Any special use which is compatible with the forest resource and with the other uses may be permitted. The forest area will be available as a site to conduct research, providing it does not interfere with other uses. The best hike in Iowa was chosen to be the Backpack Trail at Yellow River State Forest. We are honored to have been given this distinctive endorsement, and anticipate lots of usage on the backpack trails as a result. Incidentally, if you haven t had the opportunity to hike our trails, they are open year round.
Degree of difficulty ranges from relatively easy to moderate.
If you have a scout or other youth group looking for a backpacking experience, or if you are planning a real backpacking trip out west and need some place to train, this is for you. There is no charge or registration required for the use of our backpack trail facilities. We have two camp areas along the trail which are not accessible by vehicles so you can really get away from it all . Our backpack areas are large enough to support a large group or several small groups. They are not organized areas so you can spread out if you arrive to find a group or individuals already at the site.