First Day Hike at Yellow River State Forest!

Friends of Yellow River State Forest is sponsoring a “First Day” Hike at the Paint Creek Unit on Thursday, Jan 1 starting at 9 am.
The hike will begin at the Walnut Wayside, more commonly known as the Paint Creek Bridge. 745 State Forest Road, Harpers Ferry, Iowa, 52146.
We will start with a warm campfire with hot cocoa, and some light snacks, at Walnut Wayside. The hike will ascend the steps of the Bluff Trail, which will be steep, and follow the trail to view the both Paint Creek Overlooks along the way. We will continue to follow the Bluff Trail to the Overlook Road, and take that back to the overlook, where we will descend the steps back to the Walnut Wayside. There are steep with steps in the beginning, and at the end, because we will end at the same trail. The middle 1.5 miles will be gradual incline and declines in grade. The views of this hike will be spectacular. There could possibly be a Bigfoot sighting, as he’s known to hang out in this area.
In case of bad weather, or hazardous conditions on the Bluff Trail steps, we will do the very flat Paint Creek Trail to observe the new streambank improvements. Overall, the hike is a moderate 2.25 miles.
The guided hike will be led by YRSF Resource Technician Joe Vastine.
Prizes will be awarded at the end of the hike.
Visitors are welcome to hike this route anytime on their own (it will be marked Dec. 23 through Jan. 5, 2026.), but they must be present at the end of the hike Jan 1 to be entered into the drawing for prizes