Missouri Trails

Besides being the first Badge of Honor trail you will likely hit within Southern Missouri Off-Road Ranch, PeeWee Crossing is one of the longest trails in the park. It is a great introductory trail to wheeling within SMORR. Several large ledges with bypasses make this an ideal beginner trail to test your skills. The trail travels along a scenic streambed along the park's north side and offers access to over a dozen more difficult trails where you can continue to develop your offroad prowess.

Like a mini amusement park log ride, Guard Rail wastes no time getting to the action. This Jeep Badge of Honor trail drops a steep grade, meanders through a hardwood forest creekbed, and ends the same way it started, with a steep, long, and potentially challenging grade. This fun, scenic trail, located within Southern Missouri Off-Road Ranch, is a great trail to test your abilities and build your confidence for tackling larger hill climbs you can find throughout the ranch.

Located only an hour east of Springfield, Cougar Crossing is a stock-friendly trail that is a great way to familiarize yourself with your vehicle's capabilities and Southern Missouri Off-Road Ranch. As you navigate the ever-changing contours of the ranch, this trail will have you winding and weaving through tight foliage and navigating a symphony of ascents and descents. Each hill conquered will become a testament to your adventurous spirit and leave you craving to experience more.

If you are looking to spice up your SMORR adventure, then maybe you should check out Rocker Knocker. Not to be confused with the obstacle in Moab, Rocker Knocker in Missouri is a tough trail that will likely put drivers to their test as they navigate this trail. Two obstacles will push you and your nerves to compete. Not to give anything away, most wide stance vehicles can do this trail, but you will have to earn it. If you are looking for challenges, check out this trail.

Karkaghne Scenic Drive is an overall easy drive through the Mark Twain National Forest, aside from one moderate part needing 4WD and clearance. A massive sinkhole is a few hundred feet across and roughly 150 feet deep. Because of this, concrete barriers block the road on either side since the hole is expanding to eat away the road. An unimproved bypass allows for travel. However, it has large rocks, so 4WD and higher clearance may be needed depending on the line taken. For those interested in history, this route is in the general area of the Trail of Tears. Multiple county and Forest Service roads are allowing for further exploration. While there are not many campsites directly off the road, there is a good-sized open area on the south side of the sinkhole. The trail's southern end is pavement until it connects with State Highway 21.

The Glade Top Trail is part of a National Forest Scenic Byway as it meanders through the Mark Twain National Forest Southeast of Springfield, Missouri. The route follows a ridge line with great views of the surrounding countryside. If the weather is good, one can even see into Arkansas on the horizon 40 miles south. There are several overlooks with open areas comprised of limestone and dolomite formations mixed in with woodlands. Near Caney Picnic Area, an old fire tower is no longer used. The tower is fenced off, and climbing it is prohibited.

Additionally, there is a small cave next to the Caney Picnic Area with a short trail to a small entrance. Several campsites can be found to accommodate small or large groups. If you are in the area, this is an easy trail worth visiting.

County Road P-235, on the northern end, starts in the Mark Twain National Forest and then transitions to the Roger Pryor Pioneer Back Country for most of the trail. The southern end, where the road parallels the Current River, is part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Traveling from north to south, it starts as a gravel road on a ridge line. Just before approaching the Current River, there is a steep descent into the valley, where the condition of the decent gravel road begins to get rough with ruts and small rocks. Once at the bottom, there are stream crossings, mud puddles, and dirt. Colwil Lake is worth checking out as there are a few access points along the road and campsites. Once the trail turns back north, it gets a moderate rating due to several water crossings along unnamed creeks, with the final crossing being Blair Creek. Loose rock and varying water depths create challenges, so 4WD is undoubtedly needed. Depending on the time of year, the water depth and width vary at the crossings, so beware. The trail gets tight in a few places, so expect pin striping.

Running between Joneburg and Highway 94, Massas Creek Road is an easy drive for those looking to get out for an afternoon on the trail. There are water crossings, so beware of the weather as water levels vary. On either side of the road is private property, so there is no camping, hiking, or getting out to wander around. The ends of Massas Creek Road are pavement that transitions to gravel. There are large, impressive cliffs close to the road. However, many of them are obscured by the vegetation.

