Bell Mountain Ottery Creek Trailhead

This trailhead accesses the Taum Sauk section of the Ozark Trail (OT) and the Bell Mountain Wilderness Trail.

When entering the wilderness from the Ottery Creek Trailhead a short, 2 mile trail will take you to an intersection for the Taum Sauk Ozark Trail section and the Bell Mountain trail.

If you head south you will be on the Taum Sauk,
if you go north on the 1 mile connector trail you will be on the Bell Mountain trail.

The trail can be challenging as it is rugged and rocky, you start at the base of a mountain and work your way up, so there is a lot of climbing. The trails and wilderness off a rugged challenge to those who want to text their navigation skills.

Equestrian users are encouraged to start their trip at Bell Mountain North Trailhead.

Elevation: Elevations range from 1,702 feet at Bell Mountain to 970 feet in the Joe's Creek drainage. Local relief is about 600 feet and is characterized by steep felsite and rhyolite outcroppings.

Bell Mountain Wilderness Trail

Rating: Moderate, terrain is sometimes steep, there is limited trail marking.
Length: 11.9 miles
Best Seasons: Spring, Fall
Surface Type: unsurfaced, native material

Ozark Trail - Taum Sauk Section

Rating: Varies
Length: 35 total, 2 miles in Bell Mountain Wilderness
Best Seasons: Spring, Fall
Surface Type: unsurfaced, native material

This section of the Ozark Trail connects the Fredericktown Unit with the Potosi Unit traversing two state parks---Johnson Shut-ins and Taum Sauk Mountain---and the Devil's Tollgate and Bell Mountain Wilderness.

General Information

Camping

Dispersed camping is allowed along the trail and in the Bell Mountain Wilderness Area. There are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates available.

Safety:

During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures.
A good map and compass , along with knowledge of utilizing these, are strongly suggested.
Be aware of hunting seasons.
Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods.
Be sure to tell someone your plans,
don’t hike the wilderness alone and
carry extra supplies so you are prepared to take care of yourself in case you get lost, injured, or delayed.
The universal distress signal is three of anything: shots, shouts, smokes, whistles.

The Ozark climate is mild enough to make Wilderness visits feasible throughout the year, as long as visitors bring proper gear. When possible, take advantage of this opportunity and plan your visit outside the peak spring and fall use seasons.

For more safety tips visit the Safety section of the website.

Available Maps:

Bell Mountain Wilderness Map - PDF
Trail System Map available on the Avenza app.
The Wilderness is located on the following quadrangle/topographic maps:
- Johnson Mountain,
- Banner,
- Edgehill
- Johnson Shut-ins

Visit Visitor Maps and Guides for information on available Forest Visitor Maps, Topographic Maps, and Mobile App/Interactive Maps.

For additional information on the Ozark Trail, including trail conditions and detailed maps, visit the Ozark Trail Association.

Private Property – Much of Bell Mountain Wilderness borders private property. Please respect the rights and property of private landowners.

January - December

6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Permits

Commercial use will not be permitted.
Special uses will not be permitted, except for access to surrounded private property.
No forest recreation permits are needed to access this trail.

Wilderness

No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail or past designated parking areas.
Camping is allowed along the trail.
- Camp 100 feet away from trails, other camps, and water sources.
- Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered.
- Pack out all of your garbage.
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, please ensure they are under control.
- Leashing is encouraged. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to other pets, the natural resources of the area, wildlife, and other forest visitors.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
Stock: never tie stock directly to trees.
Limit your party size to 10 persons
Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics;

Trailheads

No overnight camping in day use areas at any time of year.
Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the day use area
No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
Fireworks are prohibited.

Trail Use

Dogs are allowed on hiking trails. Please leash your dog, unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.

Leashes must be six feet, or shorter, when in developed recreation sites, including trails within the boundaries (36 CFR 261.16(j)) when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.

Camping

Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.

Wildlife

Do not allow them to interact with wildlife

Address: 10019 W. State Hwy. 8 Potosi, MO 63664
Phone: 573-438-5427
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; District Offices closed 1 - 1:30 for lunch (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 37.625792

Longitude: -90.911136

Directions

From St. Louis

take Hwy. 21 south to Hwy. 32,
then west to Hwy A and
south to the northern trailhead

Parking

8 cars

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are not available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Drinking water is not available in Bell Mountain Wilderness, open water sources within the wilderness are not recommended for drinking. Bring your own drinking water or be prepared to boil or treat water chemically.