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Rockpile Mountain Wilderness
This 4,238 acre Wilderness takes its name from an ancient circle of granite rock, piled by some earlier man on top of the mountain. It is located in Madison County on the Fredericktown Ranger District, southeast of Bell Mountain and southwest of Fredericktown, Missouri. The area is primarily a broken ridge, having steep rocky slopes running from Little Grass Mountain on the north to the National Forest boundary four miles to the south.
Brochure and Maps
- A printable brochure is available for download
- Trail System Map (printable)and Trail System Map available on the Avenza app.
Trails: From the trailhead there is a 2 mile section of maintained trail. The rest of the area is accessed by old woods roads or cross-country hiking.
At a Glance
| Fees: | No fees |
|---|---|
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: |
|
| Closest Towns: | Fredericktown |
| Water: | Not for Drinking |
| Operated By: | USDA Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Potosi-Fredericktown Ranger District Email | Phone and Address |
General Information
Directions:From St. Louis, take I-55 south to Hwy. 67; then south to County Road C south of Fredericktown; then south 10 miles to County Road 406 to FR2124.
Activities
Dispersed Camping
Recreation areas with activity Dispersed Camping:Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground.
Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates.
There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!
- 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.
For more information on Dispersed Camping visit our dispersed camping page which has information on picking a campsite, how to protect water quality, and campfires!
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:Rating: Moderate. Terrain is sometimes steep. The area is within the St. Francois Mountains where elevations range from 1,305 to 520 feet.
Length: 2 miles.
Best Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring.
Leave No Trace: Pack out what you pack in.
Restrictions: Foot and Horse only.
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 advised of hunting seasons. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods.
Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material.
Backpacking
Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:Rating: Moderate. Terrain is sometimes steep. The area is within the St. Francois Mountains where elevations range from 1,305 to 520 feet.
Length: 2 miles.
Best Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring.
Leave No Trace: Pack out what you pack in.
Restrictions: Foot and Horse only.
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 advised of hunting seasons. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods.
Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material.
Viewing Wildlife
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Wildlife:Viewing Plants
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Plants:Viewing Scenery
Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:Rockpile Mountain itself, the steep limestone bluffs, rock formations, and caves along the St. Francis River. The narrow gorges or "shut-ins" with rushing cascades during periods of runoff and the scattered granite glades add variety to the wilderness landscape, as well as unique plant and animal communities.
Quick Links
Highlights
Location
