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A beautiful loop deep in the forest with tough climbs and rugged terrain.


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Map Key

1.8

Miles

2.9

KM

Point to Point

1,049' 320 m

High

700' 213 m

Low

368' 112 m

Up

258' 79 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

24%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Wildflowers

Description

The Forester's Trail has two main trailheads, both off of State Forest Road. One trailhead stands alone JUST east of White Pine Drive, and the other is at the state forest headquarters/sawmill/campground host area.

From the campground host area, the trail climbs steadily and rather steeply through a ravine. The trail is narrow, with nettles threatening at the lower elevations but the situation improves deeper into the forest. After roughly 1/3rd of a mile, there is a junction with the Brown's Hollow Trail, wherein the route turns west (right) and flattens out.

At about a mile in, a slightly confusing junction with the White Pine Trail leads hikers down a "shortcut" on the loop, or towards Camp Glen Wendell, a backpacking campsite. Depending on the state of the signage it may not be clear where the Forester's Trail goes; just continue straight to stay on the longest route, otherwise going past Camp Glen Wendell shortens the route just a bit.

The trail goes from a gradual descent to a much steeper downhill for the last ~0.4 miles and deposits trail users back at the highway, roughly 0.3 miles west of the area headquarters.

Flora & Fauna

This trail passes through some deep timber, which provides excellent shade in the height of summer and beautiful wildflowers in the early spring.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kenny Slocum

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 1 vote

#3411

Overall
  5.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#8

in Iowa

#3,411

Overall
4 Views Last Month
330 Since Jul 31, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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