Big Piney Trail
~4 days · 16.6 mi · easy · Loop
Quick facts
What the Big Piney Trail is known for
A 16.5-mile (26.5 km) loop through the Paddy Creek Wilderness in Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri, following Big Piney Creek through Ozark hardwood forest with multiple creek crossings, clear swimming holes, and remote ridge camping. The trail is well-suited for a single overnight with moderate elevation gain. Some creek crossings may require wading, especially in spring.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 3,045 ft to 4,337 ft over 16.6 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 7.2 mi · 44%
- Downhill 7.3 mi · 45%
- Flat 1.7 mi · 11%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Big Piney Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Big Piney Trail scores 10/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Big Piney Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Big Piney Trail in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 16.6 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Big Piney Trail?
The Big Piney Trail climbs roughly 1,522 ft total — about 92 ft per mile, topping out near 1,322 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.