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| Land Trails | Water Trails | History Trails | Equestrian Trails |
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Hiking, Biking, and Cross-country Sking Trails Welcome to the Trails of Jefferson County Park Come explore and enjoy the trails of Jefferson County Park. You'll know that you're not in the "Rockies", but you will get a great taste of the Iowa that the Native Americans enjoyed and the early pioneers found.
Several benches can be found along the trails for you to stop, rest, and reflect on the peacefulness, and beauty of the area. Or just sit and ponder on some of life's interesting situations in a quiet and peaceful setting! The trails take you through dense areas of native woodlands, pine tree plantings, along reintroduced prairies, and prairie savannas. You can also go around and over ponds, streams and ravines. The trails offer a terrain to suit everyone's pleasure. From straight and flat, to curvy and hilly. Several bridges, including a 75-foot swinging bridge add to the charm and character of the trails. Almost two miles of the trail including the park entrance road are on the former Rock Island Railroad right of ways which served Jefferson County from 1871 to 1980. Wildlife, both plant and animal type, abound in the park. Deer,raccoons, opossums, groundhogs, squirrels, and chipmunks as well as a variety of song and game birds are common sights on the trails. In season, native ferns, flowers and other forbes can be seen from the trail in most parts of the park. Fruit bearing bushes and vines are also very plentiful in season.
The park's trail system ties into Cedar View Trail which leads to the city of Libertyville. The Cedar View Trail will eventually connect to the Fairfield Loop Trail which will encircle the entire city of Fairfield. We also have information in the Kiosk and at the Nature Center about other area trails including literature about the Jefferson County Trails Council and how you can become a member and help build our trail system. We strive to keep the trails in good shape for your enjoyment. If you see situations that need our attention, such as down trees or limbs, trail erosion or washouts, or trash, please stop by the Office/Nature Center, or let any park employeee know of them so that we can quickly solve the problem. Enjoy Jefferson County Park and its trails! Other Jefferson County Conservation Board Trails Hiking trails are also located in Mac Coon Access, Round Praire Park , Zillman's Hickory Hills, Whitham Woods, and Cedar Creek Timber (and Jefferson County Park). Biking trails include, of course, the Cedar View Trail. Bikes may also be used on Jefferson County Park trails. There are designated horse trails in the Turkey Run Wildlife Area. Contact us for information. For cross-country sking, go to Zillman's Hickory Hills, Whitham Woods, and Cedar Creek Trail. |
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Water Trails The Skunk River and Cedar Creek provide water trails. The Skunk River Water Trail The real natural beauty of the Skunk River can be enjoyed by navigating the river in a motor boat, canoe, or kayak. After the North and South Skunk River join just south of Sigourney, the river meanders freely for most of its 100 miles through farmland and wooded areas until it joins the Mississippi River. Fishing is considered excellent. A detailed brochure is available at the Nature Center, or it can be sent to you. |
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The Cedar Creek Water Trail The Cedar Creek Water Trail can be accessed from the Turkey-Run Wildlike area and from Round Prairie Park. See the Cedar Creek Water Trail Map. Getting to know Cedar Creek Cedar Creek enters Jefferson County midpoint along its western border. It then flows southeasterly and leaves the county approximately 25 miles later. While much of Cedar Creek was channelized in the 1920's and 30's, the lower part of the waterway, a mile and a half past Turkey-Run, has been allowed to follow its own course. Just as in the early days, when Native Americans moved in and among its banks, the creek is lined with maple, walnut, cottonwood, river birch, and elm. The size of many of these trees, especially the maples, attests to their age. Prior to 1835, Jefferson County was virtually untouched by white man. Early surveyors kept generous field notes on the description of the area and it was along Cedar Creek and other water courses where these surveyors found and recorded the presence of sandstone, limestone, coal and the 'clays suitable for brick'. A canoe trip from Turkey-Run Wildlife Area to Round Prairie Park will reveal an abundance of wildife. Bird watchers will enjoy the sighting of shorebirds, great horned owls, great blue herons and kingfishers. For the rock hound there are small rocky outcroppings to explore, and for the angler there is excellent fishing. Carp, chubs and catfish can be found hidden in the creek's holes and snags. |
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History (Heritage) Trails
Or learn why the Louden Manufacturing Company was so important to Fairfield. Go to the Louden Macinery Company Tour. (The above websites will open in a new browser window). |
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Equestrian Trails Rob Weaver's family and friends developed and and maintain 6 miles of rough horseback trails in the Turkey Run Wildlife Area. Since this is primarily a public hunting area, trail use is prohibited during deer and turkey hunting sesons (October through mid-January, and early April through mid-May). Limited parking space is available for trucks and horse trailers. Call the Jefferson County Conservation Board for more information. |
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| Home Page || Maps || Fees & Reservations || Camping || Rules || Trails || About Us || Links || What's New | | Environmental Education || Wildlife Habitat || Fishing || Hunting || Prairie || History || Newsletter || Contact Us | Jefferson County Conservation Board, 2003 Libertyville Road, Fairfield, IA 52556 |
The Jefferson County Trails Council website hosts the