The Hercules-Glades Wilderness is a rugged and remote area known for its diverse landscapes, including forests, glades, and rocky bluffs.
The Hercules-Glades Wilderness is a 12,413-acre protected area located in the Ozark Mountains of southwestern Missouri. This wilderness area offers visitors a chance to explore rugged terrain, diverse ecosystems, and stunning natural beauty. Here are some of the most popular points of interest in the Hercules-Glades Wilderness:
Long Creek Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the heart of the Hercules-Glades Wilderness. The waterfall cascades over a series of rocky ledges into a crystal-clear pool below, creating a serene and tranquil setting. Visitors can hike to Long Creek Falls along the Long Creek Trail, which winds through lush forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The Coy Bald Trail is a popular hiking trail that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Hercules-Glades Wilderness. The trail winds through dense forests, rocky outcroppings, and open meadows, providing hikers with a diverse and challenging terrain to explore. At the summit of Coy Bald, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a must-see destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Piney Creek Wilderness is a designated wilderness area within the Hercules-Glades Wilderness that offers a remote and pristine natural environment for visitors to explore. The wilderness area is home to rugged limestone bluffs, clear spring-fed streams, and dense oak-hickory forests, providing a habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. Hikers can explore the Piney Creek Wilderness via a network of trails that meander through the rugged terrain, offering a chance to experience the beauty and solitude of this untouched wilderness.
Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or just looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the Hercules-Glades Wilderness offers a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors to enjoy.
Description: The main waterfall at Hercules Glades Wilderness in Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri. There are two other major waterfalls in the park.
Image by OzarkMan417 – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia