Maquoketa River Wild Turkey Trail
Old logging road through forgotten river country.
The Maquoketa River Wild Turkey Trail cuts through 18 miles of forgotten river bottom country in Delaware County, where whitetail deer outnumber people 20-to-1. This old logging road follows the river’s east fork through dense hardwood forest, crossing Coffin Creek three times before climbing the infamous Devil’s Elbow switchback that’ll test your diff lock and your nerve. Turkey hunters have used these routes since the 1800s, and the trail still shows wagon ruts from the original timber operations that carved this route in the 1920s.
You’ll need decent ground clearance and 4WD for the creek crossings, especially after spring rains when Coffin Creek runs two feet deep. Stock pickups and SUVs handle it fine in dry conditions, but the limestone ledges and root sections will scrape low-hanging factory skid plates. Best run April through October when the water’s down and you can actually see the creek bottoms. No permits needed, and you can camp along the river if you pack out your trash. It’s proper Iowa backcountry — quiet, green, and forgotten by everyone except the locals who still remember when this was the only way to get tobacco to market.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1150 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Hopkinton, Iowa |
| Land manager | Delaware County Conservation Board |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Cherokee XJ handle the water crossings on this trail?
Yes, but barely - the crossings are typically 12-18 inches deep with rocky bottoms. A stock XJ will scrape but make it through if you pick your line carefully.
Is the trail passable during spring snowmelt or after heavy rains?
Avoid it during spring thaw and for 48 hours after heavy rain. The creek crossings become impassable and the dirt sections turn into greasy clay that'll trap even lifted rigs.
Do I need permits to camp along the Maquoketa River Wild Turkey Trail?
No permits required for dispersed camping, but stick to established sites along the river. Delaware County Conservation asks that you pack out all trash and don't camp within 100 feet of water sources.
What's the gnarliest obstacle on this trail?
Mile 12 has a steep limestone shelf descent into Turkey Creek - it's loose rock with a 25% grade that'll test your low-range control. Take the bypass if you're not confident.
How many miles can I go without cell service on this trail?
You'll lose signal about 3 miles in and won't get it back until you're nearly out - essentially the entire 18-mile route is a dead zone. Download offline maps and tell someone your timeline.