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Trails / Missouri / Mark Twain National Forest

Paddy Creek Wilderness: Big Piney Trail

Mark Twain National Forest, Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek Ranger District (Texas County, southwest of Rolla)

Paddy Creek Wilderness protects 7,035 acres in northwestern Texas County, about 35 miles southwest of Rolla. Its one long trail, the Big Piney, is a loop of roughly 17 to 18 miles that the Forest Service rates moderate, with about 500 feet of elevation change between Roby Tower and Paddy Creek.

Terrain Magazine’s 2025 roundup of multi-day hikes includes it, noting “several campsites along the way.”

The hike

The Forest Service lists three trailheads: Roby Lake, a large lot that fits horse trailers; Paddy Creek Recreation Area, with an 18-site campground; and the Big Piney equestrian camp. It warns that “signs and trail marking are minimal or non-existent,” so bring a map and compass.

Ouachita Maps describes a counterclockwise loop of about 17 miles from the parking area at the northeast corner of Roby Lake. A signed junction at mile 1.0 splits the north and south legs, which are separated by Little Paddy Creek. Its waypoints list Little Paddy Creek at 2.4, a Military Road section at 3.6 to 4.0, the Big Paddy Creek crossing at 6.6, Forest Road 220 at 7.2, the Paddy Creek Road and campground area at 7.3, a scenic overlook at 8.8, and Forest Road 220 again at 10.4. Between about miles 12.2 and 13.4 the route follows Military Road, because the trail segment on the Forest Service map appears to be gone. A small pond comes at 13.4 and a small creek with a waterfall and pool at 15.5. The guide calls the terrain hilly but generally under 300 feet of elevation change at a time, with rocky, leaf-covered footing.

Gary Allman of Ozarks Walkabout hiked the loop counterclockwise from Roby Lake over three days in February 2020, about 17.5 miles. He describes a narrow ridge, a drop to Little Paddy Creek, a 300-foot climb, and a shortcut junction near a homestead chimney, well, and circular foundation. He found flood damage near Big Paddy Creek that forced bushwhacking, cold knee-deep crossings, intermittent falls of about 60 feet with a stone table, and a rock formation he calls “Facerock.” He saw only one official blaze in three days.

Ouachita Maps recommends fall, winter, and spring, since summers are hot and buggy and leaves hide the views. The Forest Service lists biting insects, poison ivy, heat, and hunting seasons among the hazards.

For a longer loop with springs and river spurs in the southern Mark Twain, see the Whites Creek Trail in the Irish Wilderness.

Tips

Camping

Dispersed camping is allowed along the trail and in the wilderness, with no toilets, fire grates, or treated water. Camp at least 100 feet from trails, other camps, and water sources, the Forest Service says; Ozarks Walkabout notes that many existing fire rings sit too close to the trail. The forest’s wilderness order bans fires and stoves within 100 feet of an established trail and limits groups to 10 people. No permit is needed, and no overnight camping is allowed in trailhead day-use areas. Dogs must be leashed.

Inside Intel: On his 2020 trip, Ozarks Walkabout’s Gary Allman spent his second night at the confluence of three creeks near the north loop, chosen for water: “I was sure there would be water near here, and there was.” His first-night spot along Big Paddy Creek was “rough and rocky” and stayed shaded until after 9 a.m., leading to his advice: “always camp where the sun will shine first thing in the morning.”

Trail facts

The Lowdown

Knee-deep crossings at Big Paddy Creek:

Gary Allman found flood damage near Big Paddy Creek and cold, knee-deep crossings on his 2020 trip. If rain is in the forecast, see how the Arc'teryx Beta SL compares with two less expensive shells.

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Where this comes from

This page draws on the sources below, along with other guides and trip reports. Links go to the original pages.

Before you go: This page is based on published trail guides, trip reports, and reviews, along with official park and agency information where we could find it. It’s meant to help backpackers discover new trails, not to replace current, official information. Conditions, closures, permits, campsites, and water sources change, and some details here may be out of date or wrong. Confirm everything with the managing agency and check current conditions before you head out, and don’t rely on this page alone for safety or navigation. Backcountry travel involves risk.