Lindsey Mountain Trailhead

This trailhead provides access to the 2.2 mile Lindsey Mountain Wilderness Trail.

Both Bell Mountain and Lindsey Mountain offer outstanding views of the surrounding area. The associated granite glades provide a variety of interesting plant and animal life.

Elevation: Elevations range from 1,702 feet at Bell Mountain to 970 feet in the Joe's Creek drainage. Local relief is about 600 feet and is characterized by steep felsite and rhyolite outcroppings.

Lindsey Mountain Wilderness Trail

Rating: Difficult, the terrain is rocky and the trail is not marked.
Length: 2.2 miles
Best Seasons: Spring, Fall
Surface Type: unsurfaced, native material

General Information

Camping

Dispersed camping is allowed along the trail and in the Bell Mountain Wilderness Area. There are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates available.

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.

Available Maps:

Bell Mountain Wilderness Map - PDF
Trail System Map available on the Avenza app.
The Wilderness is located on the following quadrangle/topographic maps:
- Johnson Mountain,
- Banner,
- Edgehill
- Johnson Shut-ins

Visit Visitor Maps and Guides for information on available Forest Visitor Maps, Topographic Maps, and Mobile App/Interactive Maps.

Private Property – Much of Bell Mountain Wilderness borders private property. Please respect the rights and property of private landowners.

January - December

Day Use Hours:

6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

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.

Permits

Commercial use will not be permitted.
Special uses will not be permitted, except for access to surrounded private property.
No forest recreation permits are needed to access this trail.

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

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: 10019 W. State Hwy. 8 Potosi, MO 63664
Phone: 573-438-5427
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: 37.628274

Longitude: -90.8311686

Directions

From St. Louis

take Hwy. 21 for approximately 90 miles south through Potosi and then Caledonia to Hwy 32
turn right/west on Highway 32 and travel for about 7 miles to Highway A.
then travel south about 1.5 miles on Highway A to the trailhead,
turn left onto Iron County 61 and travel for 1.5 miles and Iron County 61 becomes FR 2228
Travel 2 miles on FR 2228 and take a right onto FR 2359.
FR 2359 dead-ends at the trailhead.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are not available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Drinking water is not available in Bell Mountain 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.