![]() Though there are plenty of birds, squirrels, and chipmunks, there wasn’t otherwise much wildlife along this stretch. Besides the very cool-looking ancient dolomite, the twisted, craggy cedar trees at the top are another unique feature of the trail. The Backbone Trail is the “highest point in northeast Iowa,” according to the Iowa DNR, and thus is a great place for spotting swooping eagles, turkey vultures, and hawks, plus just naturally taking in the views. Trust me when I say you wanna stop walking before you take a photo. You’ll still have to watch your step on this section, but this time it’s for the numerous tree roots providing a natural staircase around the loop. Once you’re past the short rocky cliff section, the trail descends down into the forested river valley and loops around itself to follow the loop of the Maquoketa River, which carved out those cliffs over millennia (now so low, you could walk right across). “You’re too close to the edge, Amie!” ~my mother from somewhere in the ether Just don’t mess around, and keep an eye on kids near the edges- falls causing injury aren’t common, but they do happen on that section of trail. You can get as close as you’d like to the very edge, and even hike down to the river in non-official steep dirt tracks, providing a nice, challenging thrill and some lovely vistas from up high (the DNR ranks it as “moderate” difficulty). The trail, at least the dolomite cliffs part, isn’t for those afraid of heights or those unable to navigate up and down rocky terrain. Backbone is marked with 4 on this partial map of the park.īut the pièce de résistance has to be the Backbone trail, which manages to have both dolomite to scuttle over as well as a shady, wooded loop, bringing you down to the river’s edge and back up to the parking lot, all in under a mile. They cover a wide variety of terrain, from a lake loop to a prairie walk to a hike that leads to a cave and more-all definitely worth exploring. But you can also drive up to the top and walk along for the incredible views without needing ropes and harnesses (and rock-climbing skills).īackbone has seven trails encompassing 21 miles within its more than 2,000 acres. Dolemite limestone you’ll walk over at Backbone. Dedicated in 1920, its most recognizable feature is the “Devil’s Backbone,” dolomite limestone bedrock that juts straight upward from the winding Maquoketa River below in what appears, from above, to resemble the vertebrae of a spine. You can’t ask 10 Northeast Iowa hike enthusiasts about their favorite spots without at least nine of them mentioning this stunningly unique place.īackbone State Park in Dundee is officially Iowa’s v ery first state park. Follow along here, or on social media using #AmieTakesAHike, to pass along your suggestions and see where I’m headed next. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is accessed via the nearby Backbone Rock Recreation Area parking.I’m hiking every state park or other cool hiking place I can think of around my home state, to showcase the natural beauty Iowa has to offer. Damascus, VA is approximately 5 minutes North of the campground.Īlong with camping, Beaverdam Creek is stocked with trout. Each site contains a table, fire ring and lantern holder.Backbone Rock Campground is located along the beautiful Beaverdam Creek nestled in the mountains of the Southern Appalachians.The trailhead for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail 1 is approximately a quarter mile south of the campground on TN Highway 133. There are 10 single campsites, including two double sites within Backbone Rock Campground. With 10 campsites and an adjacent large Civilian Conservation Corps- built reservable pavilion with lawn, Backbone Rock is a great option for a group to reserve the whole campground for retreats and other events. The creek side location with popular swim area and lush forest surroundings make Backbone Rock Campground particularly desirable during hot summer months. ![]() This developed campground is popular with those visiting the nearby Backbone Rock, a tunnel originally blasted through the rock ridge for the railway. Backbone Rock Campground is a small campground situated along the beautiful Beaverdam Creek at an elevation of 2,100 feet in northern Johnson County. Backbone Rock Campground is open for the 2021 season.
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