Lick Creek Road is open.

 

The Lick Creek Road is open!

As of this afternoon (12/30/22), the Lick Creek Road is clear of ice. So you can get in that last ride of the year. Remember, only the Wet Weather Trails are open at this time. Enjoy!
Be Safe! Enjoy your ride!
Kathy 
Editor

Dirt Trails are closed as of 12-29-22

 

One last time for 2022

The Dirt Trails are CLOSED

Eager to hit the trails at Shimek now that the temps are warming? NOT SO FAST!!! Icy Roads and closed dirt trails. This morning 12/29/22 the roads entering the Lick Creek Unit are way too icy for vehicles pulling horse trailers. See these photos provided by Patrick Thomas, DNR Technician, this morning. No, you do not want to drive on that stuff with your horses in tow--not even if someone is holding your beer. As the snow melts on the frozen ground, we get slimy, slick dirt trails and as the ground softens over the next few days, they will be soggy so the dirt trails are closed for now.

When these roads into Lick Creek clear, you can ride on the Wet Weather Trails which are open, but ALL DIRT TRAILS ARE CLOSED.

Update: Later in the day we had a report from a frequent rider who pulled in in her car. "Way to icy to drive in...even in AWD and no trailer. Backed down and no riding tomorrow either!"

 

As always, stay safe!


Kathy
Editor

First Day Hike 2023

 

Bring in the New Year with a brisk walk in the forest.

The weather looks like it will be in the 40's for the First Day Hike. If you choose to participate in the walk, please dress appropriately.

 I have attached a "suggested trail" map for you to follow.

Join the DNR First Day Hike Challenge at Shimek State Forest

Shimek State Forest invites you to participate in the 2023 First Day Hike Challenge to ring in the New Year through the digital State Park Passport.

“First Day Hikes are a popular tradition in state parks, and the Passport is a great way for people to enjoy winter hikes on their own or with their family,” said Sherry Arntzen, Bureau Chief of Parks, Forests and Preserves.

With the First Day Hike Challenge, park visitors can check into Shimek State Forest, along with more than 50 participating state parks on the passport from Friday, Dec. 30, 2022 through the end of Sunday, Jan. 2, 2023. Every check-in will qualify for a prize drawing of a 2-night stay at a cabin at Pine Lake State Park. Restrictions will apply on the cabin stay, with reservation fees and other business rules applying.Visitors can go to as many parks as they wish during the weekend -- every check-in counts as a contest entry. These are self-directed hikes.

At Shimek State Forest, staff recommend the trails near Black Oak Lake.

Suggested Trail: Start at the Black Oak parking lot area for a short .25 mile loop is around the lake. For a longer 3-mile hike, start at marker 6 then to marker 5. At marker 4 go up the long steady hill to marker 3 then out to the road and back down to the parking lot. Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s state parks and forests. Hikers should dress for the weather, including sturdy boots, and keep track of current weather conditions. Currently weather predictions for that day are a high of 40 degrees and chance of showers.

Attached to this post is a map of the location of Black Oak Lake.

For more details on First Day Hikes in Iowa’s State Parks and Forests, and to find links to sign up for the Parks Passport, visit www.iowadnr.gov/firstdayhikes.

Happy New Year

Kathy

Editor

Shotgun Deer Season Begins 12-3-22

 

 

 DNR has announced that over 100,000 hunters will be expected in the woods in Iowa for the upcoming Deer "Shotgun" seasons where shotguns and certain rifles can be used. 

Shotgun one is Dec. 3-7; shotgun two is Dec. 10-18.

 Hikers and Riders might prefer to schedule their visits to Shimek at other dates as Shimek State Forest is open to hunting during these seasons except very near campgrounds. Many horses can be easily spooked by people appearing by surprise by the trail as well as the sound of gun fire nearby. If you are there during these seasons for any reason,

 BE SURE TO PUT BLAZE ORANGE ON YOURSELF AND, IF RIDING, PUT BLAZE ORANGE ON YOUR HORSE ALSO.

As always, be safe when visiting the forest.

Editor

Kathy