Devils Backbone Wilderness Trail

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.

Elevations range from 1020 feet to 680 feet along the North Fork of the White River, a high quality, spring fed Ozark stream.

Blue Spring, Amber Spring and McGarr Spring provide water to the river year-round.

There are 13 miles of moderate trail within the area accessible from McGarr Ridge Trailhead. Foot, and horseback travel only.

Trail Details

Rating 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

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

21-6123-A, 21-6123-B, 21-6123-C, 21-6123-D, 21-6123-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

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.

Private Property – Devils Back bone Wilderness is surrounded by private property. Please respect the rights and property of private landowners.

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.

January - December

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 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.

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.

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: 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

Parking

Four trailheads provide entry to Devil's Backbone Wilderness that have parking:

Blue Spring Trailhead: 12 vehicles
Raccoon Hollow: up to 3 cars can fit at this trailhead
McGarr Ridge: up to 3 cars can fit at this trailhead.
Collins Ridge Trailhead: 3 trucks with horse trailers and a couple additional cars

Directions

Four trailheads provide entry to Devil's Backbone Wilderness:

From Dora

Raccoon Hollow Trailhead is located on the south side of CC Highway about 1 1/2 miles east of Dora, MO;
McGarr Ridge Trailhead is located on the south side of CC Highway about 4 miles east of Dora, MO; and

From West Plains

Blue Spring Trailhead is located within the North Fork Recreation Area (no horses allowed on this short section)
Collin's Ridge Trailhead is located on County Road KK 362 which comes off KK Highway about 16 miles west of West Plains, MO on the south side of the wilderness.