Iowans deserve more opportunities to enjoy our diverse landscape and natural resources, and our historic parks deserve more protection and respect. It diminishes the call for celebration when not enough is done to protect the few public lands the state has, and when Iowans cannot enjoy these places to their full extent. While we join in the celebration of the 100-year milestone of Iowa’s great state parks, IEC continues to call for greater investment in these special places and in Iowa’s water quality. The lost potential of this recreational resource is further highlighted as local swimming pools remain closed due to Covid-19 and park visitation is up as Iowans venture outdoors in lieu of other summer activities. Locals know the water is not safe to swim or wade in, and the beach often sits empty week after week. In the seven (7) weeks since Memorial Day weekend, Backbone has been under a swim advisory for five (5) weeks. coli – far more than any other state park beach monitored by the DNR. Since 2014, when IEC began tracking beach monitoring data from the DNR, Backbone has experienced 85 swim advisories for E. ![]() coli contamination on Backbone Beach.īackbone Lake was first listed for an E. ![]() Some of these structures are currently being restored.ĭespite the park’s beauty and special features, Backbone has a more recent legacy that is not as admirable: chronic E. The CCC put many Americans to work on public projects that endure to this day. Among the projects completed at Backbone were the dams on the Maquoketa River forming Backbone Lake, a cluster of rustic family cabins, a beach and boathouse, auditorium (pictured), bridges, roads, picnic shelters, restrooms, and trails. It is one of the highest points in northeast Iowa.Īnother unique aspect of the park is the many historical buildings constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1933 and 1941. The CCC was part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal following the Great Depression. The predominately oak and maple woodland serves as habitat for a variety of wildlife including deer, raccoon, fox, turkeys, ruffed grouse, and many species of songbirds. The park is named for the “Devil’s Backbone” – a distinct narrow and steep ridge of bedrock carved by the Maquoketa River. Iowa celebrates the 100th anniversary of the state parks system this year. Iowa has 72 state parks that span the breadth of Iowa’s geological and biological diversity. As one of the lowest-ranking states in the nation for public lands, each state park is precious to Iowans for appreciating nature and the benefits of time spent outdoors.īecause of Covid-19, many anniversary events have been postponed, including the celebratory Centennial kickoff at Backbone State Park in Eastern Iowa. Dedicated in 1920, Backbone is Iowa’s first state park. It is one of the most outstanding parks in the state, offering diverse activities including: camping a large beach and swimming area challenging hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails rock climbing and more.īackbone consists of 2,000 forested acres surrounding Backbone Lake and a portion of the Maquoketa River in Delaware County. Follow the road around the lake (right turns) a short distance to arrive back at your car.Iowa State Parks at 100 Years: Backbone's Legacyīy Alicia Vasto on Thursday, July 2, 2020 Past the Bluebird Trail junction, the trail ends at the "beach," a picnic area with some cabins and interesting stone structures constructed by the CCC in the 1930's. It is a worthwhile loop for those looking to pad their trail miles a bit. About two miles into the East Lake Trail, there is a junction with the Bluebird Trail heading to the left. The East Lake Trail meanders past some staggeringly beautiful cliffs, along the lake, with moderately technical and eminently pleasurable hiking. Step carefully, footing is rugged and the trail traverses a narrow ridge with large drops on both sides.Īfter passing the Backbone Trail, you'll find on the right side of the road the trailhead sign for the East Lake Trail. On the road at the top of the hill you'll go past the Backbone Trail, an incredibly fun albeit short lollipop route atop the jagged limestone "backbone" for which the park is named. At the end of the Six Pines Trail, turn right (east) onto the road, and follow some steep switchbacks up the hill. The Six Pines Trail travels steeply downhill towards a climbing area and some picnic areas. At the campground turn right (north) and head along the paved loop for a few hundred feet, where you'll find the Six Pines Trail. ![]() The trail generally follows the lake northwest for almost 3 miles before hitting the Six Pines campground. At the shore of the lake, you'll find the West Lake trailhead. After crossing a bridge near the Backbone Lake dam, turn in towards a park office building and residence. ![]() Upon entering the park, follow signs for the boat ramp/south lake campground.
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