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Top Ten Fall Forests
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Noted for its beautiful scenic qualities, Mark Twain National Forest lies mostly within the Ozark Plateau, dotted with remnant hills from one of this country's oldest mountains, the Ozarks. Landscapes here range from gently rolling plains to heavily dissected areas with deep sinuous valleys containing clear, cool, spring-fed rivers and streams. Peaks, hills, and knobs of varying heights are scattered throughout. Exposed rock and open glades add visual interest in many areas, and the fall color is vivid—the oaks, sweetgum, and sugar maple put on a show of yellow, orange, and red. Along the river banks, one can find sycamore, Ozark witch hazel, elm, and other bottomland trees.
Plan on being here from mid-October to early November for the peak foliage show, which you can take in from a number of fine scenic drives through the forest. Off the roadways, there are hundreds of miles of trails in the forest, with hiking and mountain biking as good as any you'll find in the central states. And the Ozarks' spring-fed rivers make for famously enjoyable canoe trips.
Fall Classics: The Ozarks
Into the Woods: Hikers should make for the forest's three National Recreation Trails: 24-mile Berryman Trail in the Potosi Ranger District, 5-mile Crane Lake Trail in the Fredericktown Ranger District, and the 31-mile Ridge Runner Trail in the Willow Springs Ranger District; another hot spot is the Devil's Backbone Wilderness. The North Fork of the White River is one of the crown jewels of the Ozark float streams, along with the Meramec, Current, and Eleven Point rivers also offer good canoeing opportunities.
On the Road: The Glade Top Trail Scenic Byway (Forest Road 147) is a 23-mile winding gravel road that will take you through cedar-dotted knobs in the Ava-Cassville Ranger District. The Caney Picnic Area and other stops offer vistas of surrounding glades and northern Arkansas mountains. Skyline Drive in the Eleven Point Ranger District is a four-mile paved loop along a ridgetop off Highway 103, with scenic vistas of surrounding hills and river valleys. Sugar Camp National Scenic Byway also offers ridge-top views of Ozark scenery. Located on the Ava-Cassville Ranger District, the 10-mile forest drive runs between Highway 112 near Roaring River State Park and Highway 86 near Eagle Rock.
Where to Camp: Check out GORP's Mark Twain National Forest listings.
Details mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication
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