Council Bluff Trail
Trailheads Enough Boat Launch and Trailhead Drive there · Wild Boar Boat Launch and Trailhead Drive there
Council Bluff Lake Trailhead the Forest Service's write-up
<strong>Enough Boat Launch:</strong> <ul> <li>No fee</li> </ul> <strong>Wild Boar Hollow Boat Launch:</strong> <ul> <li>$5/vehicle</li> </ul> · season January to December
This 12.4 mile trail circles Council Bluff Lake, the largest of the lakes in the Mark Twain National Forest, and connects to the Council Bluff Recreation Area , providing hiking and mountain biking opportunities along the lake shore, and connecting the developed recreation areas.
Some sections are steep and rocky, providing challenges to the bike riders, and opportunities for hikers to find interesting quartz crystals. Sharp turns, occasional downfall, short steep pitches and occasional stream course crossings provide technical challenges to bike riders.
The proximity to the lake assures a variety of natural vegetation and wildlife, as well as many scenic views.
There are no amenities along the trail, but the adjacent recreation area has drinking water from mid-May through mid-September at the picnic area, vault toilets at several locations, and serves anglers, boaters, campers, picnickers, hikers, bicyclists, and swimmers.
From the Wild Boar Hollow Boat Launch head left towards the campground. You'll follow the lake for a while, crossing the Telleck Brnach. Near the stream is a connector to the Trace Creek Section of the Ozark Trail . From there follow the trail another four miles to the Enough Boat Ramp. On the section between Trace Creek and Enough Boat Ramp follow the old road across a ridge and down through a prarie. There is a bridge that crosses the Big River right before Enough Boat Launch.
From Enough Boat Launch you can continue on the trail to the dam. This portion of the hike is rocky. You'll cross the dam and see the Big River Valley and views across the lake. One mile from the dam is Chapel Hill Beach before continueing on the last two miles back to the trailhead in Wild Boar Hollow Boat Launch.
Trail Map
A printable brochure with a map is available.
Restrictions <em><strong>On the Trail</strong></em> <ul><li>Hiking, Biking and Horseback riding is permitted.</li><li>No motorized vehicles are permitted.</li><li><a href="http://lnt.org/">Leave No Trace</a><b>: </b>Be prepared and minimize your impact.</li><li>Refrain from using the trail during wet conditions.</li><li>Be aware of hunting seasons, and make sure you are visible to hunters.</li></ul><em><strong>At the Trailheads</strong></em> <ul><li>No overnight camping in day use areas at any time of year.</li><li>Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the day use area</li><li>No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.</li><li>Fireworks are prohibited.</li><li>Horses may not be tied directly to trees.</li></ul>
Accessibility <p>There are handicap parking spaces at the beach parking lot. The restrooms are handicap accessible at all locations.</p>
Enough Boat Launch and Trailhead the Forest Service's write-up
No fees · season January to December
Enough Boat Launch is a single-lane gravel launch. Over by the Enough boat launch there is an abundance of lily pads. Because this lake was built due to dam construction there are trees in the lake by this boat launch and around the perimeter of the lake. Once you are in the middle of the lake and by the beach there are few submerged trees from the flooding to create the lake.
There are two entrances to the Council Bluff Trail at the boat launch. You walk through the boat launch if you are hiking on the trail. One entrance is on the right-hand side, facing away from the water, where you launch boats. The other trailhead is right next to the parking area. Both entrances have carsonite signs to mark them. There are picnic tables centrally located near the picnic area.
Restrictions <ul><li>No overnight camping in the day use area at any time of year.</li><li>Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the day use area</li></ul><ul><li>No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.</li><li>Fireworks are prohibited.</li><li>No motorized vehicles permitted on trail system.</li><li>No motorized vehicles beyond posted signs.</li></ul>
Accessibility <p>The toilet is handicap accessible</p>
Wild Boar Boat Launch and Trailhead the Forest Service's write-up
<strong>Concession Fees -</strong> <ul> <li><em><strong>Boat Ramp Day-Use Fees:</strong></em> <ul> <li>$5 per vehicle</li> <li>$10 per bus</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <strong>Season Day Use Pass</strong> <ul> <li>$20 - good at all Mark Twain National Day-Use Areas.</li> </ul> · season January to December
Wild Boar Hollow Boat Launch is a single-lane concrete launch with a boat dock. If you are using a motorized watercraft it may be preferable to launch from Wild Boar Hollow.
The trailhead for the Council Bluff trail is located in the boat launch directly off the parking area.
Restrictions <ul><li>No overnight camping in day use areas at any time of year.</li><li>Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the day use area</li><li>No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.</li><li>Fireworks are prohibited.</li><li>Horses may not be tied directly to trees.</li></ul>