Hellhole Bay Wilderness

Hellhole Bay Wilderness (2,125 ac) may take its name from a large forest opening possibly formed by early wildfire behavior in the area. A shallow canoe trail a little over a mile long and often less than a foot deep crosses the bay and is passable during the wetter times of the year. But in dryer months it becomes a muddy trail and can be difficult to hike. Heavy thick undergrowth, wet unstable ground and numerous water moccasins add to the challenges. There is no boat ramp but paddlers can access wilderness from Hell Hole Rd. 

Explore this wilderness in winter and early spring to avoid biting insects and water moccasins. Take a compass and a good map, it is easy to get disoriented navigating the swamp.

At a Glance

Permit Info: Dispersed camping permit required for overnight stays in the wilderness area. No wilderness permits required to enter.
Best Season: Winter to Early Spring
Restrictions: Please practice Leave No Trace wilderness ethics. Visit lnt.org.
Information Center:   The Wilderness Act “A wilderness…is hereby recognized as an area where earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” (The Wilderness Act of 1964)
  The National Wilderness Preservation System was set up in 1964 by an act of Congress known as the Wilderness Act. Wilderness areas are affected mostly by the forces of nature and have outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation. These areas are managed in such a way that visitation will not change their unspoiled condition. They may also contain ecological, geological or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historic value.

Activities

Dispersed Camping

Day Hiking

Game Bird/Waterfowl

Viewing Wildlife

Viewing Plants

Viewing Scenery