Stephens State Forest Timber Management Roads

Stephens State Forest harbors Iowa’s most extensive backcountry road network, where active timber management creates a constantly changing maze of logging roads through deep ravines and oak-hickory ridges. The main spine road follows Honey Creek for eight miles before climbing to the high timber on McKinney Ridge, with dozens of spur roads accessing clear-cut zones and wildlife openings. The trickiest section drops into Bear Creek hollow where spring runoff regularly washes out the low-water crossing at Mile 4.2.

Rated easy to moderate depending on recent logging activity and weather—freshly graded roads handle any vehicle, but older cuts can develop deep ruts and washouts. Standard pickup with decent ground clearance handles it fine, though 4WD helps in muddy conditions. Open year-round but call ahead during active logging operations. No fees or permits. Primitive camping allowed with permission from forest headquarters. You’ll discover Iowa’s most rugged public forest, with solitude that’s impossible to find in this heavily farmed state.