Dewitt Pond Trailhead
Dewitt Pond is one of the access points to the Kaintuck Hollow Trail System; however, it is still about a third of a mile hike from this "trailhead" to where the road is gated and some parking can be found along the highway nearby. From this trailhead you can access:
- Grouse (North Blue) Trail
- Deer Track (White) Trail
The Kaintuck Hollow Trail System is south of the Mill Creek Recreation Area. Sixteen miles of trails lead you through an oak forest, interspersed with hickory, cedar, dogwood, and pine trees. There are several trail loops offering a variety of routes to choose from. Walk through a natural tunnel 175 foot long or enjoy wading in cool Missouri streams. You can visit Willkins Spring Pond with its average daily flow of 3 million gallons. Perhaps you’ll even see the otters that live there! The trails are very popular with horse riders and mountain bikers. No motorized vehicles are allowed.
General Information
Camping
Dispersed camping is allowed along the Kaintuck Hollow Trail. There are no designated sites and no amenities.
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.
For more safety tips visit the Safety section of the website.
Available Maps:
Visit Visitor Maps and Guides for information on available Forest Visitor Maps, Topographic Maps, and Mobile App/Interactive Maps.
Day Use Hours:
- 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Kaintuck Hollow Trail
- No forest recreation permits are needed to access this trail.
- No forest recreation permits are needed to access the trailheads.
Be Advised: The Natural Bridge and tunnel is currently not open to public due to health risk to bat population.
On the Trail
- 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 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.
At the Trailheads
- No overnight camping in day use areas/trailheads 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.
- Horses may not be tied directly to trees.
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/Day Use
- 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
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 37.836946
Longitude: -91.938957
Directions
From Rolla,
- Take I-44 West for 5.8 miles.
- Take Exit 179 for Doolittle/Newburg/Missouri T/Missouri C
- Turn left onto Highway T.
- Travel on Truman St./US Bicycle Route 66 for 2 miles
- Stay on US Bicycle Route 66 for 7 miles.
- Turn left onto State Highway AA/State Route AA for 2.6 miles.
- Slight left onto Forest Road 1581 and travel .1 mile to the trailhead.
- The trailhead is on the left.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Trailheads:
There is no potable water at any trailhead.
Along the Trail:
Open water sources along the trail are not recommended for drinking. Bring your own drinking water or be prepared to boil or treat water chemically.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Biking - Mountain Info
The Kaintuck Hollow Trail is open year round to mountain bikers and includes multiple sections with a total of 16 miles of trail.
Acorn Section is approximately 4 miles in length and follows an old logging road. Butterfly Section traverses through cedar forest and then passes over a dry stream bed covered with large, mossy rocks.
The Mushroom Section is a short connection trail between Acorn and Pine Tree sections. Mushroom Section passes a small pond and old homestead.
Cedar Section is offers approximately 3 miles of trail and parallels a gravel road connecting Mill Creek Recreation area with Hwy T. Squirrel Section connects to Oak Leaf Section, not far from the Natural Bridge and tunnel, which is currently not open to public due to health risk to bat population.
Deer Track Section passes a small lily pond and then loops southwest to Wilkins Spring. Redbird Section begins by following a ridge top and then descends into Kaintuck Hollow.
The trail is of moderate difficulty.
Day Hikes Info
The Kaintuck Hollow Trail is open year round to mountain bikers and includes multiple sections with a total of 16 miles of trail.
Acorn Section is approximately 4 miles in length and follows an old logging road. Butterfly Section traverses through cedar forest and then passes over a dry stream bed covered with large, mossy rocks.
The Mushroom Section is a short connection trail between Acorn and Pine Tree sections. Mushroom Section passes a small pond and old homestead.
Cedar Section is offers approximately 3 miles of trail and parallels a gravel road connecting Mill Creek Recreation area with Hwy T. Squirrel Section connects to Oak Leaf Section, not far from the Natural Bridge and tunnel, which is currently not open to public due to health risk to bat population.
Deer Track Section passes a small lily pond and then loops southwest to Wilkins Spring. Redbird Section begins by following a ridge top and then descends into Kaintuck Hollow.
The trail is of moderate difficulty.
Backpacking Info
The Kaintuck Hollow Trail is open year round to mountain bikers and includes multiple sections with a total of 16 miles of trail.
Acorn Section is approximately 4 miles in length and follows an old logging road. Butterfly Section traverses through cedar forest and then passes over a dry stream bed covered with large, mossy rocks.
The Mushroom Section is a short connection trail between Acorn and Pine Tree sections. Mushroom Section passes a small pond and old homestead.
Cedar Section is offers approximately 3 miles of trail and parallels a gravel road connecting Mill Creek Recreation area with Hwy T. Squirrel Section connects to Oak Leaf Section, not far from the Natural Bridge and tunnel, which is currently not open to public due to health risk to bat population.
Deer Track Section passes a small lily pond and then loops southwest to Wilkins Spring. Redbird Section begins by following a ridge top and then descends into Kaintuck Hollow.
The trail is of moderate difficulty.
Horseback Riding Info
The Kaintuck Hollow Trail is open year round to mountain bikers and includes multiple sections with a total of 16 miles of trail.
Acorn Section is approximately 4 miles in length and follows an old logging road. Butterfly Section traverses through cedar forest and then passes over a dry stream bed covered with large, mossy rocks.
The Mushroom Section is a short connection trail between Acorn and Pine Tree sections. Mushroom Section passes a small pond and old homestead.
Cedar Section is offers approximately 3 miles of trail and parallels a gravel road connecting Mill Creek Recreation area with Hwy T. Squirrel Section connects to Oak Leaf Section, not far from the Natural Bridge and tunnel, which is currently not open to public due to health risk to bat population.
Deer Track Section passes a small lily pond and then loops southwest to Wilkins Spring. Redbird Section begins by following a ridge top and then descends into Kaintuck Hollow.
The trail is of moderate difficulty.