Chimney Rocks

The Chimney Rocks are treasured, distinctive landmarks perched in ecologically sensitive habitats, on steeply wooded bluffs above a looping bend of the Upper Iowa River. Though frequently viewed from canoes, kayaks and tubes as people float down a river that verges on crowded during warm summer days, they are seldom visited and rarely climbed.

The quality of rock varies in character from delicately dolomitic to friable and frightening. If you can't climb without doing damage, stick to imaginary climbing and reserve the best spots for the raptors.