Backbone State Forest

Backbone Forest Trails Sunset Point & Ryan Property Trails

1.9 mi · ▲ 110 ft · 41 min

Backbone Forest Trails Sunset Point & Ryan Property Trails is a 1.9-mile out-and-back in Backbone State Forest near Forestville, IA. The route reaches Backbone Forest Trails Sunset Point at the turnaround, 0.9 miles in. It is mostly level, with 110 ft of elevation gain. It scores 41/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: green fringe.

Elevation

0 mi1,050 – 1,145 ft2.3 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Ryan Property Trails 42.63477, -91.54292
Nearest town Forestville, IA

Directions

AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com

Backbone Forest Trails Sunset Point & Ryan Property Trails

1.9 mi · ▲ 110 ft · 41 min

Elevation 1,051–1,144 ft

Out & Back · Backbone State Forest

Trailhead: Ryan Property Trails · 42.63477, -91.54292

Weather Sep 20: sunrise 6:52 AM · sunset 7:09 PM

Bikes allowed on the whole route · Horses allowed on the whole route

  1. Start on Ryan Property Trails, heading W.
  2. 0.3 miSharp right onto Backbone Forest Trails, heading W.
  3. 0.7 miReach Backbone Forest Trails Sunset Point, then turn around and head back the way you came.
  4. 0.7 miSharp left onto Ryan Property Trails, heading E.
  5. 0.2 miArrive back at the trailhead.

Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.

Weather

Sunrise 6:52 AMSunset 7:09 PM

Sunset

The best sunset spot on this hike is 0.9 mi in (~22 min). Leave by 6:27 PM for the 7:09 PM sunset. Back at your car by 7:47 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp. Trailhead visible from the viewpoint

More sunset hikes nearby

Good to know

  • Bikes allowed on the whole route
  • Horses allowed on the whole route