Heights, Part 2: Stone Fort Trail

Last post I mentioned that I hadn't hiked the Stone Fort Trail section of Maryland Heights due to a lack of time. Well, I had plenty of free time on Tuesday, 11 November to complete this section of the trail, and it was well worth it.

Trail Map

Notes

Distances:
from the Maryland Heights Trail Guide:
railroad bridge to Stone Fort (round trip): about 6 miles (4 hours)

Blazes:
Combined Trail: Green Blaze
Stone Fort Trail: Blue Blaze (note: the blazes were light blue; in harsh/bright sunlight, the blue blazes look almost white)
Except for a few spots, the trail is clearly marked, but I included the blaze information anyway.

If you can't tell by the photos below, the trail is somewhat steep, in some places more than others. Take your time and bring plenty of water (there are no fountains or water access on the trail at all). Also, make sure you take care of restroom business in town before you cross over the river.

I *strongly* recommend a hiking stick or trekking poles to help you up the side of the mountain. There's plenty of loose gravel, rocks, and tree roots on the trail, so mind your steps.

Parking: There are a very small number of spots near the trailhead, so unless you get there early, you probably won't get a spot. I recommend parking at the visitor center, taking the bus into town, and walking the rest of the way.

The Stone Fort is a nice place to stop for a lunch break, so if you're willing and able to haul some food up the mountain, go for it, but please make sure you pack out your trash, as there are no trashcans anywhere on the trails.

You can bring dogs along, but please make sure you clean up after them as well. Leave no trace except footprints.

Start

First, you'll have to reach the Maryland Heights trailhead, and hike part of the way up the hill, as I described in my previous post.
The Stone Fort Trail starts not far from the Naval Battery (described in the previous post) which sits at about 679 feet, and it goes UP to over 1440 feet.

The start of the Stone Fort Trail.



It goes up!



...and up...



...and up...

During your climb, you'll probably want to stop to rest, catch your breath, and look around a bit. In this picture, you can see the remnants of Dam #3 on the Potomac.

The path you're hiking is basically an old military road. The soldiers used this path to climb Maryland Heights during the many efforts to fortify it in the Civil War.


Even Lincoln couldn't finish this climb, but you can!

Following the Battle of Antietam, Abraham Lincoln came to Maryland to review the army, including the garrisons on the mountain. He began the ascent, but because of the steepness of the slope, turned around halfway up, concluding any man who could make the climb would pass his muster.

Military Campground

Eventually you reach a more level spot on the ridge. This flatter area is where Civil War soldiers lived and worked.


The campground is bordered by the exterior fort, a rock wall breast works that leads from the top of the ridge down the hill toward the Potomac River.

Stone Fort

To the right from the breast works is a set of stairs which will lead you up to the top of the ridge, and the interior of the Stone Fort.

Some of the Stone Fort ruins:







There are some nice views of the Potomac from the Stone Fort vista (although a better view was from the 100-pounder battery)


The Stone Fort is a great place to stop for lunch, since it's about halfway through the hike, and you've got a nice place to sit, relax, and take in the view (...and dry out a bit, since you've probably worked up a sweat just getting here.)

100-pounder Battery

Once you leave the Stone Fort area, the path takes you along the top of the Maryland Heights ridge, winding you through more wooded and rocky areas. At times it was difficult to discern if I was still on the trail,


You'll eventually reach the 100-pounder battery, site of the heaviest and highest gun on Maryland Heights. As you can see, it would have had a commanding view of the Potomac River and Loudoun Heights (VA).



From the 100-pounder battery location, you can see Brunswick, MD, and Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance.


A short distance from the 100-pounder battery, you start a rapid descent from the top of the ridge. This part of the trail is very rocky, so take your time and use your walking stick or trekking poles for balance.
Looking back toward the ridge:

30-pounder Battery

After descending from the ridge, the trail takes you to the final 'spot of interest' on the Stone Fort hike: The 30-pounder battery. The remnants of the fortification, a moat and rampart, are clearly evident. There's a ramp that allows you to cross over the rampart and explore the battery area.

Inside the battery

The battery operated up to six guns, able to reach Loudoun Heights in Virginia, and Bolivar Heights, above the town of Harpers Ferry.

The End

After the 30-pounder battery, you'll continue down the hill toward the main trail. The Stone Fort trail connects with the combined trail not far from the turnoff to the Overlook Trail. If you're not too exhausted, hang a left at the trail intersection to take a trip to the overlook if you haven't seen that yet. Otherwise, going right will take you back down toward the Maryland Heights trailhead, and back to town.

Stop by one of the shops in town for some ice cream or another snack, you've earned it!
Happy Hiking!