Hercules-Glades Wilderness

Kissee Mills, Missouri

May 10, 2025

It was a beautiful day for a hike. This trail was mostly in the trees but once in awhile there was an opening and I could see off into the distance quite a long way. At one clearing, I was able to see the fog that I had driven through rising up among the mountains in the distance. I really didn’t see much wildlife while walking the trail, just a couple of squirrels but on the drive to the trailhead, I saw deer, wild turkeys, and lots of squirrels and chipmunks. This is an out and back trail that let me do about 6 miles.

The parking lot at the trailhead is very small and only about couple of vehicles will fit. I came down on Highway 125 East of Springfield and when I turned the last time to reach the trailhead, the road was still paved but almost a one lane road. Luckily going in and coming out, I was the only vehicle on the road. Along this stretch of road, there are several older buildings that are in decay but are neat to see. There is also a cabin that can be rented out, a cemetery, and an old abandoned post office. The old house beside the post office probably housed the postmaster back in the day.

The trail itself was an easy to moderate trail. There are times when you will walk on rocks, dirt, and small rocks. It is mostly downhill to get to the waterfall so coming back is mostly uphill. I really didn’t have any trouble and felt it was more of an easy hike. The trail isn’t marked but is pretty easy to follow. You probably won’t have cell signal so I would suggest getting a map or downloading a trail map and directions before you go.

There is a junction of Blair Ridge, Coy Bald, and Long Creek trail which is marked but you may not see the signs until you turn around to leave. The signs are nailed to trees and the wooden signed blended in really well with the surroundings.

If you follow the Blair Ridge/Long Creek Trail at this junction, it is short lived. I followed it for a little and was able to get down to the water but for the most part the trail(s) stops here. There was a camp set up when I was here but I didn’t see anyone.

I turned around and followed the Coy Bald Trail to the falls. On this side of the creek/water, you can hear the falls but really can’t see them but I was able to find a crossing using the rocks to get across and get to the falls. Even for all the rain the area has had recently, the water wasn’t very high but it was flowing.

When I reached the falls, there was another camp set up and there were several people there. The falls were small but I was able to rock hop and walk out into the middle. Here there are several little falls connecting in this area. If you don’t want to cross the water, I would suggest following the Coy Bald Trail down to the falls. I hope to one day go back and hike that trail.

Overall, a very nice hike and a peaceful one. There are no facilities so plan accordingly.

I have several photos and videos from the day on my Facebook page located at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571357578836&s