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Paddy Creek Wilderness

This 7,035-acre wilderness is located in northwestern Texas County 35 miles southwest of Rolla, Missouri, and 16 miles west of Licking, Missouri.

Trails

Big Piney Trail

Rating: Moderate, terrain is sometimes steep, there is limited trail marking.
Length: 18 miles
Best Seasons: Spring, Fall
Surface Type: unsurfaced, native material

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)

Vegetation and Wildlife

Black, white, and post oaks, hickories and shortleaf pine are the main trees. Throughout the area, wildlife typical of the Missouri Ozarks is present. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrel, rabbit, fox, coyote and bobcat are common.

Wilderness Area History

In the early 1800’s Sylvester Paddy began the first logging of the area, transporting timber from this area by river to St. Louis. Until the 1930’s the area was homesteaded and grazed as open range. It became federally designated wilderness in 1983.

Active Alerts

Forest Order 09-05-12-07: Wilderness

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

Campgrounds:

Open 24 Hours a day to campers.
Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Day Use Areas and Trailheads Hours:

6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

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.

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

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: 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

Getting There

Directions

Trailheads:

Big Piney Equestrian Camp
Paddy Creek Trailhead
Roby Lake Trailhead

Parking

Paddy Creek Recreation Area

The day use area has parking for about 15 vehicles

Big Piney Equestrian Camp

Parking is available here

Roby Trailhead

Large parking area that can accommodate horse trailers

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are not available at this site.

Restrooms are available at:

Paddy Creek Recreation Area
Paddy Creek Campground
Paddy Creek Trailhead
Big Piney Equestrian Camp
Roby Lake
Roby Lake Trailhead

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

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.