The northern end of CR 283 starts in the Mark Twain National Forest and quickly transitions to the Roger Pryor Pioneer Back Country. The trail starts off innocent enough and then drops to the valley, where the real fun begins. Multiple water crossings, mud/water holes, tight spots, and campsites make for a challenging time. Depending on the time of year, water levels vary, so be cautious when attempting the trail due to the number of water obstacles. The Ozark Trail - Blair Creek Section parallels the route the entire time. There are some short side trails available for exploration. CR 283 is worth checking out if you're looking for a challenge.

Lost Creek Road is a great road to check out. The northern end of the road is pavement that transitions to gravel. There are several water crossings on the route. Water levels vary depending on the weather activity and time of year, so be cautious at the crossings. There is a waterfall right next to the road when the water is high. No cell service is available along the trail.

For a country road, it is worth the time to check out. Turkey, deer, and eagles are often seen along the trail. Old barns and other structures add a rustic feeling. The trail passes through private property, so you must stay on the road. No camping is available.

Callaway Fork Road is an easy country road to get off the pavement for a little bit. There are a few water crossings along the route, so be cautious of the weather and time of year as water depth varies. Private property is on either side of the road, with no trespassing signs frequently visible from the road. On the western side of the road, there are several cliffs and rock outcroppings. Many of these features are hard to see if the vegetation is in season. Callaway Fork Road is close to the Katy Trail and the Missouri River, so the area has multiple things to do. Unfortunately, there is no camping along this trail.

Charette Creek Road is an easy country route. Private property is on either side of the road the entire way, so there is no hiking or camping. Several rustic old barns and other structures are visible from the road. Cell service is spotty. There are a few water crossings, so beware of the weather and time of year as the water levels vary. Wildlife such as turkeys, deer, and birds can be seen easily depending on the time of day. Cliffs are next to the road. However, they are mostly covered in vegetation depending on the time of year.

Forest Service Road 912 in the Mark Twain National Forest offers great views, camping, rock obstacles to navigate, and creek crossings along the nearly four miles of its length. On either end of 912, there are simple obstacles on the top of the ridges. However, where the trail climbs or descends offers the most exciting obstacles. While there are a few bypasses, plenty of areas remain to provide a good challenge, especially if the area recently had rain. Expect pin striping and the use of 4LO and lockers depending on the chosen line. Rock ledges up to 24 inches are plentiful, and deep ruts offer the opportunity to flex your rig. This trail is a fun one. If you are up for it, check it out!

The track stops at the USFS MVUM limit on the eastern end. However, the heavily used road continues to connect with Skyline Drive.

Tower Road is an easy, graded gravel track through the Daniel Boone Conservation Area. There are multiple campsites for one or more vehicles and a larger camping area for groups or trailers on the trail's north end. Fishing is also permitted at the pond next to the large camping area. The area has hiking trails if you want to set out on foot.

Skyline Drive is part of a National Forest Scenic Byway that snakes through the Mark Twain National Forest Southeast of Springfield, Missouri. The route follows along the ridge line and offers great views of the surrounding countryside. Several campsites can accommodate small to large groups. Side trails drop into the valleys below, begging for further exploration. This trail is a must-see and easy to drive!

Macadoo, within the Mark Twain National Forest, offers amazing views of the valleys below along the ridge top and open areas. Camping opportunities are plentiful and can handle small or large groups. Several side trails offer further exploration along with hiking. If you are in the area, this is an easy trail worth visiting.

Located within Southern Missouri Off-Road Ranch (SMORR), Cold Mountain is a moderate trail with several short rock ledges, a steep hill climb, and a variety of lines to keep the trail interesting for just about any vehicle. This is a straight-through trail that connects Backwoods Road 1 with Gaucho and is the main access point to the Cougar Crossing Badge of Honor trail. The section of Cold Mountain between Backwoods Road 1 and Cougar Crossing is nothing more than a dirt road. The trail then begins descending 134 feet in 1/10th of a mile and traverses a couple of 10 to 12-inch rock ledges before bottoming out in a ravine and offering several lines back up a steep ascent with optional rock ledges up to 14''. This trail is great for beginners and suitable for an aggressive stock vehicle looking for a challenge. A small lift and larger tires make the trail significantly easier.

County Road 242 is part of the Roger Pryor Pioneer Back Country area. The southern half of the route follows Blair Creek, while the northern half climbs out of the valley. The water crossings along the creek make this a fun and challenging trail. Expect pin striping as parts of the trail do get tight. The width and depth of the water crossings vary with the time of year and how much rainfall there has been in the area. Campsites are plentiful on the many gravel bars on the creek. The creek crossings are loose gravel, so 4WD is necessary. There are cliffs and rock outcroppings to see along the trail as well. On the southern half, the Ozark Trail - Blair Creek Section follows the route, so be observant for hikers. As the trail emerges from the valley, there are rock formations to check out.

