Whitewater Canyon Trail

This 562 acre wildlife management area of forest, upland, and riparian habitats is located just 5 miles east of Cascade in extreme northeast Jones County. Appropriately named this unique location features 200 foot cliffs and scenic overlooks in a narrow valley along Whitewater Creek. A unique section of Whitewater Canyon, Lost Canyon, can be found tucked into the southeastern corner of the Whitewater Canyon Area and will impress anyone with its plethora of caves and concave bedrock walls. Both Whitewater and Lost Canyon are believed to have formed when an ancient cave system collapsed about 16,000 21,000 years ago. Large pieces of dolomite, some nearly 25 feet in diameter, can be found scattered along the narrow valley floors. Native animal and plant life abounds here in this hidden corner of Iowa. Anyone wishing to get away for a bit of solitude can immerse themselves in nature here. Spring wildflowers paint the forest floor from March thru May while the beauty of the restored upland prairie will astound you from summer thru fall. Bring your binoculars and check out the array of birds who call this area home. A winter cross country skiing foray will show you tracks and animal sign of those hardy enough to stay thru the winter. Preservation and enhancement of this sites unique habitats and plant and animal communities are a primary goal of future management. This site will provide many outdoor opportunities, including serving as an educational area as well as being open to hunting, hiking, fishing, and nature appreciation activities. It is truly a hidden gem.