Hardin

This service road use to be the way to the saw mill. It’s best to walk along and enjoy the deep solitude, the big trees, and the dancing sunlight.   There are several sizable plots that have been farmed, but are now grasslands.

This beautiful area at one time housed a saw mill down on the riverside of this property. Leverton Timber is one of Hardin County’s Primitive Areas. Stream fishing is available as well as hunting and just walking. The landscape is varied – with deep timber, several prairies and meadows, as well as riverside sandbars. The terrain is broken with many deep swales leading to the river, so there is plenty of up and down. It's best to walk along and enjoy the deep solitude, the big trees, and the dancing sunlight. The trails are mostly unimproved game trails but very good hiking. Plan at least one hour to circle this area and several hours to explore it.

The north and east property line follows the north bank of the Iowa River toward the west and extends for about ½ mile, then turns south until it intersects with the south fence of the property. It is primarily woodland with a number of unusual ecological structures. It also has a great prairie area with stream fishing, lots of timber and open for hunting.

The Leverton family settled in the area in 1852 and  is now one of Hardin County's Primitive Areas. Stream fishing is available as well as hunting and just walking.  One can easily imagine this lush area  like it was 150 years ago.

Location

Located one mile west of Steamboat Rock on D35, turn north on V Avenue 1 ½ miles to 185th Street, turn west for 1/3 of a mile. The driveway is on the north side of the road and is ½ mile long leading to a small parking area. From the parking area, a service road leads down to the center of the area but it is impassable with windfall.

Features

Great prairie area with stream fishing, lots of timber and open for hunting along with some unusual ecological structures.

Operating Hours & Seasons

Open at 6:00 A.M. and closes at 10:30 P.M.