Bell Mountain Wilderness Area
Bell Mountain Wilderness Area is a 9,000 acre wilderness of beautiful Ozark mountain. Glades cover parts of Bell Mountain offering amazing views of the pristine wilderness. The views are some of the best in the state.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Length: 8 mile out and back from the FT-12 Trailhead
10 mile out and back from the southern trailhead
11 mile lollipop loop from the FT-12 Trailhead
12 mile lollipop loop from the southern trailhead
9 mile point to point from trailhead to trailhead
Scenery: 5 Stars
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Length: 8 mile out and back from the FT-12 Trailhead
10 mile out and back from the southern trailhead
11 mile lollipop loop from the FT-12 Trailhead
12 mile lollipop loop from the southern trailhead
9 mile point to point from trailhead to trailhead
Scenery: 5 Stars
Note: I've only done an out and back from the FT-12 Trailhead. The following pictures are of that hike.
The entire four mile hike to the summit from the FT-12 Trailhead is very gradual and moderate. The trail follows old roads on ridges. There aren't any great views from the ridge until you reach the summit.
Two and a half miles in, you will reach the junction with the Joe's Creek Loop. About a mile after the junction, you'll reach the top of the mountain. There is a glade with great views of Joe's Creek valley and the hills beyond soon after you get to the top.
Panorama
Here is a panorama of the above glade. Click on it for a larger image.
The summit
After a 100 yds. or so after the first glade, there will be side trails leading to glades overlooking the Shut-in Creek valley, Lindsey Mountain, and the rest of the Wilderness Area. This is a great overlook and there is almost no signs of humans.
Summit Panorama
A panoramic image from the summit. Click for a larger view.
From the summit, turn around and hike back out the way you came for an 8 mile trip. If you want a longer trip, continue over the mountain and hike around the Joe's Creek Loop for an 11 mile lollipop loop.