Donahue Road

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Views

Donahue Road connects State Forest Road--right across from the Little Paint Campground--to the Great River Road near Waukon junction.

This minimum maintenance road is technically open to vehicles, which can take away from the experience a little bit, but definitely sees far more usage by runners and horseback riders.

From State Forest Road, the route follows the edge of a bluff with several beautiful sandstone outcroppings before crossing over Paint Creek. A few very mellow ups and downs make up the topography, but the route can be slightly tough on the ankles by virtue of the large gravel comprising the road bed.

A few other trailheads beckon to the interior of the forest, which makes Donahue great for staying oriented while exploring the pedestrian-only trails, which can get a little labyrinthine. The road itself has some excellent views of the surrounding bluffs.

Eagles and great blue heron can often be spotted fishing along Paint Creek.