Climbing Near Maquoketa, Iowa

Rock is very similar to the rock quality found at Joinerville and is generally shaded. When tops, landings, and holds are cleaned, it is good rock and does not break. On the day I visited, I lucked out on meeting county park officials who take care of the park and do not mind bouldering. Do not rope climb, do not bolt, and do not climb near or in the archeological area. Practice best practices, leave no trace, and be respectful. The best approach to accessing the cliff lines is from the pavilion parking, which is located inside Prairie Creek Recreation Area. To access the parking, enter the park on the west side via the entrance at the corner of Jacobsen Drive and Summit Street in Maquoketa. The Pavilion is located at the end of the blacktop in the park.Once parked, head toward bridge behind the pavilion. Go across the bridge that goes over Prairie Creek and continue straight until you come to a "T" in the mowed trailed directly in front of the treeline and you should see a sign that reads, "Hiking Club Trail." This is the orange trail on the map. Go left and continue until you start seeing the rock lines on your right and the creek on your left starts to behind like a horseshoe. This is the main area thus far. There are small, faint trails travsing the cliff lines, which will lead you up to the boulder problems.There is potential also near the caves. To reach this area, do not cross the bridge. Instead, walk down to prairie creek behind the pavilion and follow the creek west. Once in the woods, you will start noticing rock outcroppings and the caves.

Generally shaded. Landings tend to be on a down slope, so best come with an active spotter. Tops will need cleaning and there is more to be cleaned than posted on MP. Once parked, head toward bridge behind the pavilion. Go across the bridge that goes over Prairie Creek and continue straight until you come to a "T" in the mowed trailed directly in front of the treeline and you should see a sign that reads, "Hiking Club Trail." This is the orange trail on the map. Go left and continue until you start seeing the rock lines on your right and the creek on your left starts to behind like a horseshoe. This is the main area thus far. There are small, faint trails travsing the cliff lines, which will lead you up to the boulder problems.

Bouldering area located at the Joinerville boat ramp along the Maquoketa River. Limestone boulders featuring solid rock and fun movement on a variety of boulders. Problems range from vertical highballs to steep, juggy problems and a few tall, proud lines with hard moves on steep limestone.You can park along the road inside the park. Please park closer to park entrance/approach trail. This will free up parking near the boat ramp for boaters.The bouldering at Joinerville Park was independently discovered by John Anderson and Troy Davison, each of whom did some early, undocumented first assents in the park. In 2013 the Iowa Climbers’ Coalition approached the Jackson Country Conservation office about bouldering at Joinerville park. We were given the green light to begin bouldering at Joinerville. However, there caveat is that, if it turns into a problem, this could change.Bolting and roped climbing are not allowed at Joinerville. Joinerville park is located along the Maquoketa river in Jackson Country. Take Highway 64 west from Maquoketa for 4 miles. Turn right on 123rd Avenue (look for the Joinerville Canoe Access sign) and go 2 miles North on 123rd avenue to the park entrance. Joinerville Park is open from 6:00 am – 10:30 pm for day use year-round. Camping is allowed by special permit and board approval only.  Contact the Jackson Country conservation office for details.