Mark Twain National Forest

This 9,027-acre Wilderness is part of the St. Fancois Mountains, one of the oldest landforms in North America. The Wilderness is named for a family that once lived and farmed along the edge top that is now known as Bell Mountain. Elevations range from 1,702 feet at Bell Mountain to 970 feet in the Joe's Creek drainage. Local relief is about 600 feet and is characterized by steep felsite and rhyolite outcroppings. Both Bell Mountain and Linsey Mountain offer outstanding views of the surrounding area. The associated granite glades provide a variety of interesting plant and animal life.

The area is accessible from Potosi via Highway 21 south to Highway 32, then west on Highway 32 approximately 7 miles to Highway A. A trailhead is located about 2 miles off of Highway A along Forest Road 2228; another trailhead is located on Highwny A approximately 5 miles south of Highway 32. There are approximately 11.9 miles of trail maintained for hikers, including a small segment of the Ozark Trail.

Oak and hickory are the predominant tree species with some areas of natural oak-pine and some shortleaf pine plantations. Upland brush and red cedar make up a small portion of the vegetative component. Blackjack oak, winged elm, hickories, sumac, and native grasses are found on the glades. Lichens abound on the exposed surface rock. Some areas on Bell Mountain that were cleared in the 1940s now have almost pure stands of young Northern Red Oak.

Shut-in Creek crosses the area. It is a perennial spring-fed stream with several "shut-ins" or gorges along its course. Steep talus slopes intersect the stream course at several locations. Joe Creek is another small perennial stream within the Wilderness.

Bell Mountain Trail