The Paddy Creek Wilderness is a

wilderness area Wilderness or wildlands (usually in the plural), are natural environments on Earth that have not been significantly modified by human activity or any nonurbanized land not under extensive agricultural cultivation. The term has traditionally re ...

in the

U.S. state In the United States, a state is a constituent political entity, of which there are 50. Bound together in a political union, each state holds governmental jurisdiction over a separate and defined geographic territory where it shares its sove ...

Missouri Missouri is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States. Ranking 21st in land area, it is bordered by eight states (tied for the most with Tennessee): Iowa to the north, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee to the east, Arkansas t ...

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...

. The

United States Congress The United States Congress is the legislature of the federal government of the United States. It is bicameral, composed of a lower body, the House of Representatives, and an upper body, the Senate. It meets in the U.S. Capitol in Washing ...

designated it wilderness in 1983. Paddy Creek Wilderness is located within the Houston-Rolla Ranger District, of the

Mark Twain National Forest Mark Twain National Forest (MTNF) is a U.S. National Forest located in the southern half of Missouri. MTNF was established on September 11, 1939. It is named for author Mark Twain, a Missouri native. The MTNF covers of which is public owned, ...

, northwest of

Licking, Missouri Licking is a city located in Texas County, Missouri, United States. The population was 3,124 at the 2010 census, making it the most populous city in Texas County. Geography Licking is located in north central Texas County in the Ozarks of southe ...

. It was named for Big and Little Paddy Creeks that run through the area. The Paddy Creek Wilderness is one of eight wilderness areas protected and preserved in Missouri
Big Piney Trail
is a long loop that traverses this wilderness area and is popular among avid backpackers. The loop trail can be hiked as a stretch (north section) or the south section. The trails are rugged and can be challenging for the inexperienced or unprepared hiker. Horseback riding is also common on the Piney Creek Trail. The Paddy Creek Recreation Area is nearby, and offers many camping amenities. There are many single sites, and a few double sites available. There is also fishing access on the Big Piney River, via a trail access from the campground.

External links

Missouri Wilderness Areas

Hike Report and Directions

IUCN Category Ib Protected areas of Texas County, Missouri Wilderness areas of Missouri Mark Twain National Forest Protected areas established in 1983 1983 establishments in Missouri {{Missouri-protected-area-stub

See also

External links