Reifender Park Road is an easy out-and-back road through the Reifsnider State Forest. There is hiking, fishing, and shooting available. Camping is only authorized during deer hunting season. There is one creek crossing with variable water levels. There are picnic tables and fire rings available halfway through the track. There is a lot to do in a small area, so check it out!

CR 404 wanders directly through the Indian Trail Conservation area. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, shooting at the range, fishing, hunting, visiting the fire tower, and seeing where the Trail of Tears goes through the area. It is well worth the time to check the area out. Campsites are plentiful, from spots for a couple of rigs to larger ones where several vehicles can fit. The northern end starts at State Highway 19 and connects to other trails in the Mark Twain National Forest to the east and south.

Bidwell Creek Road offers an easy drive through the Mark Twain National Forest. There are several campsites and a handful of side trails for additional exploration. Crisscrossing through the area is the John J. Audubon Trail. Generally, the trail follows the top of a ridgeline with potential views through the trees to the valley below. Each end of the trail is private property that is clearly marked. While the trail's northern end shows it can connect to Boyd Road, emplaced barriers prevent it.

County Road 19-250 is an easy drive through Roger Pryor Pioneer Back Country. There are good descents and climbs along the length of the road, with several side trails and camping to check out. There are a few creek crossings, so be mindful of the weather and time of year with water levels. The last little bit of the west end of the road is concrete, where there is access to Echo Bluff State Park and Highway 19.

CR 903 is an easy drive through the Mark Twain National Forest. Several other county and Forest Service roads branch off for additional exploration. There are campsites close to the main trail, although most are located on the side trails. For those interested in history, this road is part of the area for the Trail of Tears, as shown on signs for the area. It is worth checking out for those looking for a drive in the woods.

CR 238 offers a challenging trail full of water crossings, water holes, mud holes, tight spots, campsites, and cliffs along Blair Creek in the Roger Pryer Pioneer Back Country. The trail parallels the Ozark Trail - Blair Creek Section the entire way. The water level varies depending on the time of year, so consider this when taking this route. Expect pin striping and bring recovery gear. The junction of CR 283 and 238 has a deep water hole, so beware.

Additionally at the junction, there is a part of 238 that goes up the hill to the northwest. However, there is a sign saying it is closed to motor vehicles. The only way to go is south.

County Road 19-203 is an easy route weaving its way through the Ozark National Scenic Riverways for the most part. The trail starts just outside of Eminence, Missouri, off Highway 19, where it follows alongside the Jacks Fork River and ultimately ends at the Current River. There are great campsites, river views, and cliffs along the route. Connecting roads along the way offers options to explore other parts of the countryside. It is worth the time to check out!

Moonshine is a straight-through, U-shaped trail that starts and ends on Backwoods Road, intersecting with Rattler halfway through. The trail can be run in either direction and offers nearly a perfect mirror of the trail on each side of the U. No matter which direction you travel, you first encounter an extreme off-camber descent down a shade-covered and often muddy trail that leans your top half hard into the surrounding oak trees. You then descend a steep and slippery 5-foot limestone wall, where you cross over Rattler and attempt to climb up a steep and slippery 5-foot limestone wall. To exit the trail, you ascend a shade-covered, often muddy track that leans extremely off-camber into hard oak trees. This trail is best for experienced drivers in heavily modified vehicles with large tires, lockers, and body armor. Vehicles with tops should avoid this trail. Body damage is a high possibility.

Road 2220 is an easy drive through Roger Pryor Pioneer Back Country. For the most part, the road is on a ridge the whole way. The west end drops into a valley to connect with two other roads. There are several side trails and camping to check out. It is worth checking out to explore the area.

Pigeon Roost Road goes between Missouri State Highway 8 and State Highway P within the Mark Twain National Forest. The road generally travels on a ridge and is an easy drive. There is nothing technical about the road itself. It serves as a great access road to several side trails and lakes in the area. On the western end, the Ozark Trail crosses the road a couple of times and parallels it. Both ends have pavement to start with before transitioning to gravel. There are a few established campsites, along with some clearings from logging activities. Thick forest prevents views out for the most part aside from a few logging areas.

