Devils Backbone Wilderness

Named for the long, narrow ridge early settlers called the Devils Backbone, this Wilderness is a distinctive mix of Missouri Ozark flora and fauna, with rugged terrain, spring-fed streams, and the scenic North Fork River. Covering 6,687 acres, it suits day hikes or overnight backpacking. Its central ridge rises to a peak of 1,020 feet, with thirteen miles of maintained foot and horse trails following the Backbone and four other ridges, dropping into surrounding hollows shaded by oak, hickory, and shortleaf pine. Elevations range from 1,020 feet down to 680 feet along the North Fork of the White River, a high-quality, spring-fed Ozark stream fed by Blue, Amber, and McGarr Springs. In spring, dogwood, redbud, and wild azaleas burst with color, while fall brings vivid displays of yellow, orange, and red from oaks, sweetgum, and sugar maples. Limestone glades and open areas offer some of the best wildlife viewing. White-tailed deer, gray squirrels, raccoons, coyotes, red and gray foxes, bobcats, and striped skunks roam the area, along with wild turkeys, red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, bald eagles, turkey vultures, great blue herons, pileated woodpeckers, and various songbirds. Reptiles include copperheads and eastern timber rattlesnakes, which are present but easily avoided. The Wilderness is in Missouri, is managed by the Forest Service, and was designated in 1980.