In the early 1800s Sylvester Paddy began the first logging in the area. The timber was transported by river to St. Louis to supply a great deal of the lumber used in the construction of that city. From the mid 1800s until the 1930s, the area was homesteaded and grazed as open range.

The area is characterized by Big Paddy and Little Paddy Creeks, with steep cliffs and rock outcrops along these drainages. These creeks have water in them throughout most of the year. Elevations change 500 feet between a point near Roby Tower on the western edge of the area and Paddy Creek, where it meets the eastern boundary of the Wilderness.

The Wilderness is mostly forested with a few old fields in the drainages. Black, white, and post oaks, as well as hickories and shortleafed pines, are the main tree species. Mixed hardwood forests can be found along the drainages.

Throughout the area, wildlife typical of the Missouri Ozarks is present. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrel, rabbit, fox, coyote, and bobcat are common.

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