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Mark Twain National Forest
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Hike till You Drop
The short, sharp Ozark Mountains pack a surprising wallop, but the hardest part of hiking in these hills is deciding which trail to take. Mark Twain presents a tempting array of 742 miles of trail, including nationally renowned gems like the 24-mile Berryman Trail, the 22-mile Ridge Runner Trail, and the five-mile Crane Lake Trail in the Fredericktown Ranger District. All three are classified as National Recreation Trails. Then there's the 500-plus mile Ozark Trail, a sizable portion of which courses through the forest. If you're inclined, hop on and keep going.
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Tackle Knobs with Knobbies
Although wilderness areas are closed to mechanical transportation of any kind, more than half of the 742 miles of Mark Twain's trails are open to mountain bikes, including such primo rides as the rugged six-mile Noblett Lake Loop and the North Fork Loop, which is part of the Ozark Trail. Or gear up for the Kaintuck Hollow Trail, which courses through oak interspersed with cedar, dogwood, and spruce. The trail gets pretty hairy in places, which together with the wildflowers and berries dotting the landscape make for a beautiful, unforgettable journey.
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Paddle Year-round
Kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and inner tubing the 350 miles of floatable streams within the forest's boundaries is popular for up-close views of rocky bluffs, caves, flora, and fauna. The forest also has seasonal whitewater (spring and fall, generally) in the Potosi-Fredericktown Ranger District, but for the most part the forest's waterways are too shallow for whitewater rafting. For year-round paddling, try the pristine Ozark National Scenic Riverway, renowned for mild winters and scenery unchanged since the days of the Indians.
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Drive the Ridge Tops
For scenic driving that's tops in Middle America, try the Glade Top Trail (Forest Road 147), a 17-mile gravel road that rides across cedar-topped knobs with spectacular views of surrounding glades and the Arkansas Mountains. It's so good, it's designated a national scenic byway. Another worthwhile trip is Sugar Camp Road, which touts 10 miles of ridge-top views of the Ozarks.
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Go Wild for a Day
Mark Twain is popular with hunters, trappers, fishermen, and wildlife photographers alike. Wildlife abounds from the low hardwoods to the upland oak, hickory, and pines. The fortunate — and stealthy — may spot a coyote or bobcat. Hunters should note that wild turkey is in season in the fall, just in time for Thanksgiving. And for the fisherman, the many lakes, rivers, and streams in the region are well stocked.
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