Hiking Project Logo

gem icon The Backbone of the Maquoketa River [Suggest Edits]

2 votes
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

Description

This is the most iconic landmark at Iowa's most visited state park. This towering backbone, surrounded by the Maquoketa River, offers the best views in the park, and is a must-see in northeastern Iowa. There is an 80 foot shear drop on both sides, which is a stark contrast from the rolling cornfields less than a mile away. The flora is also rather unique here. The short piney bushes resemble a more mountainous and desert-like climate. This is definitely the best landmark in the area, even giving Iowa's first state park its name.

Short Walk: Only a few hundred feet from a parking lot along a main road. Everything is clearly marked. Watch your footing.

Gem Type: Rock Formation

Shared by:
Michael Kontos

0 Comments

You & This Gem

Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 4, 2021
Michelle Graham

Nearby Trails

6.4 mi 10.3 km Backbone Lake Loop
Intermediate Intermediate
Strawberry Point, IA
Intermediate Intermediate
Strawberry Point, IA
All Clear
Update
Some Mud
4 days ago
0.8 mi 1.4 km Backbone Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Strawberry Point, IA
Intermediate Intermediate
Strawberry Point, IA
All Clear
Update
Some Mud
4 days ago
2.2 mi 3.6 km East Lake Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Strawberry Point, IA
Intermediate Intermediate
Strawberry Point, IA
Unknown
Update
3.0 mi 4.8 km West Lake Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Strawberry Point, IA
Intermediate Intermediate
Strawberry Point, IA
Unknown
Update
Shared by Michael Kontos on Apr 9, 2020. All Page Views: 563. Last Month: 2.
Welcome

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started