Mines of Spain State Recreation Area Trails System
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.
Mines of Spain State Recreation Area Trails System
State
Backcountry Trail
- Length
20 miles
- Elevation Gain
--
- Route Type
out & back
- Length
20 miles - Elevation Gain
-- - Route Type
out & back
Located just south of Dubuque along the Mississippi River, this approximately 20-mile trail system offers a wealth of opportunities for recreation, environmental education, human history interpretation, and wildlife observation.
Location: Mines of Spain State Recreation Area Trails System, South of Dubuque at Mines of Spain State Recreation Area.
- States: Iowa
- Counties: Dubuque
The trail system at the Mines of Spain Recreation Area includes eleven trails covering approximately 20 miles. The trails include the Lead Mine/Pine Chapel, Mesquakie, Calcite, Catfish, Julien Dubuque, Horseshoe Bluff, Fox/Sauk, Prairie Ridge, Cedar Ridge, Cattesse, and Eagle Scout. These trails are all interconnected creating one long continuous trail system with loops and connectors.
Main features found along the trail system include remnants of a lead mine, pit mine, Pine Chapel, 1880 Junkermann Farm site, Indian Rock Shelters, Indian Mounds, Native Tall Grass Prairies, and Upland forests with 200-300-year-old oak trees. Other natural resources include 3 miles of the Mississippi River Shoreline with views of the river valley and parks at several trail locations. White birches, river birch, a small wetland with floating bridges, and an old quarry to illustrate the geology of the area are just some of the natural features that the trails pass through.
Interpretive signs are found along several of the trail routes to illustrate the cultural histories and natural resources of the area. The park trails connect to Heritage Bike/Hike Trail and the Mississippi River Bike Trail.
Accessibility Information
No text provided.
Allowed Uses:
Dogs, on leash Hiking/Walking Snow, cross-country skiingOther Activities
- Fishing
- Snow, snow play general
Public Contact
Wayne BuchholtzIowa Dept. of Nat. Resources
8991 Bellevue Hts.
Dubuque, IA 52003
[email protected] • (563) 556-0620
www.minesofspain.org
Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.
More Details
- Elevation (low): 604
- Elevation (high): 830
- Elevation (cumulative): --
- Part of a Trail System? No
- National Designations: National Historic Landmark<comma> National Heritag
- Surface (primary): Grass or Vegetation
- Surfaces (additional): Grass or Vegetation
- Tread Width (average): 50"
- Tread Width (minimum): --
- Running length (minimum): --
- Tread Grade (average, percent): --
- Tread Grade (maximum):
- Running length (maximum): --
- Cross-slope (average, percent): --
- Cross-slope (maximum): --
- Running length (maximum): --
- Certified as an NRT
May 31, 2008