Backbone Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Spring · Views

Easily accessible from the park's main road, this trail remains pretty flat for the entire duration. However, the entire trail is very rocky so the terrain is not easy to navigate. The trail begins on the Backbone, the signature landmark at Backbone State Park. There is an 80-foot drop on both sides of the trail here, offering the best views in the park of the surrounding Maquoketa River valley. After crossing the Backbone, there is an optional loop along the canyon rim before returning to the trailhead by retracing your steps over the Backbone.