Yellow River State Forest
Yellow River State Forest is an easy 30+ miles off-road trail near Harpers Ferry, IA, best run April - November. No gear is marked required; All-terrain tires is recommended. A stock high-clearance 4x4 can run it; check the gear list before you go.
Trail Conditions
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In Iowa's unglaciated northeast corner, the Driftless Area's deep ravines, limestone bluffs, and cold-water trout streams create terrain utterly unlike the rest of the state. Forest roads wind through this hidden landscape along the Mississippi River bluffs.
Fun Facts
Iowa's Driftless Area was never covered by glaciers, creating unique topography.
Effigy Mounds National Monument preserves over 200 prehistoric mounds.
Yellow River Forest is Iowa's largest contiguous state forest at 8,500 acres.
🛞 Tires
Closest campgrounds to Yellow River State Forest:
- Blackhawk Park · De Soto · 17 mi (straight-line)
Straight-line distance. Check the map for drive time.
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Harpers Ferry, IA
5-Day Forecast
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Stock rigs can usually run this trail, but the right tire size and fitment make it more enjoyable.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Verify your stock tires meet minimum clearance for this trail.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Ensure any wheel upgrade clears your factory suspension.