Big Piney Trail

Big Piney Trail covers a variety of Ozark terrain in Paddy Creek Wilderness. Hiking in a wilderness area brings its own special challenges along with special delights. Signs and trail markings are sparse, there are no bridges across the creeks, and the trail may be rough.

Rating: Moderate, terrain is sometimes steep, there is limited trail marking.
Length: 18 miles
Best Seasons: Spring, Fall
Surface Type: unsurfaced, native material
Average Trail Grade: 10 - 12%, Terrain is sometimes steep and rocky, several elevation changes
Trail Markers: limited trail marking

Vegetation along the trail is mostly short-leaf pine and oak forests.

Terrain: This hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trail, leads you into and around the hollows. There are several long, sustained climbs and rocky descents. Be prepared for wet feet – stream crossings are not bridged.

The elevation of the area changes 500 feet between a point near Roby Tower on the western edge of the area, and Paddy Creek as it meets the eastern boundary of the Wilderness.

Signs and trail marking are minimal or non-existent and the use of maps and compass is recommended.

The trail crosses a variety of terrain and Ozark scenery and is popular with equestrians and back packers.

Terrain and Topography

Big Paddy and Little Paddy Creeks characterize the Paddy Creek Wilderness with steep cliffs and rock outcrops along the drainages. These creeks have water in them throughout most of the year. In the Wilderness are a few old fields in drainages but the rest is forested.

There are many caves in the area, however visitors are discouraged from entering them. (add cave closure alert to this page)

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

03-016,-D 03-016-F, 03-016-B, 03-016-A, 03-016-E

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 Paddy Creek Wilderness Area. There are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates available.

Paddy Creek Recreation Area - The 18-campsite recreation area is located adjacent to the east boundary of the Paddy Creek Wilderness and serves as one of the 3 trailheads for the Big Piney Trail.

Big Piney Equestrian Camp - This 5-campsite equestrian camp serves as one of the 3 trailheads for the Big Piney Trail.

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:

Paddy Creek Wilderness Map - PDF
Trail System Map available on the Avenza app.
The Wilderness is located on the following quadrangle/topographic maps:
- Roby
- Slabtown Spring

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

January - December

No trailheads have fees.
Paddy Creek Campground has camping fees.

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 Paddy Creek Wilderness, Paddy Creek Recreation Area, Paddy Creek Campground, Big Piney Equestrian Camp, or Roby Lake. 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: 108 S. Sam Houston Blvd. Houston, MO 65483
Phone: 417-967-4194
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