Traveling between Rocker Knocker and Backwoods Road, Rattler is named after the very first obstacle encountered on the trail, a gnarly, bowled, and smoothed 8-foot limestone wall. This trail can be run in either direction, but uphill from north to south is generally preferred. The best line for conquering the waterfall depends on your vehicle's width and how far your tires stick out from your vehicle's body. Generally, keeping the passenger tire in the crack most of the way up works but can result in body damage to fenders and rock sliders. The first obstacle offers a bypass, but it is a 10-foot stair-stepping wall. After the waterfall, a steep and loose bouldery climb awaits with several more 2-foot ledges. This trail is best for highly modified vehicles with large tires, lockers, body armor, and a winch. Rollovers and body damage are highly likely.

CR 433 is an easy drive through the Mark Twain National Forest. There are campsites along the road, although most are on the side trails. The one pictured had not been used in quite some time. Overall, the route serves as a good connector to other roads in the area, with the southern end stopping at State Highway 32.

MDC-350 travels through the middle of the Sunklands Conservation Area. It is an easy trail with several side roads to explore. Campsites are frequent in the dense trees of the forest, so it is easy to find a secluded spot. While the route is primarily on a ridge, it is hard to see much due to the trees. If you want to get out in the middle of a forest, look no further!

County Road 19-324 is an easy forest trail through the Sunklands Conservation Area and Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The majority of the route travels on the top of a ridge, while the eastern end drops down into the valley and connects to Highway 19. There are campsites and side trails to explore. Much of the views are obscured because of the dense trees. Round Spring and Echo Bluff State Park are close by, so there is plenty to check out in the area.

County Road P-159 offers a great way to see the sights of the Peck Ranch Conservation Area. Aside from shallow water crossings, the trail is not a challenge. Peck Ranch Conservation Area is home to Missouri's wild elk population and offers various hunting activities, hiking, shooting, wildlife watching, and camping. Stegall Mountain on the northern end of P-159 has great views of the surrounding countryside. A gate just before the summit of the mountain is locked and has no vehicle access. A small parking lot is directly next to the gate, and a short hike to the top reveals a fire tower that is climbable almost to the top. The southern end of the track is in the Mark Twain National Forest and is close to Highway 60.

County Road 106-308 parallels the Jacks Fork River and is an easy trail. The eastern half of the route travels through private property. The western half transitions into the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and is the better part of the road. Cliffs, rock formations, small water crossings, fabulous river views, and campsites are common directly alongside the river. The trail's western end has Alley Spring, hiking along the rock outcroppings and historic buildings, including Alley Mill, Alley General Store, and a schoolhouse. Check out this route and the surrounding area!

Marsh Creek, CR 2120, offers an easy ridgeline drive through the Mark Twain National Forest. There are side trails to check out, and occasionally, views through the trees will give a good glimpse into the valley below to the north. At the junction of Marsh Creek Spur D (2120D), the rest of the trail is noticeably more rugged, tight, and not well-traveled. Expect pin striping. There are several established sites of varying sizes. A large, flat campsite sits near the end of the trail.

County Road 2228 offers an easy drive through the Mark Twain National Forest. At a couple of points, it borders the Bell Mountain wilderness area. Camping, hiking, and side trails are scattered along the trail, giving opportunities to explore the area. The road is not technical, as it is a graded gravel road. The trail also serves as a good connector road to other surrounding locations of interest.

County Road 224 starts in the Angeline Conservation Area and transitions to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, ending at Jerktail Landing on the Current River. The easy gravel road starts on a ridge line and then drops into the valley. At the end of the trail are two camping options. The first is a primitive campground with tables and fire rings, or there are several areas on the large gravel bar to set up camp. There is also a vault toilet close by. A large cliff on the far side of the river makes for a great view. There is also a boat ramp and crystal-clear water that is pretty deep in sections. If you are looking for a great place to check out, look no further!

Reader Hollow, FR 2155, is a seasonal, out-and-back trail north of Crane Lake in the Mark Twain National Forest. At the beginning, a gentle hill climb has been rutted out. Because of this, if the trail is wet, it will be challenging to get to the top. There are several areas with puddles that are not very deep. Before reaching the creek, a downhill portion is rutted out worse than the beginning. 4WD will make quick work of it if you take the proper line. Once at the creek and the trail starts to turn south, a gate prevents further exploration. Where the trail ends, the Marble Creek section of the Ozark Trail follows the stream south. Expect pin striping. Keep your eyes open for crystals and fossils in the creek beds!

