Bell Mountain Wilderness, Protected wilderness area in Iron County, Missouri.
Bell Mountain Wilderness is a protected nature reserve spanning approximately 9,000 acres with oak-hickory forests, granite rock formations, and multiple streams. The terrain sits within Mark Twain National Forest and offers varied landscapes at different elevations.
Congress officially designated this area as a protected Wilderness in 1980, protecting the forest from development. This designation preserved the region's natural resources for future generations.
The name honors an early settler named Henry Bell who lived in the region. Visitors walk through oak and hickory forests that have drawn outdoor enthusiasts for many years and remain an important refuge for people seeking natural surroundings.
The area offers approximately 12 miles of marked hiking trails that wind through varying elevations and landscapes. Conditions range from flatter creek areas to steeper sections with rock formations, so visitors should prepare for different difficulty levels.
The area contains Shut-In Creek, a year-round stream that has carved deep gorges between steep rock slopes. This constant water source creates conditions for rare habitats and ecosystems that stand out in the otherwise drier mountain region.
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