Backbone State Forest
IA · Strawberry Point / Delaware County
400th Street, Strawberry Point, IA 52076
Backbone State Forest is easy to overlook beside the better-known state park nearby, but for riders that difference is exactly what matters. Horseback riding is allowed in the forest, not the state park, and that creates a more tucked-away, lightly discovered feel. The destination is smaller than Iowa’s marquee horse systems, yet it offers enough charm and scenery to earn a place on a curated regional list.
Riding guide
Highlights
A smaller, under-the-radar northeast Iowa option that works well for riders who value scenery, simplicity, and a quieter day in the woods.
Riding
Expect a compact network of roughly 7 to 8 miles in the forest, with wooded riding and northeast Iowa contours that give the day more character than the mileage number might imply. It is not designed as an all-weekend epic, but it can be a very satisfying ride for travelers already exploring the region or riders who prefer a quieter, shorter outing with scenery.
Rideable terrain
7-8 miles
Trailer parking
simple but practical trailer parking east of the north entrance to Backbone State Park, used to unload directly into the forest trail system
Horse regulations
The biggest rule to understand is simple: horses are permitted in Backbone State Forest, not in Backbone State Park. Stay within the forest’s designated horse area, respect posted boundaries, and follow any seasonal or land-management notices before travel. Because the setup is smaller and more lightly developed, riders should also practice excellent trail courtesy and low-impact use.
Getting here
Use 400th Street, Strawberry Point, IA 52076 as your practical approach, and plan to stage from the horse parking lot just east of the north entrance to Backbone State Park. The setup is straightforward rather than elaborate, but it is entirely usable for a focused day ride. This is a destination where a clean, simple arrival works in its favor.
Planning your visit
Backbone works best when expectations are aligned with its scale. Come for a scenic, quieter ride, not for giant mileage, and check boundaries before unloading so you stay in the legal horse area from the start. It is a lovely option for riders building a broader northeast Iowa trail weekend with a few different stops rather than one single mega-destination.
Where to stay
This is best approached as a polished day-ride addition to a wider northeast Iowa itinerary rather than a horse-camping destination. Nearby communities and the surrounding park country can support the rest of the trip, while the forest itself offers the riding piece. For the right traveler, that makes Backbone a useful and charming supporting destination.
Trails
No trails synced for this park yet.
Campgrounds
No campgrounds listed for this park.
Stay near this park
No horse-friendly stays listed near Backbone State Forest yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.
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