Halfway through the trail, there is a campsite with a fire ring. Additional open areas to camp at are scattered along the trail.

County Road 106-425 starts off uneventful, leaving Highway 106, but as the trail drops into the valley and enters the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, it gets amazing. Just before the Jacks Fork River is a large campground with several sites. Once across the creek, there is no shortage of campsites, large cliffs on either side of the valley, and a ton of great views to check out. This trail has a little bit of everything to check out and is absolutely worth seeing!

There is nothing technical about the route aside from the water crossing and water from the cliff side, making it muddy in spots.

Devil's Well Road is an easy, out-and-back drive directly off State Highway KK. The area is part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverway and is for day use only. After a descent, the road dead ends with a parking area. There is a small pond, clearing, and a hiking path to visit the Devil's Well, a geologic feature with an underground water source. There is also the Cave Spring Loop Trail, about five miles long, and Cave Spring at the edge of the Current River.

The purpose of Timber Lane Spur B is to access Timberline Lake. There is a fairly steep drop down to the lake itself that is loose gravel. Aside from the loose gravel with the hill, nothing is challenging about the trail. The lake has a boat ramp, a small campsite, and a turnaround. If you are looking for peace and quiet, this spot is for you. It offers an excellent fishing and boating opportunity and is worth checking out!

CR 235-C is an easy out-and-back trail. After a good descent and a small water crossing, the trail ends at the bank of the Current River, part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverway. The prize at the end are great campsites on the gravel bar next to Bee Bluff. It is worth checking this trail out as an excellent camping destination. Due to river conditions, the gravel bar can change and is loose, so use caution while driving along the shore.

Lone Star School trail is located within the Mark Twain National Forest and offers an easy trail experience to check out the area. The trail stays mainly on the ridge line with two small water crossings before dropping down into the valley of the Black River. At the junction with 3824B (Lone Bee), the trail noticeably changes into a less used two-track trail that is rutted, muddy, and overgrown. Most of the vehicle traffic continues to Lone Bee versus Lone Star School. There are campsites and viewpoints along the trail. Overall, it is a good road to access to the Black River.

County Road NN-522 may be short at 3.4 miles, but it offers a good time wandering through a valley within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways area. The Current River Section of the famed hiking trail, the Ozark Trail, crosses the road at Klepzig Mill. There are water crossings, the deepest one being at Rocky Creek. Depending on the water season, the crossing might be more difficult with higher water levels. Klepzig Mill sits directly next to Rocky Creek, which lives up to its name. There are two buildings to check out, remnants of a dam, and a sign giving a short history of the mill. Hiking on the rocks offers an excellent opportunity to check out the waterfall and get good views of the area. Multiple fields on either side of the road have closed gates.

CR 236 is an easy connector trail between the eastern and western halves of the Roger Pryor Pioneer Back Country area. There is one small creek crossing in the valley, and depending on the direction of travel, there is a good descent/ascent into or out of the valley. Campsites are located on the top of the ridge line.

Creek 131C is a short out-and-back trail in the Mark Twain National Forest. The trail has washouts, ruts, and puddles, making it challenging, especially if wet. 4WD can easily get through these spots. The drive might be quick, but the campsite and rock outcroppings on the top are absolutely worth checking out! The views to the northwest allow you to see quite a distance. Large rock outcroppings offer plenty of climbing and hiking in the immediate area. Put this one on your list to visit!

County Road NN-526 is a short, easy trail partially in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, and part of it traverses alongside private property. There are a few water crossings, so depending on the time of year, the water levels may increase the difficulty rating. The primary point of interest is Rocky Falls, which is on the trail's eastern end. A large parking area, grills, picnic tables, and toilets are a short distance from the falls. Hiking around the falls provides excellent views of the full scale of the falls. This is a must-see if you are traveling in the area.

Logan Mountain Road follows the top of a ridge line nearly the entire length of the trail. There are good views between the trees of the valley below. There is a small creek crossing, loose gravel, and mud puddles. At the beginning and end are two campsites with fire rings. Where the trail formally ends, the track keeps going. The trail to the top of Johnson Mountain has a closed and locked gate preventing vehicles from going to the top. It is roughly a two-mile hike to the summit of Johnson Mountain.

