Guye Woods County Park visitors are greeted by a 100 foot long cable suspension bridge over North River that provides the only access to this densely timbered 93 acre wilderness. Once park visitors cross the bridge they encounter a lush river bottom timber that quickly gives way to steeply elevating slopes that grow some of the finest upland hardwood timber anywhere in the County. This 93 acre timber tract was a treasured retreat of the Guye family who donated the property to the Conservation Board in 1985. Guye Woods is bordered on the north by North River. A high hill located in the southern reaches of the park is designated as the highest elevation in Madison County. This area is managed as a “wilderness” area as a means to protect the quality of flora and fauna found in this unique location. Public hunting is allowed.
Facilities & Features
- 100’ Long Cable Suspension Bridge over North River (no formal canoe access at this site).
- Memorial Stone recognizing the Guye family as one of Madison County’s original settlers.
Activities
River Fishing: Catfishing in North River.
Public Hunting: Excellent area for White-Tail deer, turkey, squirrel and other woodland wildlife.
Hiking Trails: Accessibility issues prevent the establishment of groomed trails at Guye Woods. Users are required to utilize the abundant game trails to navigate through this wilderness area.
Nature study: A large variety of woodland wildflowers can be easily found in the spring of the year. This area is also great for birding, especially neotropical species through the summer months.
Directions
Guye Woods is located approximately 6 miles northeast of Winterset in the 2400 block of 160th Street. From Winterset, travel 2 ½ miles north on U.S. 169, turn east on County Road G4R for 1 mile, turn north on North River Trail for 2 miles, turn east on Old Portland Ave. and travel east and north for 1/2 mile, turn east on 160th Street for 1/2 mile (follow standard County Park arrowhead signs once turning on to G4R).
911 Address: NA
GPS Coordinates (UTM @ parking lot): X:419965 Y:4585450, UTM Zone 15
