- Region
- MO, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit requirements, campi…
- Managed by
- United States Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, Ava-Cassville-Willow Springs Ranger District, Willow Springs portion
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Photos of Devils Backbone Wilderness
How to get there
Devils Backbone Wilderness lies near Willow Springs, Missouri, within the Willow Springs portion of the Ava-Cassville-Willow Springs Ranger District of Mark Twain National Forest. Confirm trailhead locations and road approaches with the Forest Service before traveling; an interior wilderness map point is not a trailhead or road-access destination.
Sources: usgs.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
MO, USA · United States
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Horseback Riding
A ridge-and-hollow wilderness in the Missouri Ozarks
Devils Backbone Wilderness occupies 6,687 acres in Missouri’s Mark Twain National Forest, near Willow Springs. Its defining feature is the long, narrow central ridge that early settlers called the Devils Backbone. The ridge reaches 1,020 feet, while the lowest ground lies at about 680 feet along the North Fork of the White River. That elevation range describes a landscape of repeated climbs and descents rather than one sustained ascent. Oak, hickory, and shortleaf pine shade the surrounding hollows, with limestone glades and open areas breaking up the forest. Designated wilderness in 1980, the area is managed by the United States Forest Service. It suits day hiking and overnight backpacking, especially for visitors interested in wooded ridges, spring-fed water, and the varied terrain of the Missouri Ozarks.
Planning a hike or overnight trip
Thirteen miles of maintained foot and horse trails follow the Backbone and four other ridges, descending into the hollows between them. Treat that figure as the length of the overall trail network, not as a single marked route or loop. A day hike can focus on ridge terrain, while an overnight trip allows more time to explore the changes between high ground and stream valleys. Carry a detailed trail map and confirm current trailhead locations, connections, and conditions with the Forest Service before choosing an itinerary. Expect to share trails with horses and allow room when passing. The rugged terrain makes elevation changes an important part of planning, even where the mileage looks modest. Confirm permit requirements and overnight-use rules with the managing agency before departure.
Streams, seasonal color, and wildlife
The North Fork of the White River is a spring-fed Ozark stream supplied here by Blue, Amber, and McGarr Springs. Water and shaded hollows provide a different setting from the narrow ridges and limestone openings. Carry drinking water or a suitable treatment method rather than assuming spring-fed water is safe to drink untreated. Spring brings flowering dogwood, redbud, and wild azaleas; fall color comes from oaks, sweetgum, and sugar maples. Limestone glades and other open areas are useful places to watch for wildlife. Deer, wild turkeys, pileated woodpeckers, and red-tailed hawks are among the area’s animals and birds. Copperheads and eastern timber rattlesnakes also occur here. Watch where hands and feet go, give snakes space, and leave wildlife undisturbed rather than approaching for a closer view.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Devils Backbone Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 36.7360, -92.1461
- Latitude (DMS)
- 36° 44′ 9.7″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 92° 8′ 45.8″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Devils Backbone Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
A long, narrow ridge (the backbone) supports the center of this Wilderness, with 1,020 feet at its highest elevation. Thirteen miles of maintained foot and horse trails follow the Devils Backbone and four...
Key takeaways
- Region: MO, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 36.736, -92.146
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Devils Backbone Wilderness
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
- Horseback Riding
Stock-legal trail and forage rules.
Animals around Devils Backbone Wilderness
Wildlife guideBlack bearUrsus americanus
Big gameWhitetail DeerOdocoileus virginianus
GamefishLargemouth BassMicropterus nigricans
Wildlife guideWild turkeyMeleagris gallopavo
Big gameWild HogSus scrofa
GamefishRed DrumSciaenops ocellatus
Big gameBlack BearUrsus americanus
GamefishSpotted SeatroutCynoscion nebulosus
A ridge-and-hollow wilderness in the Missouri Ozarks
Devils Backbone Wilderness occupies 6,687 acres in Missouri’s Mark Twain National Forest, near Willow Springs. Its defining feature is the long, narrow central ridge that early settlers called the Devils Backbone. The ridge reaches 1,020 feet, while the lowest ground lies at about 680 feet along the North Fork of the White River. That elevation range describes a landscape of repeated climbs and descents rather than one sustained ascent. Oak, hickory, and shortleaf pine shade the surrounding hollows, with limestone glades and open areas breaking up the forest. Designated wilderness in 1980, the area is managed by the United States Forest Service. It suits day hiking and overnight backpacking, especially for visitors interested in wooded ridges, spring-fed water, and the varied terrain of the Missouri Ozarks.
Planning a hike or overnight trip
Thirteen miles of maintained foot and horse trails follow the Backbone and four other ridges, descending into the hollows between them. Treat that figure as the length of the overall trail network, not as a single marked route or loop. A day hike can focus on ridge terrain, while an overnight trip allows more time to explore the changes between high ground and stream valleys. Carry a detailed trail map and confirm current trailhead locations, connections, and conditions with the Forest Service before choosing an itinerary. Expect to share trails with horses and allow room when passing. The rugged terrain makes elevation changes an important part of planning, even where the mileage looks modest. Confirm permit requirements and overnight-use rules with the managing agency before departure.
