Bell Mountain Wilderness Trail

Visitors frequently enter the area for daytrips or as a part of a broader journey on the Ozark Trail system which crosses through the South East corner of the wilderness. The trails and wilderness off a rugged challenge to those who want to text their navigation skills.

Both Bell Mountain and Lindsey Mountain offer outstanding views of the surrounding area. The associated granite glades provide a variety of interesting plant and animal life.

Due to the popularity of the Bell Mountain trail and its overlap with the Ozark trail, you are likely to see other visitors. While horses are allowed, stock usage on the mountainous trails is uncommon.

Trailheads at the north and southwestern edges of the park are connected with entry and then loops crossing the mountain summit and slope, allowing for hikers to choose both the length and intensity of their hikes.

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.

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

Terrain and Topography

Bell Mountain is part of the St. Francois Mountain range, an igneous formation which offers some of the steepest elevational changes in Missouri. Within the wilderness alone, slopes rise from 970 feet above sea level in the drainages to 1702 feet at the mountains summit. This sloping landscapes is host to a variety of ecosystems ranging from glade clearings to channels of granite shut-ins.

The sides of the mountain have exceedingly steep slopes where only juniper clings on rhyolite outcrops. In the valley, the woods grow thick with hickory and oak towering over the pawpaw and dogwood in the understory.

Creeks and Streams

Shut-in Creek crosses the area. This perennial spring fed stream has several shut-ins or gorges along its course. Steep talus slopes intersect the stream at several locations, making access difficult. Joe's Creek is another small perennial stream within the wilderness.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

56125, 056125A

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

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.

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

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.

January - December

No trailheads have a fee.

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.

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.

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.

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