Shimek Forest Pioneer Cemetery Backcountry Road
Pioneer homesteads and prairie through Iowa's trees
The Pioneer Cemetery Backcountry Road threads through Shimek State Forest’s 9,000 acres of restored prairie and oak savanna in southeast Iowa, connecting several forgotten homestead sites and the haunting Houghton Pioneer Cemetery dating to the 1840s. This 8-mile route follows maintained forest service roads past old farmstead foundations and through areas where the Civilian Conservation Corps planted thousands of trees during the Depression era. The road passes Lick Creek and several seasonal ponds that draw massive waterfowl migrations in spring and fall, making it popular with hunters during season.
Any vehicle can handle these well-maintained gravel roads, making this perfect for families or overlanders wanting an easy introduction to Iowa’s public lands. The forest allows camping at designated sites only, but the nearby Croton campground provides a good basecamp. Spring through fall offers the best weather, though the road stays open year-round. You’ll get a peaceful look at Iowa’s conservation success story and some genuine pioneer history without needing specialized gear or extreme driving skills.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 8 mi / 12.9 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 720 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Nearest town | Farmington, Iowa |
| Land manager | Iowa Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Decent |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | iowadnr.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Do I actually need a 4x4 for this trail?
No. Any vehicle handles this — it's a gravel forest road with minimal grade changes and only 300 feet of elevation gain over 8 miles. A sedan or minivan can run it without issue.
When does Shimek State Forest close for the season?
The road is generally accessible April through November. Winter access depends on snow and ice — Iowa DNR doesn't formally close it, but gravel roads in the forest can get slick and muddy during spring thaw and after heavy rain.
Are there permits or fees to drive through Shimek State Forest?
No permit or fee is required to drive the backcountry roads. Iowa State Forest land is free and open to the public — just stay on designated roads.
What's the hardest part of this trail?
Honestly, nothing on this trail qualifies as hard. The most demanding stretch is loose gravel on slight inclines through the tree corridors, which any vehicle navigates without drama. The challenge here is navigational — the forest roads can be poorly marked.
Is there dispersed camping available along the route?
Shimek State Forest does allow primitive camping in designated areas within the forest — no hookups, no facilities. Confirm current site availability and any restrictions with Iowa DNR before you go, as rules can shift seasonally.
Trail track
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