Stephens State Forest Quarry Road Circuit
Iowa's gnarliest quarry road adventure
The defunct limestone quarries of Stephens State Forest created Iowa’s most technical driving, where century-old mining roads cling to 40-degree slopes above flooded pits. This circuit connects three abandoned operations via maintenance roads that were never meant for public traffic, including the notorious Switchback Grade that drops 200 feet in a quarter-mile through loose shale. Local rock hounds still work these exposures for fossils, but most visitors turn back at the first steep descent.
Difficult rating earned through steep grades, loose rock, and narrow shelf roads with no guardrails above water-filled quarries. Stock 4WD with low range essential, recovery gear recommended. Wet conditions make the route impassable due to clay overlay on limestone base. Gates may be locked during nesting season (March-July). No facilities, no cell service, and definitely no camping near the unstable quarry edges. What you earn is solitude and some of the best Mississippian Period geology viewing in the upper Midwest.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1040 ft |
| Best season | August-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD with low range |
| Nearest town | Chariton, Iowa |
| Land manager | Iowa Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| 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
What clearance do I need for the quarry sections?
High clearance 4WD with low range is mandatory - expect sharp limestone ledges, loose rock, and steep grades that'll scrape anything under 8 inches. Skid plates recommended.
Why is August-October the best time to run this trail?
Spring rains turn the quarry roads into slippery mud pits, and winter ice makes the limestone ledges treacherous. Late summer through fall gives you the driest, most predictable conditions.
Do I need permits to access the quarry roads?
No permits required - it's public land managed by Iowa DNR. However, some quarry areas may be posted off-limits for safety, so respect all signage.
What's the gnarliest part of this circuit?
The abandoned quarry climbs with loose limestone chunks and off-camber ledges that'll test your line choice and throttle control. One wrong move sends you into the pit.
Should I plan on zero cell service for the whole loop?
Yes, expect complete dead zones once you're in the quarry areas. Download offline maps and tell someone your planned route and return time.