Best Hike In Missouri

**Kerflop** · 07-22-2013, 09:40

So I have a lot going on this year in my life. I am not going to get to get out on the trail till Nov. I am planning a personal trip for myself and a few friends. I looking for some opinion on the best trail in Mo. I am hiking just a little over 4 days, in on a Weds morning and out on a Sun mid morning to mid afternoon. I figure between 10 to 12 miles a day. So 40 to 50 mile loop or end to end... I figure it is going to be on the OT, but what is the best part of that trail? I have heard great things about Bell MT.

I look forward to reading your suggestions...

**Gravity** · 07-22-2013, 11:06

This may help:
http://www.motrails.com/trails.html

**Kerflop** · 07-22-2013, 11:10

Originally Posted by gravitino

This may help:
http://www.motrails.com/trails.html

Oh, I know all about Danny's site and the yahoo group too. But I am more interested in a Hammocker's opinion.

thanks

**hairbear** · 07-22-2013, 13:53

The highway 8 trail head of the O T is 34 miles till bell mountain. If you included that ,you could finish on bell with the return trip down putting you just a few miles over your planned miles. Bell is one of my favorite trails.
When your at the second campsite on the counter clockwise trail direction,you will see a rock fire pit with a flat rock wall behind it.
When you look down from the tallest rock on the left of it there is a hidden spring on the top of the mountain. I wouldnt depend on it for water,id pack mine up from the first hard running spring you come to,but its nice to know there is water up there in case.

**Kerflop** · 07-22-2013, 14:39

That sounds just about right... For the end point, should we park at Hwy A trailhead and back track a little to do Bell Mnt? Or is there another trailhead that maybe I do not see on the maps?

**hairbear** · 07-22-2013, 15:10

One car at hwy A trail head the other at the hwy 8 trail head.
Ive left my car at both for days with no problems.
The stars and sunrise from bell are amazing.

Hwy A trail head will take you onto the O T.
Bell loop seperates from it about a third of the way up.
good luck.

**Kerflop** · 07-22-2013, 15:12

And that would be a great way to end the trip, a night on Bell Mtn... Thanks for the suggestion. I haven't hiked the OT yet, but I have been on many trails throughout Mo.

**hairbear** · 07-22-2013, 15:18

It will get in your blood ,cant wait till I can get up there again.
When your up top look around a little off trail,you can get the 360 view.

**Snopes** · 07-22-2013, 15:46

I'm glad I stumbled onto this thread. I picked up the OT Trail Guidebook last winter and have been trying to decide where to go. I was hoping to do a similar trip in September. I haven't been on the OT at all. Thanks for the advice.