Rural Missouri - May 2019 - 16

RM

| OUTDOORS

SUMMERING
TWAIN
Missouri's national forest has fun for all tastes

by Zach Smith | zsmith@ruralmissouri.coop
photos by Jim McCarty | jmccarty@ruralmissouri.coop

F

rom its celebrated state parks to its hundreds of conservation areas, Missouri isn't
short on opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors in nearly any way imaginable. And one
of its biggest natural assets, named after its most
famous author, may be one of its best kept secrets.
The Mark Twain - Missouri's only national forest - covers more than 1.5 million acres of scenic
grandeur across six ranger districts and nine individual tracts. Best of all, no section is more than a
few hours drive from any corner of the state.
Boasting more than 1,100 miles of trails and
streams plus campgrounds, day use areas and even
ATV tracks, there's truly an activity for all ages and
abilities in Missouri's "big woods."

DRIVE THE GLADE TOP TRAIL

One of the premier scenic highways in the state happens to be close to a family favorite summer vacation destination. But take a drive down the winding
pass of the Glade Top Trail and you'll feel like you're
in another world. Less than one hour east of Branson, the 23-mile stretch of road provides a roller
coaster of a different sort 500 feet above the forest
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ridges and runs south from Smallet, branching off
to Longrun and Reuter. Seven overlooks along the
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teau and the Boston Mountains in Arkansas.

FLOAT AND FISH THE ELEVEN POINT RIVER

More than 50 years after it was designated one of
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an iconic symbol of Missouri's natural beauty and
a centerpiece of the river culture that embodies the
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bow trout or smallmouth bass - on to the end of
their line. Bolstered by Greer Spring, the world's
10th largest, the stream provides cool relief and a
lot of fun well through the dog days of summer.

BIKE, HIKE OR RIDE THE BERRYMAN
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summer, every ranger district in Mark Twain offers
a place to pedal, trek or trot down the trail. One of
the most popular and remote options in the state is
Berryman National Recreation Trail located roughly
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hosts annual 50-mile and marathon races, while the
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16

RURAL MISSOURI | MAY 2019

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back riders favor the route from Harmon Spring to
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Area is limited to hiking.
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Located in the northernmost section of Mark Twain,
36 miles of trail have sections for hiking, biking and
riding plus great spots for viewing wildlife.

RIDE CHADWICK AND SUTTON BLUFF

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or mule? Motorcycles, dirt bikes and off-road vehiFOHVDUHZHOFRPHLQ0DUN7ZDLQWRRVSHFLÀFDOO\DW
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Branson, the recreation area offers campgrounds
plus 80 miles of trails perfect for beginner- to
expert-level riders. UTVs and side-by-sides more
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sures and information on how and where to purchase the off-highway vehicle (OHV) permit.

you want to help part-time with a seasonal project
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through the Adopt-A-Trail program, there are many
opportunities to stay active in the outdoors while
helping to highlight Missouri's treasured national
forest.
For more information on the Mark Twain National
Forest visit www.fs.usda.gov/main/mtnf. For more
information on volunteer opportunities, visit www.
volunteer.gov, email jane.mobley@usda.gov or call
573-996-2153.

STAY AT MARKHAM SPRINGS OR KICK BACK
AT LOGGERS LAKE
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in the splendor of the outdoors. Markham Spring
has primitive and electric sites, but the gem of
this campground on the Black River is the historic
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stone house that can be rented through October. A
rentable pavilion provides shade for family reunions
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watching or hot dog and marshmallow roasting, the
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up to the 22-acre spring-fed lake that's perfect for
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nient day use area.

VOLUNTEER
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consider giving back to the Mark Twain system by
volunteering. Nearly every schedule and skill can
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stay onsite, greet campers, assist with information and help keep campsites and facilities clean
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http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mtnf http://www.volunteer.gov http://www.volunteer.gov
Rural Missouri - May 2019

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