Solo Hiking Bell Mountain in Mark Twain National Forest
#bellmountain #missourihiking #missouri10miletrails
I’m back in Missouri for a 13.3 mile solo hike of Bell Mountain in Mark Twain National Forest, about 2 hours south of St. Louis. This Missouri hiking trail is a lollipop trail to the 1703ft summit of Bell Mountain, which is Missouri’s 4th tallest mountain. The out and back section of the trail is part of the Ozark Trail, which is always great to hike. The trail features multiple campsites, one in a field of daffodils, and is generally moderate. The hardest part is finding the trail head.
AllTrails Stats
Bell Mountain | Missouri
Type: Lollipop | Rate: Moderate | Traffic: Heavy | Length: 11.6 | Elevation Gain: 1683ft
The out and back section of the trail is part of the Ozark Trail, which is always great to be on.
The trailhead for this route is actually across the street and down the road a few yards from the parking lot. Head left (north) out of the parking lot and you’re only about 30 yards away. There are fire pits and campsites right beside this parking lot and a good size stream a short walk through the woods, which you can hear. It’s a great lunch spot for after your hike.
Speaking of campsites, there are bunches of them on this trail! The best are naturally at the top of Bell Mountain, but there are others right off the trail in a creek valley. One was surrounded by blooming daffodils on my hike and would be a lovely spot for the night. Check out my AllTrails Route Details to see the waypoints I marked for my favorite campsites.
Follow me on Instagram @mshepjordan9 for more pics from my hike!
Bell Mountain is part of the Bell Mountain Wilderness which is in Mark Twain National Forest. The namesake “Bell” is for Henry Bell, a pioneer settler. To be honest, most of the trail is pretty mundane, but the highlights Daffodil Valley and Bell Mountain overlook are worth it. Plus if you’re looking to get some miles in, this is a solid 10+ mile loop trail.
Dogs are allowed on the trail, but be sure to keep them on a leash. I passed several backpackers hiking the Ozark Trail as well as two horseback riders. Wouldn’t want your puppy to accidentally scare a horse and throw a rider. Happy Hiking Ya’ll!
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