Noblett Trailhead
This small trailhead is one of five trailheads for the Ridge Runner Trail, and one of two trailheads located near Noblett Lake. This trailhead is located off of Forest Service Road 293.
From this trailhead you can access the six-mile loop around Noblett Lake or head south on Ridge Runner Trail for the 21-mile hike to North Fork Recreation Area.
Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail Details
Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail is a 33-mile long trail, with two six-mile loops at either end and a 21-mile section between them. The landscape varies from gently rolling to very steep terrain with rock outcrops and bluffs. There are a few creek crossings along the trail, no crossings have bridges so you may get your feet wet.
- Rating Moderate
- Length 33-miles
- Best Seasons Spring and Fall
- Surface Type unsurfaced, native material
- Average Trail Grade 8-20%
- Trail Markers there is limited trail marking
Noblett Lake Loop
This loop starts at the Noblett Trailhead and circles Noblett Lake, crossing Noblett and Spring Creeks, and Cord Hollow. The trail passes near Hellroaring Spring on the northwest side of the lake. A number of old woods roads parallel or cross the trail.
Trail Sections/Segments
- Noblett Lake to Horton - 3.3 miles
General Information
Campground Camping
Trailer and tent camping at North Fork Recreation Area. All sites are first come, first served.
Dispersed Camping
- Hay Hollow Trailhead
- Noblett Lake Trailhead
- Noblett Trailhead
There is dispersed camping along the trail, please make camp at least 100 feet off of the trail. Dispersed camping is allowed at the old campground loop on the hill across from the Noblett Trailhead. There is also dispersed camping at CC Wrangler Camp.
Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. There are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates.
Safety:
- No drinking water is available at parking areas or along the trail; bring what you will need, or be prepared to sterilize water you find.
- During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures.
- Be aware of hunting seasons.
The Ozark climate is mild enough to make 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.
January - December
Day Use Hours:
- 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
On the Trail
- Ridge Runner Trail is designed and maintained for foot traffic, horse use and mountain bicycle use. Motorized travel, including trail bikes and all terrain vehicles, is not permitted.
- No camping is permitted within 100 feet of trails, streams, ponds, bluffs, and caves.
- Cans, bottles, and other non-burnables must be packed out.
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.
Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail
- No permits are required for the Ridge Runner Trail.
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: 36.903658
Longitude: -92.096275
Directions
From West Plains
- Take US63 North for 3 miles.
- Turn left onto MO-14 West and travel 15.4 miles
- Turn left onto Forest Road 769 and drive 4 miles to the trailhead.
Parking
This is a smaller parking area.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at the Noblett Lake Day Use and Picnic Area.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Drinking water is not available along the Ridge Runner Trail, Ozark Trail, or in Devils Backbone Wilderness.
- Open water sources along the trail/within the wilderness are not recommended for drinking.
- Bring your own drinking water or be prepared to boil or treat water chemically.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Horses
- may not be tied directly to trees.
- No horses allowed in the day use areas at Noblett and North Fork or on the children’s trail portion near Blue Springs.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Recreation Groups
Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail is a 33-mile long trail, with two six-mile loops at either end and a 21-mile section between them.