Irish Wilderness

Hike Name: Irish Wilderness Location: southeast MO Length: 13 Submitted by: James Brockman Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Missouri trail reviews Missouri national parks Missouri state parks
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Description
Although the White Oak Creek trail is 18 miles in length, making a complete loop, our hike was 8 miles in to Bliss Springs along the North section of the trail.

There is ample parking at the Camp 5 Trailhead and the trail begins on the west end of the dam at the lake.

This is actually near the highest point in the wilderness with elevation varying from 900 ft in the eastern section to 500 feet along the Eleven Point River.

The trail is not well marked and, at times, is difficult to follow. However, there are sufficient markers to confirm you are on the correct trail during the hike. At times, you will recognize the trail more by "feel" than by sight. However, it follows rolling ground for the first 4 miles with only two short, easy climbs until you reach the Brawley Pond Trailhead spur. Along the way, you will pass through a hardwood forest with scattered pines. The views from the ridgetops into the ravines allows for good vistas during the fall color season. Shortly before reaching the Brawley Pond trailhead, the trail passes through one of the only thickets of pine on the north loop. Continuing west, it remains fairly flat and the trail is more clearly marked west of the Brawley spur. Upon nearing the Eleven Point River, the trail begins to descend around the ridge spurs dropping off rapidly toward Bliss Spring.

Here you will find crystal clear water bubbling from the ground, forming a stream which slowly moves toward the Eleven Point. About 100 feet down stream from the spring is a nice, although short, cascade/fall that is definately a Kodak moment.

From Bliss, the trail continues toward the River Camp and the South Loop. Our journey brought us back out to the Brawley trailhead for a 13 mile trip.

Water is scarce along the north loop and in early November (with no significant fall rain) was virtually non existent. There is one small pond at about the three mile marker, but looks to be hard on a filter and we preferred not to use it.

Directions to Hike
From Doniphan, take US 160 West to Highway J.

7 miles north to the trailhead. The marker there does not indicate there is a trail but reads "Mark Twain National Forest--Irish Wildnerness".

About 100 feet down the gravel road there is a parking lot looking out across the lake. The trail is marked at its beginning on the west side of the dam.

Contact Information
Main Office
Doniphan/Eleven Point Ranger District
1104 Walnut
Doniphan, MO 63935
(573) 996-2153
(573) 996-5410 TTY

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