Name: Bell Mountain Overnight or Day Hike
Start: 2024-12-07T10:00:00-06:00
End: 2024-12-08T12:00:00-06:00

Blocking this time off for next year-
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Come and join us for an overnight trip or a day hike at the popular Bell Mountain Loop Trail. We will meet at the Hwy A TH parking lot (See below) then begin our adventure.
Please plan on bringing your lunch and water (day hikers) as we will eat by the fire at the backpackers' camp site. Backpackers... You know what to bring.. Please plan on bringing all of your water since the creeks are unpredictable with the flow.
If you are signing up for this event, please indicate if you are day hiking or backpacking. We will also post in comments on carpooling options during the week of the trip.
Any questions, please ask.

Distance from Downtown STL: 2 hours/100 miles

Total Length: 12-14 miles (clockwise lollipop loop).

Length to Campsite: 8 miles.

Water: There are supposed to 3 creek crossings at miles 4.6, 5.3, and 6.1 but it's rare other than spring time for these creeks to provide water that you can filter. No water at camp unless you bushwhack from the summit all the way down to Shut-in Creek below. So, bring your water for the trip with you when you leave the trailhead.

Rating: Moderate.

Elevation Gain: +1800 feet.

Camping Type: Outback (no amenities other than what you bring).

Description:
The Bell Mountain loop is one of the most scenic loops in Missouri, providing dramatic views of oak-hickory forests, 500-million-year-old rock formations, and nearby mountains. We’ll start at the Ozark Trail parking lot and climb up the side of the mountain, passing a few glades along the way. Then we'll veer north off the Ozark Trail and onto the Bell Mountain trail, after which we'll take the clockwise route around the loop. The trail will descend slightly into a small valley and cross Joe's Creek three times before climbing back up to the summit of Bell Mountain. We will camp at the backpacker's site there, which overlooks a spectacular gorge and Lindsey Mountain to the southeast, and provides an excellent view of the sunrise. In the morning, we’ll continue clockwise along the loop and reconnect back to the trail.

Directions: From St. Louis, take I-55 S. Exit onto US-67 S; drive 30.2 mi. Turn right onto MO-32 W; drive 19 mi. Turn left onto MO-21 S; drive 4.3 mi. Turn right onto MO-32 W; drive 7.2 mi. Turn left onto Highway A; drive 5.4 mi. Trailhead parking lot is past the Ottery Creek bridge, on the right, at GPS coordinates 37.625771, -90.911125.

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Bell Mountain Overnight or Day Hike

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Bell Mountain Overnight or Day Hike

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