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PADDY CREEK WILDERNESS
This 7035-acre wilderness is located in northwestern Texas County,Mo. In the early 1800’s Sylvester Paddy began the first logging of the area, transporting timber from this area by river to St. Louis. Until the 1930’s the area was homesteaded and grazed as open range. It became federally designated wilderness in 1983.
Big Paddy and Little Paddy Creeks characterize the Paddy Creek Wilderness with steep cliffs and rock outcrops along the drainages. These creeks have water in them throughout most of the year. In the Wilderness are a few old fields in drainages but the rest is forested. Black, white, and post oaks, hickories and shortleaf pine are the main trees. Throughout the area, wildlife typical of the Missouri Ozarks is present. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrel, rabbit, fox, coyote and bobcat are common. There are also black bear,beaver, and the mysterious Screech owl living in these woods.
This campground is nestled in a hollow along Paddy Creek, a major tributary to the Big Piney River, 1/2 mile away. It provides a picnic area and 23 campsites. It is located adjacent to the east boundary of the Paddy Creek Wilderness and is one of the 3 trailheads for the Big Piney Trail.Paddy Creek flows year-round and is a crystal clear wading creek. There are no camp fees, but please leave a donation.
Trails: There are 18 miles of designated trails within the wilderness. The elevation of the area changes 500 feet between a point near Roby Tower on the western edge of the area, and Paddy Creek as it meets the eastern boundary of the Wilderness. Signs and trail marking are minimal or non-existent and the use of maps and compass is recommended. Travel is by foot or on horseback; No Motorized or Mechanized vehicles are permitted.
Directions:
From Roby, MO take Hwy 17 north 2 miles, turn east on Slabtown Road (formerly Forest Road 7600). Go 6 miles and turn south on Paddy Creek Road (formerly Forest Road 220) for 2 miles to recreation area.
