Matsell Bridge Natural Area

Blue Trail

2.1 mi · ▲ 55 ft · 44 min

Blue Trail is a 2.1-mile out-and-back in Matsell Bridge Natural Area near Jackson, IA. It is mostly level, with 55 ft of elevation gain, and mostly dirt. It scores 48/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: green fringe.

Elevation

0 mi820 – 896 ft2.2 mi

Getting there

Trailhead: Unnamed 42.14228, -91.38505
Nearest town Jackson, IA

Directions

AMBLEWAYwww.ambleway.com

Blue Trail

2.1 mi · ▲ 55 ft · 44 min

Elevation 820–897 ft

Out & Back · Matsell Bridge Natural Area

Trailhead: 42.14228, -91.38505

Weather Sep 20: sunrise 6:52 AM · sunset 7:08 PM

Toilets at the trailhead · Parking lot at the trailhead

  1. Start at the trailhead, heading SW.
  2. 250 ftBear right, heading W.
  3. 0.2 miTurn left, heading W.
  4. 150 ftTurn right, heading S.
  5. 0.2 miTurn left onto Purple Trail, heading S.
  6. 0.1 miContinue straight onto Yellow Trail, heading S.
  7. 0.4 miTurn right onto Blue Trail, heading W.
  8. 0.2 miSharp right onto Purple Trail, heading NW.
  9. 0.3 miSharp right, heading N.
  10. 0.4 miTurn right, heading N.
  11. 0.2 miBear left, heading E.
  12. 150 ftArrive back at the trailhead.

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

Trail surface

88% dirt12% unspecified

Weather

Sunrise 6:52 AMSunset 7:08 PM

Sunset

The best sunset spot on this hike is 0.3 mi in (~8 min). Leave by 6:41 PM for the 7:08 PM sunset. Back at your car by 7:31 PM — 5 min before dark.

More sunset hikes nearby

Good to know

  • Toilets at the trailhead
  • Parking lot at the trailhead

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