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Devils Backbone Wilderness

With 6,687 acres inside the Wilderness boundary, this is an ideal area for day hiking or overnight backpacking. A long, narrow ridge supports the center of the Wilderness, with 1,020 feet as its highest “vertebra.”

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.

Four trailheads provide entry to Devil's Backbone Wilderness.

sign for the Devils Backbone Wilderness area
Site Open

Devils Backbone Wilderness, taking its name from a long narrow ridge known to the early settlers as Devils Backbone, is a unique blend of Missouri Ozark flora and fauna, ch

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Site Open

Raccoon Hollow Trailhead is located on the south side of CC Highway about 1 1/2 miles east of Dora, MO.  It provides entry into the Devil's Backbone Wilderness Area.

USDA Forest Service Logo
Site Open

McGarr Ridge Trailhead is located on the south side of CC Highway about 4 miles east of Dora, MO.  It provides access to the Devil's Backbone Wilderness Area. &nb

Blue Spring
Site Open

This is a trailhead for the Blue Spring Trail within the North Fork Recreation Area just off of the day use parking lot at the southern end of the recreation area.

Devils Backbone Wilderness - Collins Trailhead
Site Open

This is one of three trailheads that provide access into the Devil's Backbone Wilderness Area.  Collin's Ridge Trailhead is located on County Road KK 362 which co

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Site Open

North Fork Recreation Area provides camping, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking and fishing access to the beautiful North Fork of the White River, which has a total of n

Last updated March 28th, 2025