Blair Ridge Trailhead
This is a small parking lot that holds about 4 vehicles.
Blair Ridge Trailhead connects you to the Blair Ridge Trail, this is the trail that takes you straight to the Long Creek Falls. The falls are a 10-foot tall where water has carved out the rock. Pools are created during warmer months, but dry out during the summer or dryer weather.
General Information
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.
Private Property – Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area is surrounded by private property. Please respect the rights and property of private landowners.
Safety Information
Wilderness has inherent dangers, and is a primitive setting where you meet nature on its own terms.
- Bring a map and compass, and first aid kit.
- During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures.
- Be advised 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.
- Be prepared to sanitize water for drinking
For more safety tips visit the Safety section of the website.
Maps
Quadrangle maps for this wilderness are: The wilderness is located on Hilda and Protem NE quadrangle maps. They are available for sale at Forest Service Offices or on the USGS Website.
January - December
Day use, 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Commercial use will not be permitted in the Wilderness. Special uses will not be permitted, except for access to surrounded private property.
In the Wilderness
- No camping within 100 feet of an established trail, stream, body of water, cave, rock, shelter, other occupied campsites or other restricted camping areas.
- No building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire within 100 feet of an established trail.
- Group size is limited to 10 people
- No possessing or using mechanized or motorized vehicle.
- No riding, hitching, tethering, or hobbling a horse or other saddle or pack animal in violation of posted instructions.
- No hitching or tethering saddle or pack animals directly to live trees.
- No picketing horses or mules within 100 feet of water or trail.
Trailhead
- No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
- Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the trailheads.
- Fireworks are prohibited
No day use fee
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. 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: 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
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 36.865202
Longitude: -91.374982
Directions
From Bradleville, MO
- Travel 9.5 miles south on Highway 125
- Turn right onto Forest Road 155 and travel approximately 2 miles
Parking
4 vehicles
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Horseback Riding Info
Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area is 12,413 acres of the most scenic and unique country in the Midwest. The Wilderness is located 10 miles northeast of Branson, MO.
Its combination of open grassland, forested knobs, steep rocky hillsides, and narrow drainages offers unusual beauty and a measure of solitude within easy reach of wilderness lovers.
From the trailheads there is 32 miles of maintained trails which follows along open glades, forested ridgetops and Long Creek, the primary drainage of the area.
Backpacking Info
Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area is 12,413 acres of the most scenic and unique country in the Midwest. The Wilderness is located 10 miles northeast of Branson, MO.
Its combination of open grassland, forested knobs, steep rocky hillsides, and narrow drainages offers unusual beauty and a measure of solitude within easy reach of wilderness lovers.
From the trailheads there is 32 miles of maintained trails which follows along open glades, forested ridgetops and Long Creek, the primary drainage of the area.
Day Hikes Info
Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area
Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area is 12,413 acres of the most scenic and unique country in the Midwest. The Wilderness is located 10 miles northeast of Branson, MO.
Its combination of open grassland, forested knobs, steep rocky hillsides, and narrow drainages offers unusual beauty and a measure of solitude within easy reach of wilderness lovers.
From the trailheads there is 32 miles of maintained trails which follows along open glades, forested ridgetops and Long Creek, the primary drainage of the area.
Recreation Groups
Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area is 12,413 acres of the most scenic and unique country in the Midwest. The Wilderness is located 10 miles northeast of Branson, MO.