BELL MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS, SOUTHERN TRACE, AND ENTIRE MIDDLE FORK |
| MILE MARKER: | DESCRIPTION: | |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Start at North Bell Trailhead. North Bell Trailhead. About 1.8 miles down a gravel road off Highway A. Lot is on right and is signed. | |
| 2.3 | Continue straight past the Joes Creek turn-off toward the summit. | |
| 3.2 | Open glades that look for miles to the west-- a great spot to catch a beautiful sunset. | |
| 3.4 | Along the north ridge of the summit you'll find several informal paths that lead east to glades overlooking the St. Francis Mountains. Definitely a five-star view! | |
| 3.5 | Stop for a second and take in the view from the top of Bell Mountain. | |
| 4.9 | A stock pond can be found on the south side of the trail. | |
| 5.1 | At the 'Y' in the trail, keep to the left. | |
| 6.2 | Taum Sauk trail intersection. Take a right to continue to Highway A. | |
| 6.7 | Occasional water. Dry much of the year. | |
| 6.8 | There is a small trickle of water here for most of the year that feeds a diverse growth of flowers and grasses. A good resting spot with scenic views of the valley. Day 1 Camp/Thanksgiving Meal 6.8 miles | |
| 7.6 | Nice valley view, especially a bit off-trail to the south | |
| 7.6 | This low glade is found at a switchback on the trail. If you have some time you can explore to the south for excellent views of Ottery Creek valley. | |
| 8.2 | Continue straight after crossing Highway A, heading west to Ottery Creek. | |
| 8.2 | Located 200 feet south of main trail is Highway A TH and parking lot. | |
| 8.2 | This crossing can be treacherous after a heavy rain. While water levels are only a few inches deep in the summer, you may have a shallow wade in other seasons. | |
| 8.7 | Trail goes on/off gravel road. Watch for signs and consult your map. Right from trail onto gravel road. (TC13) | |
| 9.6 | Trail goes on/off gravel road. Watch for signs and consult your map Right onto trail. This turn is frequently missed, so keep a watchful eye for signs. (TC12) | |
| 10.3 | Gravel road in Peter Cave Hollow. The trail zags a bit as it crosses the road. | |
| 10.3 | Peter Cave Hollow creek. Very reliable water. | |
| 11.2 | The old topographic maps show two caves in this area. The maps are wrong, so don't waste your time hunting for caves here. | |
| 11.7 | Trail goes on/off gravel road. Watch for signs and consult your map Left onto gravel road. (TC10) | |
| 12.1 | Right onto trail. Keep a watch for signs to avoid bypassing turnoff. (TC9) | |
| 12.2 | You may notice hundreds of uprooted trees along this section of trail, the result of wind and ice storms in 2006 and the derecho in May 2009. | |
| 13.1 | Left at gravel road. Take gravel road about 200 yards. (TC8) | |
| 13.2 | Trail goes on/off gravel road. Watch for signs and consult your map Right onto trail. Watch for signs. (TC7) | |
| 13.9 | Panther Branch. Often has water | |
| 14.7 | Highway 32 crossing. Watch for approaching vehicles. | |
| 17.2 | As the trail levels out pass the switchbacks be alert for the Middle Fork junction sign. Make a left at the sign onto the Middle Fork section. | |
| 17.4 | Big River crossing. Not so big, here! In the wetter seasons you'll spot a small spring seeping out of the banks. The plank bridge was washed down stream during the May 2009 derecho. | |
| 18.5 | Highway 32 crossing. Paved. Big trucks and on a turn, so look both ways and listen before crossing. | |
| 19.9 | Headwaters of the Middle Fork. This valley usually has water. | |
| 20.1 | Cedars have claimed this old pioneer field. The headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Black River start their flow here. | |
| 20.9 | Headwaters of the Middle Fork. Reliable water. | |
| 20.9 | CR-72 crossing. | |
| 21.8 | For a mile in either direction you'll wind through mixed pines and hardwoods as the trail makes its way through a narrow public land corridor. Day 2 Camp 15 miles | |
| 23.1 | Logging road. Dirt | |
| 24.4 | Wolfpen Hollow waterfall. About 12'. Quaint, peaceful and a great stop. | |
| 25.5 | CR-73 crossing. | |
| 25.5 | Brooks Creek | |
| 26.3 | Highway 49 crossing. Short sight distance, so listen and watch for approaching vehicles. | |
| 27 | The creek drops over a 2' fall into a lovely pool of water. The rock-bottom riffles flow pass a stand of whispering pines. | |
| 27.4 | There is a cleared primative camp in the pines 100' off the trail. Look for a small path. This clearing and nearby bridges were Eagle Scout projects. | |
| 27.5 | Just off this sharp turn you'll find a spring flowing from a small opening in moss-covered rocks. | |
| 27.5 | Henderson Creek. Wooden bridge over creek. | |
| 28.3 | FS-2367 crossing. | |
| 29.7 | Cross the gravel road (CR-79), picking up the trail on the other side. | |
| 29.7 | Stay to the left as the trail turns down an old field road. | |
| 29.8 | Sharp turn off field path to Neals Creek to the south. This is an easy turn to miss if traveling to the south, so keep an eye out for signs and watch your map. | |
| 29.8 | Neals Creek. Subject to flash flooding. Normally 6'-18' deep. Do not attempt to cross during high water-- take the gravel road bypass to the low-water bridge at CR-78 to get back on the trail. | |
| 30 | Good view of large beaver dam. Past the dam is a large marshy area known as Barton Fen, home to the endangered Hines Emerald dragonfly. | |
| 30.7 | Go straight across the gravel road. | |
| 30.7 | County Road 78. Gravel | |
| 30.7 | Crib wall along Neals Creek-- an AHS Volunteer Vacation project. | |
| 30.9 | Make a right. | |
| 31.4 | Switchbacks through a pleasant pine/hardwood forest | |
| 31.8 | FS-2702 crossing. This area was part of a timber salvage and is fairly open. | |
| 32.6 | Upper end of Gunstock Hollow with its rock-bottom creek and pines. This area has a mysterious feel to it. | |
| 33 | Creek crossing. Just upstream is a 3' waterfall with a nearby spring. | |
| 34 | Buick Mine Road | |
| 35 | Little Creek. Just upstream is a great stopping point next to a short bluff and near a beaver dam. Day 3 Camp 13.2 miles | |
| 35.6 | The trail passes above a rock-bottom creek with lovely riffles that empty into shallow pools. | |
| 36.1 | Forest Service road 2369. Gravel | |
| 37.1 | Strother Creek crossing. Can be a 'wet' crossing. Hikers may elect to walk across a downed sycamore. NOTE: this is an easement through Doe Run property and downstream of a lead tailings pond. You may want to avoid drinking the water here. | |
| 38.6 | CR-836 crossing | |
| 39.2 | County Road 835, also known as the Mack Ridge road. Gravel | |
| 40 | When the leaves are off you have a nice view of the Brushy Creek valley. | |
| 40.5 | End at Highway J. Parking is located down the gravel road marked by signs. Please do not block the gates to the field.Meet up Location and end of trip 5 miles | |
