Mark Twain National Forest, spanning 1.5 million acres across Missouri, offers diverse outdoor experiences. This guide covers key attractions, hiking trails, camping sites, and safety tips. From scenic byways to hidden springs, the forest provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Visitor centers and district offices offer information and maps for exploring this vast wilderness area.
What Are the Key Attractions and Landmarks in Mark Twain National Forest?
Mark Twain National Forest boasts several notable attractions and landmarks:
Visitor Centers and Offices
- Supervisor’s Office: 401 Fairgrounds Road, Rolla, MO (Open weekdays 8 am – 4:30 pm)
- District Offices: Located in Ava, Cassville, Cedar Creek, Eleven Point, Fredericktown, Houston/Rolla, Poplar Bluff, Salem/Potosi, and Willow Springs (Open weekdays 8 am – 4:30 pm)
Natural Landmarks
- Greer Spring
- Largest spring in a national forest
- Daily flow: Over 200 million U.S. gallons
- Location: Near Eleven Point Ranger District
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GPS: Approximately 37.2433° N, 91.3433° W
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Glade Top Trail – Caney Picnic Area
- Part of Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs Ranger District
- Features mobile game “Discovery Agents”
- GPS: Approximately 37.0333° N, 92.2333° W
Scenic Byways
- Blue Buck Knob National Forest Scenic Byway
- 24-mile scenic drive
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Passes through farmland, pastures, and wooded hillsides
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Glade Top National Forest Scenic Byway
- Known for panoramic Ozark views
- Seven scenic overlooks
What Are the Top Hiking Trails in Mark Twain National Forest?
Mark Twain National Forest offers diverse hiking experiences. Here are the top five trails:
- Greer Spring Trail
- Length: 1.4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Change: 206 ft
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Features: Old-growth forest, second-largest spring in Missouri
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Berryman Trail
- Length: 27 miles (backpacking loop)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Elevation Change: 2,529 ft
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Features: Showcases forest’s unique aspects, road crossings for shorter hikes
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Ozark Trail
- Length: ~200 miles completed (of planned 500 miles)
- Difficulty: Varies
- Elevation Change: Varies
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Features: Connects St. Louis to Arkansas border
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Taum Sauk Trail
- Length: ~35 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Elevation Change: Significant (includes Missouri’s highest point)
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Features: Part of Ozark Trail system, scenic views
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Council Bluff Trail
- Length: ~12 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Change: ~1,000 ft
- Features: Scenic views, suitable for hiking and horseback riding
What Safety Tips Should Visitors Follow in Mark Twain National Forest?
Ensuring safety is crucial when exploring Mark Twain National Forest. Follow these essential tips:
Wildlife Encounters
- Be aware of black bears, mountain lions, venomous snakes, and feral hogs
- If encountering a predator:
- Back away slowly
- Maintain eye contact
- Avoid turning your back
- Make yourself appear larger and intimidating
Weather Preparedness
- Check weather forecasts before trips
- Bring appropriate seasonal gear (rain gear, warm clothing)
- Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially thunderstorms
Emergency Contact Information
- Carry a cell phone or personal locator beacon (PLB) in remote areas
- Emergency numbers:
- 911 for immediate emergencies
- Local ranger district offices for non-emergency assistance
What Are the Best Camping Sites in Mark Twain National Forest?
Mark Twain National Forest offers various camping options:
Campground Types and Amenities
- Over 20 designated RV campgrounds
- Numerous dispersed camping sites
- Amenities vary by site:
- Picnic tables
- Grills
- Restrooms
- Potable water (at some sites)
- Some primitive sites available
Reservation and Availability
- Some campgrounds: First-come, first-served
- Others: Reservable through National Forest Reservation System or recreation.gov
Proximity to Trails
- Many campgrounds near popular trails (e.g., Greer Spring Trail, Berryman Trail)
Fees and Permits
- Fees vary:
- Free for dispersed camping
- Fees apply for developed campgrounds
- Motorized vehicle use requires valid Mark Twain National Forest permit on certain trails (e.g., Chadwick, Sutton Bluff)