Raccoon Hollow Trailhead
This is one of three trailheads that provide access into the Devil's Backbone Wilderness Area.
Thirteen miles of maintained foot and horse trails follow the Devils Backbone and four other ridges, dropping off into surrounding hollows in a forest dominated by oaks, hickories, and shortleaf pines.
Devils Backbone Wilderness Area Trails
- Difficulty Moderate
- Length 13-miles
- Best Seasons Spring and Fall
- Surface Type unsurfaced, native material
- Average Trail Grade 10-12%
- Trail Markers there is limited trail marking
- Elevation 680 feet to 1,020 feet
Trail Sections/Segments
- Mary Hollow to Collins Ridge - 1.382 miles
- Collins Trailhead to McGarr Ridge - 2.71 miles
- McGarr Ridge (section 13) to McGarr Ridge (section 14) - 4.15 miles
- CC Highway to North Fork River - 6.33 miles
General Information
Camping
North Fork Recreation Area locally known as Hammond Camp adjoins the north edge of the wilderness and provides quality camping and picnic opportunities. There is a designated canoe launch in this Recreation Area.
Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground.
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:
- Devils Backbone Wilderness Map - PDF
- Trail System Map available on the Avenza app.
- The Wilderness is located on the following quadrangle/topographic maps:
- Dora,
- Siloam Springs,
- Curea ll NW, and
- Pottersville
Visit Visitor Maps and Guides for information on available Forest Visitor Maps, Topographic Maps, and Mobile App/Interactive Maps.
Private Property – Devils Back bone Wilderness is surrounded by private property. Please respect the rights and property of private landowners.
January - December
Day Use Hours:
- 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Self-Registration
There are three trailheads with sign in boxes at Devil’s Backbone Wilderness, at McGarr, Racoon, and Collins Ridge. Sign in sheets are recommended for all visitors, documenting hours in the wilderness, zip-code and party size.
Permits
- Commercial use will not be permitted in the wilderness.
- Special uses will not be permitted in the wilderness, except for access to surrounded private property.
North Fork Recreation Area/Blue Spring Trailhead Day Use Fees
Day Use Fees can be paid on-site using the provided fee tubes.
- Fees must be paid using cash or check, no credit card machines are available at any sites.
- Annual and Lifetime passes can be purchased to cover day use fees at USDA Forest Service operated sites.
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.
- 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: 1006 S. Jefferson Ava, MO 65608
Phone: 417-683-4428
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: 36.767733
Longitude: -92.177413
Directions
From Dora, MO
- Take MO-181 south toward County Road 188 for .5 miles
- Turn left onto County Road CC and travel 2.6 miles
Parking
Up to 3 cars can fit at this trailhead
Additional parking is available at:
- Collins Ridge
- McGarrs Ridge
- Blue Spring (fee)
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
No water is available at Collins Ridge, Racoon Hollow, or McGarr Ridge Trailheads.
Water is available within the North Fork Recreation Area.
Drinking water is not available in Devils Backbone 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.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Backpacking Info
When traveling on a trail, stay on the trail. When traveling cross-country use your map and compass. Use of blazes, ribbons or other trail markers should be avoided; let the next fellow find his own way as you did.
Remember saddle and pack stock have the right-of-way on trails. Give way to them and avoid conflicts and possible accidents.
Backpackers should leave no sign of their presence so that the next person can enjoy natural scenes and solitude. You must tread lightly so nature can endure and replenish.
- Trail Length: 13 miles
- Trail Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material.
Terrain: Terrain is sometimes steep. Elevations range from 680 to 1,020 feet.
Best Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring.
Day Hikes Info
When traveling on a trail, stay on the trail. When traveling cross-country use your map and compass. Use of blazes, ribbons or other trail markers should be avoided; let the next fellow find his own way as you did.
Remember saddle and pack stock have the right-of-way on trails. Give way to them and avoid conflicts and possible accidents.
Backpackers should leave no sign of their presence so that the next person can enjoy natural scenes and solitude. You must tread lightly so nature can endure and replenish.
- Trail Length: 13 miles
- Trail Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material.
Terrain: Terrain is sometimes steep. Elevations range from 680 to 1,020 feet.
Best Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring.
Horseback Riding Info
When traveling on a trail, stay on the trail. When traveling cross-country use your map and compass. Use of blazes, ribbons or other trail markers should be avoided; let the next fellow find his own way as you did.
Remember saddle and pack stock have the right-of-way on trails. Give way to them and avoid conflicts and possible accidents.
Backpackers should leave no sign of their presence so that the next person can enjoy natural scenes and solitude. You must tread lightly so nature can endure and replenish.
- Trail Length: 13 miles
- Trail Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material.
Terrain: Terrain is sometimes steep. Elevations range from 680 to 1,020 feet.
Best Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring.
Recreation Groups
Visit the land where a steep, narrow, ridge drops away, plunging into deep hollows. Welcome to Devils Backbone Wilderness Area.