Streams, seasonal color, and wildlife
The North Fork of the White River is a spring-fed Ozark stream supplied here by Blue, Amber, and McGarr Springs. Water and shaded hollows provide a different setting from the narrow ridges and limestone openings. Carry drinking water or a suitable treatment method rather than assuming spring-fed water is safe to drink untreated. Spring brings flowering dogwood, redbud, and wild azaleas; fall color comes from oaks, sweetgum, and sugar maples. Limestone glades and other open areas are useful places to watch for wildlife. Deer, wild turkeys, pileated woodpeckers, and red-tailed hawks are among the area’s animals and birds. Copperheads and eastern timber rattlesnakes also occur here. Watch where hands and feet go, give snakes space, and leave wildlife undisturbed rather than approaching for a closer view.
Route options
- Backbone ridge hike
Plan a hike using the maintained trails that follow the wilderness’s namesake central ridge. This is a terrain-based trip option, not a verified named loop; confirm the starting trailhead and trail connections with the Forest Service.
- Ridge-and-hollow backpacking trip
Build an overnight itinerary around the maintained foot and horse trails that follow the Backbone and four other ridges and descend into wooded hollows. Use a current trail map to establish connections and confirm overnight-use rules before selecting a route.
Sample itineraries
- Backbone Ridge Day Hike · 1 day
Plan a day hike on maintained trails following the central Devils Backbone ridge. Allow time for rugged terrain and descents into wooded hollows. Choose the route and turnaround using a current trail map; the wilderness has thirteen miles of foot and horse trails.
- Ridges and Hollows Overnight · 2 days
Plan an overnight backpack through the ridge-and-hollow landscape, with time to explore oak, hickory, and shortleaf pine woods. Select a route on maintained trails and confirm camping rules and access with the Forest Service before departure.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring flowering season
Dogwood, redbud, and wild azaleas add color across the Ozark landscape. Plan time for slow walking through wooded hollows, and check weather before committing to a ridge hike.
Summer
Summer
Wooded hollows provide shade, while limestone glades and open areas offer less cover. Carry drinking water, plan breaks, and adjust hiking effort to the forecast and rugged terrain.
Fall
Fall foliage season
Oaks, sweetgum, and sugar maples bring yellow, orange, and red foliage. Ridge trails and wooded hollows offer different perspectives on the seasonal color; allow enough daylight for elevation changes.
Winter
Winter
Choose clothing and trip length for the current forecast. Rugged ridges and descents into hollows still require careful footing; carry insulation and leave enough time to return before dark.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring flowering season | Dogwood, redbud, and wild azaleas add color across the Ozark landscape. Plan time for slow walking through wooded hollows, and check weather before committing to a ridge hike. |
| Summer | Summer | Wooded hollows provide shade, while limestone glades and open areas offer less cover. Carry drinking water, plan breaks, and adjust hiking effort to the forecast and rugged terrain. |
| Fall | Fall foliage season | Oaks, sweetgum, and sugar maples bring yellow, orange, and red foliage. Ridge trails and wooded hollows offer different perspectives on the seasonal color; allow enough daylight for elevation changes. |
| Winter | Winter | Choose clothing and trip length for the current forecast. Rugged ridges and descents into hollows still require careful footing; carry insulation and leave enough time to return before dark. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements, camping rules, and access conditions with the Forest Service’s Ava-Cassville-Willow Springs Ranger District.
Official source: TRAILS project, Devils Backbone Wilderness, Missouri · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Rugged terrain and repeated ridge-to-hollow elevation changes can make progress slower than expected.
- Copperheads and eastern timber rattlesnakes occur here. Watch foot placement and give any snake room to move away.
- Foot and horse trails are shared. Stay alert for approaching horses and give riders space to pass.
- Spring-fed streams are not a substitute for a drinking-water plan. Carry water and treat any collected water before drinking.
What to pack for Devils Backbone Wilderness
- Current trail map and compass
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Footwear with dependable traction
- Weather-appropriate layers
- Rain protection
- Sun protection for glades and open areas
- Drinking water and carrying capacity
- Water-treatment supplies
- Food and secure storage
- Shelter and forecast-appropriate sleep system for overnight trips
Devils Backbone Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Devils Backbone Wilderness?
- It lies near Willow Springs, Missouri, in Mark Twain National Forest. The Forest Service manages it within the Willow Springs portion of the Ava-Cassville-Willow Springs Ranger District.
- What is the terrain like?
- A long, narrow central ridge gives the wilderness its name. Trails follow the Backbone and four other ridges, descending into shaded hollows. Elevations range from 1,020 feet to 680 feet along the North Fork of the White River.
- How much hiking is available?
- The wilderness has thirteen miles of maintained foot and horse trails. Both day hiking and overnight backpacking suit the area; choose a route that accounts for rugged terrain rather than mileage alone.
- What water features define the area?
- The North Fork of the White River is a spring-fed Ozark stream. Blue, Amber, and McGarr Springs feed it, and spring-fed streams are a defining feature of the wilderness.
- Where should visitors look for wildlife?
- Limestone glades and open areas offer good wildlife-viewing opportunities. Watch quietly from a distance. The area supports woodland mammals, wild turkeys, raptors, herons, woodpeckers, and songbirds.
- Are bicycles allowed?
- Mechanical transport, including bicycles, is generally prohibited in wilderness areas, as is motorized equipment. Plan to explore on foot or horseback and confirm current local regulations with the Forest Service.