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The NORTHEAST IOWA Bike Route connects Wapsipinicon State Park,
Pikes Peak State Park & Backbone State Park. Popularly
known as the "Little Switzerland" of Iowa, this 130 mile route is marked by breathtaking bluffs, tree topped
hills, roller coaster roads and meandering rivers. Lodging is available in 4 towns and campgrounds are available in
each of the three state parks.
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For details click here Map,*.pdf
Anamosa: E28 can be found by going west of "Caseys" store on Cherry St.
Prairieburg to Delhi: West of E28/X20; north on X20; east of D62; north on X31.
Delhi to Manchester: Return to south edge of Delhi to take D5X.
Manchester: will come into town on D5X (Bailey Drive); go west on Main St. which becomes D22.
Dundee to Petersburg: NOTE that the route jogs on State Hwy 38 for .2 of a mile.
Petersburg to Colesburg: NOTE that the route jogs east on State Hwy 3 for .4 of a mile just before Colesburg.
Guttenberg to Pikes Peak State Park: Take X56, the Great River Road, out of Guttenberg.
Pikes Peak State Park to McGregor: County Road X-56 does not have paved shoulders.
The Great River Road has paved shoulders which were designed for bicycle traffic. It is a long winding road along
the banks of the scenic and legendary Mississippi River.
Coast down and pedal up the steep hills. This route is desinged for the "seasoned" cyclist.
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| Pedal through scenic splendor as you travel between Iowa's state parks along four bicycle routes, developed
to help you enjoy these places of quiet beauty. Routes are primarily travel paved county highways, with an occasional
stretch of bicycle trail. Carry your gear and rough it in the campgrounds or take comfort in a local bed and breakfast
or motel along the route. Gear shuttles are available for some routes.
- Central Iowa Bike Route
- Northeast Iowa Bike Route
- Southeast Iowa Bike Route
- Lake to Lake Bike Route
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Arrangements must be made in advance to leave your vehicle overnight in any of Iowa's state parks. Park rangers will
direct you to the lot designated for overnight parking, generally a visitor parking lot adjacent to the campground.
Designated bed and breakfasts, motels and park conessionaires offer shuttle service for gear at a nominal fee.
Reservations for this service must be made in advance and some require a minimum number of persons.
Northeast Iowa Bike Route primarily runs along highways. Ride on the right side of the road and obey all traffic
laws. Stay alert at intersections.
Do not create a traffic jam. Ride in double or single file, as traffic dictates.
Wear a helmet. Even a slow fall from a bicycle is enough to create serious injury.
Named for the high rugged spine of rock surrounded by the river on three sides, called the "Devil's backbone", the park was
Iowa's first, dedicated in 1920. The Maquoketa River cuts through the solid dolomite rock, a type of limestone formed
millions of years ago, leaving the area very rugged. Backbone State Park is fortunate to have many beautiful and historic
stone buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. There are 160 camping units located in two
campgrounds. Family cabins are also available.
From the top of the 500 foot bluff, one of the highest on the Mississippi River, the confluence of the Wisconsin River
and the mighty Mississippi may be seen. Along the Pictured Rocks Trail, hikers can see walls of limestone, fossil remains,
effigy mounds, and Bridal Veil Falls, a natural spring. The campground has 77 sites, modern shower and restrooms.
The limestone bluffs and caves found here are covered with moss and columbine. Hiking trails can lead to fabulous views,
a multitude of wildflowers, rocky staircases, crevices and caves. The campground has 30 shaded campsites, modern showers
and restrooms.
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Wallace State Office Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0034
Phone: (515)281-5145
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