Hercules Tower Trailhead
Hercules Tower Trailhead is on the east side of the wilderness and connects you directly with Pees Hollow (loop trail), the Tower Trail and Long Creek.
It is the nearest trailhead for the Middle and Pete Hollow Trails.
History
The Hercules Tower is an active fire tower that the Forest uses for fire spotting. It is closed off to the public with a fence. The tower was built in 1936 and is over 100 feet tall.
General Information
Camping
Protect the solitude; seek out campsites in the Wilderness that are out of sight and sound of trails and other camps. When sharing an area keep a low profile and maintain the solitude.
Hercules Tower Trailhead
There are five campsites, two are down a set of stairs. The other 3 are located next to the parking areas. There are picnic tables and fire rings at each site.
Coy Bald Trailhead
There are 3 pull-in sites where you can camp with picnic tables and fire rings.
Camping in the Wilderness
Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground.
- Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles
- Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources.
- Treat any water found in the area before consuming it.
- Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered.
- Pack out all of your garbage.
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
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 – Hercules-Glades Wilderness is surrounded by private property. Please respect the rights and property of private landowners.
January - December
Campground
- Open 24 Hours a day to campers.
- Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Day Use Hours:
- 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
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
Commercial Use
Commercial use will not be permitted. Special uses will not be permitted, except for access to surrounded private property.
Hiking and Camping
No permit is required to hike or access the wilderness.
No fees are required for this site
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: 36.684781
Longitude: -92.88289
Directions
From Bradleyville, MO
- Travel south on Highway 125 for 9.3 miles
- The site will be on your right.
Parking
There are 3 parking areas that can accommodate 4 vehicles each. The campsites are near those parking areas.
At one of the parking lots you will find the stairs to get to the other two sites, if you stay on the right side it’s the last parking area.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restroom and picnic table are accessible.
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Drinking water is not available at trailheads or within Hercules-Glades 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.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
When Visiting with Horses
- Don't tie saddle and pack stock to small trees as the rope rubbing and concentrated animal trampling will injure and eventually kill the vegetation. It's better to hobble or tie a rope between two large trees and use it as a hitch rail. When breaking camp, scatter manure and smooth up the area.
- Avoid prolonged stock grazing in one area; it can have a serious impact on vegetation. Bring concentrated supplement stock feed to help reduce this impact.
- Picket your stock at least 200 feet away from waterways trails, or camps. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Backpacking Info
There are 9 trails within the Wilderness for a total of 32 miles of trail. Some sections of the trails are steep and there are several creek crossings. Most of the trails are connected to each other.
- Rating Moderate
- Length 32-miles
- Best Seasons Spring and Fall
- Surface Type unsurfaced, native material
- Average Trail Grade 10 - 12%
- Trail Markers there is limited trail marking
Day Hikes Info
There are 9 trails within the Wilderness for a total of 32 miles of trail. Some sections of the trails are steep and there are several creek crossings. Most of the trails are connected to each other.
- Rating Moderate
- Length 32-miles
- Best Seasons Spring and Fall
- Surface Type unsurfaced, native material
- Average Trail Grade 10 - 12%
- Trail Markers there is limited trail marking
Horseback Riding Info
There are 9 trails within the Wilderness for a total of 32 miles of trail. Some sections of the trails are steep and there are several creek crossings. Most of the trails are connected to each other.
- Rating Moderate
- Length 32-miles
- Best Seasons Spring and Fall
- Surface Type unsurfaced, native material
- Average Trail Grade 10 - 12%
- Trail Markers there is limited trail marking
Picnicking - Single Info
The picnic tables are available when no one is using the campsites and there is one table in the loop for general use.
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.