Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Far West Loop

4.0 (1 Rating)
Singletrack, multi-use trail through oak-hickory forest.
3.7
mi
Distance
404
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Less Crowded
Access Issues
Group Camp parking area: https://goo.gl/maps/4d1bv4MpCipa3JcC8. Located approximately seven miles southwest of Lucas, IA. Stephens State Forest roads do not have snow plow services during the winter.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.68mi
Distance
404ft
Elevation Gain
502ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
1,067ft
High Point
950ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Typical rolling hill country of Southern Iowa. Remote area. Trail is through closed canopy oak-hickory forest. The trail travels deep into the forest with excellent wildlife viewing. One stream crossing to traverse which may be flashy (flood) after significant rain events. Trail is mostly built on the contours and well-laid out. Open to hiking, MTB, and equestrian users. Equestrian trail sign marks the beginning of this segment and at major turns. Descend from the group camp/vault toilets/parking area to the first intersection and turn left. Next intersection will be at the two-track. Turn right and go downhill to the creek crossing. After crossing the creek, the trail forks and you may go either direction to make the entire loop. About 20 miles of other multi-use trails in the Whitebreast Unit-Stephens State Forest. See the link to reference map (https://www.iowadnr.gov/portals/idnr/uploads/forests/maps/WhitebreastUnitTrailMap.pdf).

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Find more hikes near: Woodburn, IowaLucas, IowaDerby, Iowa
Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park

Hike Route

Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park

Birding
strenuous
5.04 mi
+270 ft
Browns Woods Interior Trails

Hike Route

Browns Woods Interior Trails

Birding
moderate
2.65 mi
+283 ft
Pine lake

Hike Route

Pine lake

Birding
moderate
2.59 mi
+219 ft
Wallace Loop

Hike Route

Wallace Loop

Birding
moderate
5.95 mi
+465 ft
Contributors
Jeremy Cochran