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Iowa
52

Iowa State Parks

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USA Parks
Iowa
Southeast Region
Stephens State Forest
Eastern Goldfinch © stateparks.com
Eastern Goldfinch
Eastern Goldfinch © stateparks.com
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STEPHENS STATE FOREST
STEPHENS STATE FOREST
1111 N. 8th Street
Chariton, Iowa   50049

Phone: 641-774-4559
Reservations: 641-774-5632
Email: park email button icon
Stephens State Forest, located in southern Iowa, is a true natural gem offering a diverse array of landscapes and recreational opportunities. Encompassing over 15,000 acres of woodland, prairie, and wetland habitats, this state forest provides a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Its verdant forests feature towering oak and hickory trees, while the scenic meadows burst with vibrant wildflowers during the warmer months. The numerous trails winding through the forest are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and observe a wide variety of wildlife. With its tranquil atmosphere and abundant recreational possibilities, Stephens State Forest stands as a valued destination for those seeking solace and adventure in Iowa's great outdoors.
Nature of the Area
Flora:

The flora of the region consists of the tallgrass prairie association and the oak-hickory and bottomland hardwood timber types and their transition zones. Since the forest area is located mainly on soils which have been formed under forest vegetation, the plants of the prairie are not as common. However, big and little bluestem, switchgrass, Indian grass, prairie cordgrass and various prairie forbs such as purple coneflower, round-headed bush clover, lead plant and other prairie plants do occur on the area.

On the better upland sites, white oak, red oak and hickory are common. The oak-hickory timber type, usually found on the less fertile upland sites consists mostly of black oak, bur oak, shingle oak and hickory. The bottomland timber type on the forest includes red and white elm, cottonwood, hackberry, green ash, silver maple and black walnut.

Many areas have been planted to coniferous trees and some broad-leaved trees which are not native to the area. These include a variety of pines as well as Douglas fir, spruce, black locust, Osage orange and tulip poplar.

Fauna:

The forest is the home of the white tailed deer, which is abundant on the area and the largest of the fauna. Here also are fox and gray squirrels, raccoon, cottontail rabbits, woodchuck, muskrat, skunk, red and gray fox, coyote, beaver, opossum and other small animals.

Nonpoisonous snakes are common but the two poisonous species, the rattlesnake and copperhead are very rare.

There is a variety of birds native to the woodland and its borders. Numerous species of songbirds utilize the extremely varied habitat. Game birds include pheasant, numerous quail and wild turkey. The woodcock is a seasonal visitor to the area. The wild turkey stocking program, begun in 1968, was so successful that the first hunting season in modern times was held in 1974.
History of the Area
The forest's original and most important function is to serve as an example of forest management for Iowa's citizens. It was a base of operations for the Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.) demonstration plantings of hardwoods and conifers. Over the years, plantations have continued to be established. Since 1972, commercial sales of sawtimber and other products have been made. Ongoing cultural practices improve the forest for production of forest products, wildlife habitat, erosion control and watershed protection. People from a wide area use the forest as a place to hunt, fish, camp, picnic, study nature and enjoy the out-of-doors.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseHuntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bridle Trailsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Camping
1. Whitebreast Campground: This campground offers 128 campsites, many of which have electrical hookups for RVs and trailers.

2. Woodburn Unit: The unit has a primitive camping area with pit toilets but no water or electricity is available.

3. Lucas Unit: It also provides primitive camping facilities without any modern amenities like running water or electric hookup points.

4. Chariton River Greenbelt Area: Primitive Camping Site.

5a) North Cedar Creek Horse Trailhead: Equestrian campsite.
b) South Cedar Creek Horse Trailhead - Equestrian campsite

6a) Pond Pine Wildlife Management Area:Primitive Camping.
b)Lucas County Conservation Board's Pin Oak Lodge & Cabins (nearby)

7. Lake Ahquabi State Park (about 30 miles away): Offers both tent and RV sites as well as cabins to rent.

8. Red Haw State Park( about 35 miles away): Provides options for tenting, trailer/RV spots along with some basic amenities such as restrooms/showers etc.


Please note that all the above mentioned places are subject to availability and may require prior reservation/permit from Iowa Department of Natural Resources(DNR).
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Location
Stephens State Forest is

Trails
1. White Oak Trail: This is a 3-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the forest and wildlife sightings, suitable for all skill levels.

2. Red Cedar Loop: A moderate difficulty level trail spanning about 4 miles with beautiful wildflowers during springtime and opportunities to spot various bird species.

3. Hickory Ridge Trail: An easy-to-moderate hiking path stretching over approximately two miles through dense woods offering glimpses of local fauna like deer or squirrels along the way.

4. Pine Needle Pathway: It's an easier route covering around one mile, perfect for beginners or families with children due to its flat terrain filled mostly by pine trees providing shade throughout your hike.

5. Maple Leaf Track: Approximately three-and-a-half-mile long track which takes you deep into maple forests showcasing vibrant colors in autumn season making it ideal choice for photographers.

6. Sycamore Slough Walkway: About four miles long walkway running alongside water bodies where hikers can enjoy serene waterscapes while walking under sycamores' canopy coverings.

7. Walnut Grove Route: Moderate:level five mile trek winding through walnut groves giving opportunity to learn more about this tree species native to Iowa region.

8. Birchwood Bypass: Shorter half:a-mile bypass cutting across Birchwoods presenting unique flora found only in these parts.

9. Oak Savannah Stroll: Two Mile stroll passing through oak savannahs displaying diverse ecosystem existing within Stephens State Forest.

10. Elm Edge Expedition: Three Miles expedition taking edge routes near elm clusters allowing close observation of elms' growth patterns .

11. Ash Alley Adventure: Four:Mile adventure down ash alleys revealing different stages from saplings growing on forest floor up till matured Ash Trees towering above ground.

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Directions
1. Start by heading southeast on I:235 E.
2. Take exit 137A to merge onto IA:5 S toward Knoxville/Indianola.
3. Continue driving on IA:5 S for approximately 30 miles until you reach the intersection with County Road G76/McLouds Run Pkwy.
4. Turn left onto County Road G76 and continue for about 10 miles.
5. At the roundabout, take the second exit to stay on County Road G76 (also known as Whitebreast Trail).
6. Continue straight ahead for another mile or so until you see signs indicating Stephens State Forest.

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Iowa
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Iowa State Parks

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