Irish Wilderness

The Irish Wilderness is a rugged forest of oak and hickory with unique karst features, including sinkholes, disappearing streams, and Whites Creek Cave, which is closed to the public. Rich in history, this area was originally settled by Irish immigrants under the guidance of a Catholic priest, Father Hogan, in the mid-1800s. Caught in the chaos of the Civil War, the settlement disappeared, leaving the land to be reclaimed by nature. Today, this Wilderness features rolling hills, steep bluffs, and the year-round flow of Whites Creek, which joins the scenic Eleven Point River. Visitors may encounter black bears, deer, and other Ozark wildlife among the diverse trees including oak, hickory, shortleaf pine, dogwood, persimmon, and sassafras. The 18.6-mile Whites Creek Trail offers scenic views and an immersive backcountry experience.