Big Piney Trail - Hiking trail near Roby, Missouri, United States - Description

Big Piney Trail covers a variety of Ozark terrain in Paddy Creek Wilderness. The 17-mile loop trail can be hiked as a 9.7-mile stretch (north section) or the 7.3-mile south section. The trails are rugged and can be challenging for the inexperienced or unprepared hiker. Be sure to tell someone your plans, and don't hike the wilderness alone.

The trail has two separate loops, one northern, 9.7 miles and one southern, 7.3 miles. Hiking in a wilderness area brings its own special challenges along with special delights. The lack of facilities guarantees solitude, and means that you must be well prepared. Be sure to tell someone your plans, and don’t hike the wilderness alone. NO drinking water is available at parking areas or along the trail; bring what you will need, or be prepared to sterilize water you find in the wilderness.

From Roby, MO take Hwy 17 north 1 mile; turn right on gravel Forest Road 274, and go about .6 miles to Roby Lake Recreation Area.

From Licking, MO take Hwy 32 west 4 miles to Hwy N; go 2 miles to Hwy AF, then 7 miles to Big Piney Trail Camp.

Big Piney Trail Camp: This trail camp is open year round. The camp is designed specifically for horse use to reduce impacts to other camping spots. There is no fee for camping and facilities include picnic tables and fire rings.

Roby Lake Recreation Area: This recreation site is one of the 3 trailheads for the Big Piney Trail. Area includes a large parking area for horse trailers, a small lake, and picnic tables.

Paddy Creek Recreation Area: This area serves as the third trailhead access to the Big Piney Trail. It contains a picnic area and campground with 23 sites, all with tables, fire rings, grills and a toilet.