Trail Run Project Logo

A route past Yellow River State Forest's iconic fire tower.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

1.7

Miles

2.7

KM

88%

Runnable

1,125' 343 m

High

705' 215 m

Low

78' 24 m

Up

498' 152 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

33%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors

Runner Notes

Avoid the temptation to go up into the firetower! It's quite dangerous.

Description

The trail connects Donahue Road to Firetower Road.

From the Firetower road section, the trail heads east at a very gentle grade through forest for a few tenths of a mile, before opening into shrublands.

Right where the forest gives way to Sumac bushes overhanging the trail, the firetower beckons off to the left. It's no longer open to the public due to vandalism and rotting stairs, but it's the only firetower still standing in the entire state of Iowa. Dubious? Yes. Kinda neat? Also, yes.

Past the firetower, the trail eventually transitions back into more dense forest.

The descent down towards Donahue Road, the other end of the trail, is comprised of large, loose cobbles making it almost equally difficult going up or down. This is by far the most challenging section of the trail, and a good hill to "lap" if you're trying to condition for more mountainous terrain right here in the good old midwest.

Flora & Fauna

The "ecotone" created by the blend of prairie, thicket, and forest makes this trail a great spot for viewing turkey and deer. The open woodlands, and the proximity to the Mississippi, can make birds of prey plentiful during fall migrations.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kenny Slocum

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#9260

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#19

in Iowa

#9,260

Overall
3 Views Last Month
481 Since Aug 25, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
0%

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

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

Get Started.