Wolf Creek Trail
There are approximately 21 miles of trail. It is designed for mountain biking, but can be used for hiking or trail running. The trail crosses several tributaries of Wolf Creek. The trail is also a popular destination for geocachers.
From the North Trailhead you can do a 3.6 mile, 6-mile or 11-mile loop.
It’s surrounded by a mixed oak and hickory forest. Occasionally you’ll see wildflowers or some interesting mushrooms after a good rain. This trail is a great place to see fall colors, and can even be a nice place to visit on mild winter days.
This trail has multiple loops and segments of varying lengths:
- Cane Creek Trail - 3/4 mile
- Crooked Branch Trail - 5 1/4 mile
- Oak Ridge Trail - 1 mile
- Still Hollow Trail - 1 mile
- South Trailhead Spur - 1/2 mile
- Wolf Creek Trail - 12 miles
From the North Trailhead you'll access the 12-mile Wolf Creek Trail. Heading to the right out of the trailhead you'll travel several miles before crossing a small creek. Shortly after the creek you'll encounter the connector to the Oak Ridge Trail.
The Oak Ridge Trail is a short, straight section that connects to the north and south legs of the Wolf Creek Trail. This section crosses over Forest Road 3107.
Continuing on Wolf Creek Trail after the intersection with Oak Ridge Trail you continue on the trail for several miles, until you reach an intersection with Cane Creek Trail.
Cane Creek Trail is a short jaunt to the Middle Trailhead, just off of Forest Road 3107. If you continue to the south leg of Wolf Creek you can go left and head to the intersection with Oak Ridge Trail, or continue after that intersection to the North Trailhead.
After passing the intersection to Cane Creek Trail you'll continue on Wolf Creek Trail for several miles. After you cross Forest Road 3107 there is an intersection with Still Hollow Trail.
Still Hollow Trail will take you to the Middle Trailhead.
From the intersection with Still Hollow Trail if you continue another mile you will travel parallel to the Crooked Branch Trail for a while. Eventually you will intersect with the South Trailhead Spur after crossing three streams.
The South Trailhead Spur will take you to the South Trailhead.
Continue on the Wolf Creek Trail for a little over a mile and you will intersect with the Crooked Branch Trail. This section crosses over the stream once before paralleling it for a while.
Crooked Branch Trail is 5 1/4 miles and will take you to Cane Creek Trail, which will connect you to Wolf Creek Trail again.
After the intersection with Crooked Branch Trail continue north on Wolf Creek Trail, after about a mile you will intersect with Cane Creek Trail. Shortly after that you will intersect with Oak Ridge Trail. Continue on Wolf Creek Trail for around 2 miles before arriving back at the North Trailhead.
From the Middle Trailhead
From here you can access Cane Creek Trail and Still Hollow Trail. It is a short jaunt on Cane Creek Trail to the left to pick up the larger Wolf Creek Trail, or a slightly longer traverse to pick up the Crooked Branch Trail.
From the South Trailhead
The South Trailhead Spur will connect you to the Wolf Creek Trail. From there you can head left or right to complete the entire 12 miles or pick up any of the smaller trails to create smaller loops.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
Accessibility
North – there are two benches and an accessible toilet.
Middle - none
South – none
General Information
Safety:
- No drinking water is available at parking areas or along the trail; bring what you will need, or be prepared to sterilize water you find.
- During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures.
- Be aware of hunting seasons.
Remember to bring enough water during the hot-summer months; and please pack out all trash!
For more safety tips visit the Safety section of the website.
January - December
On the Trail
- Hiking and Biking riding is permitted.
- No motorized vehicles are permitted.
- Hunting is allowed from this trail during appropriate seasons.
At the 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.
- No horses
- No target shooting allowed
Address: 1420 Maud St. Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Phone: 573-785-1475
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
Trailhead/Starting Points
- North – this is a small gravel parking area with benches and a toilet.
- Middle – this is a small gravel parking area with two benches.
- South – this is a small gravel parking area with a bench.
Parking
North Trailhead: 24 vehicles;
Middle Trailhead: 8 vehicles;
South Trailhead: 16 vehicles
Directions
North Trailhead: Lat. 36.8141201 Long. -90.5111035
From Poplar Bluff, MO
- Drive north on Westwood Drive for 3 miles until the road turns into US 60/US67
- Travel northwest on US60/US67 for 3.2 miles
- Turn left onto the Outer Road and parallel the highway for 2 miles to County Road 429/Forest Road 3107.
- Travel down Forest Road 3107 for 1/10 of a mile and the trailhead is on the right.
Middle Trailhead: Lat.36.802191 Long. -90.492269
From Poplar Bluff, MO
- Drive north on Westwood Drive for 3 miles until the road turns into US 60/US67
- Travel northwest on US60/US67 for 3.2 miles
- Turn left onto the Outer Road and parallel the highway for 2 miles to County Road 429/Forest Road 3107.
- Travel down Forest Road 3107 for 1.1 mile sand the trailhead is on the right.
South Trailhead: Lat. 36.783681 Long. -90.483246
From Poplar Bluff, MO
- Travel west on Kanell Boulevard
- It turns into Highway PP. Travel on Highway PP for 4.2 miles.
- Take a right on County Road 447 and travel .2 miles
- The trailhead will be on your left.
Additional Information
Operated By
USDA Forest Service
This trail was constructed with our partners: Missouri DNR, Poplar Bluff Trails Coalition, Friends of Wolf Creek, City of Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation, SemoGeo and USDA Forest Service.