County Road 533 is a short, easy drive through the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and the Rocky Creek Conservation Area. The Current River Section of the famed hiking trail, the Ozark Trail, is close to the road at the beginning and end. The road ends on a large gravel bar at the Current River. There is plenty of space for multiple rigs to spread out for camping. Blue Spring and a water's edge cliff are directly across the river, where you can take in the sights. Along the way, there is an old barn and large fields to check out. If you want an easy camping opportunity, check out this trail!

Shremp Road in the Mark Twain National Forest is a short, out-and-back trail. Upon coming down from the ridge line to the creek, there is a large campsite where several rigs can have plenty of room to set up. The trail continues up a finger valley to a small turnaround. The easy trail is mostly gravel with short, rocky, muddy sections.

FR23 is located within the Huzzah Conservation Area and offers great access to Courtois Creek. While the trail is short, it offers a shooting range, camping, and water access. The trail itself is a wide gravel road that offers an easy drive. Nearby is Huzzah Creek and Meramec River, along with the Scotia Furnace and Ironworks that produced pig iron from 1870-1880. Also close by is Onondaga Cave State Park, which has two caves to visit. The trail and surrounding area are not far from I-44, making it easy to get to. If you are in the area, it is worth the time to check it out!

County Road 19-205 is a ridge line road with parts of it going through the Angeline Conservation Area along the top of a ridge. Most of the views along the route are obscured due to trees, so it isn't easy to see the countryside. Aside from its ability to connect with other roads in the area, there is nothing special about the trail. No campsites were observed directly off the road. However, several trails were going to the south through the conservation area that would no doubt have camping opportunities.

Marsh Creek Spur D is a nice little out-and-back trail. While not technical, ruts, puddles, and a creek crossing keep it interesting. A pair of nice campsites are on the southern third of the trail after the climb up from the creek crossing. At the end of the trail is a small turnaround point.

Crane Mountain Ridge offers camping, mud puddles, and valley views between the trees in places. There are several campsites along the trail. The mud puddles vary in size, and most of them have firm bottoms. Ironton is close by, along with other outdoor areas to check out.

Lone Bee is a short, easy Mark Twain National Forest trail. It ends at the Black River with prime-time camping on a large gravel bar. Most of the trail is gravel, although there are mud and ruts at the end of the trail. Where the official MVUM shows the road ends, the trail curves to the right and ends on the large gravel bar. Across the river is a granite cliff outcropping known as Granite Bend. Large fields are on either side of the trail for additional camping options. The gravel bar's size depends on the river's water level.

Timber Lane is a short trail through the Mark Twain National Forest that dead-ends at a big campsite. The track is not technical, and because of the thick forest, there is not much to see. At the end of the trail, there is a guard railing and a locked gate preventing any other travel. The main reason for taking this trail is to visit Timberline Lake.

County Road 19-221 starts at Highway 19 and makes its way through the Angeline Conservation Area along the top of a ridge. There are side trails to explore as well as campsites. It is hard to see much of the countryside due to the trees. The trail connects with other roads in the area and is worth checking out.

Ishmael Branch is a short trail within the Mark Twain National Forest, the primary access point to Howell Lake. The lake was formed as a result of the Howell Mine for barite. The road is easy to drive from its start point as it goes down the hill, but small ruts are anticipated due to water runoff due to rain. Just before the lake, a small campsite is tucked into the trees, offering a lake view. If you are in the area and want to explore, Howell Lake is a good place to check out.

Barite, also spelled Baryte, is the main compound used in making barium. Barium is used in drilling mud, paint, glass, ceramics, and rubber. Barium sulfate is also used in medical tests and X-rays!

Crane Mountain is an easy trail in the Mark Twain National Forest. While short, it offers a campsite close to the trail's end and is close to the town of Ironton. The beginning of the trail starts at the top of a ridge and goes down to a small creek crossing and then up onto a ridge line. There are a couple of places where the valley below can be seen.

Palmer North is a simple and easy road through the Mark Twain National Forest and provides access to Parole Lake which is an old barite and lead mine. Barite, also spelled Baryte, is the main compound used in making barium. Barium is used in drilling mud, paint, glass, ceramics, and rubber. Barium sulfate is also used in medical tests and X-rays! The thick forest on either side of the track prevents seeing much until you get to the dam area, roughly the middle of the trail, where it opens up a little bit. No campsites are found on the road.

A small water crossing at the southern end with a culvert makes it uneventful except during heavy rain events.

The Gulf, otherwise known as the Blue Hole, is a water sinkhole located within a portion of the Mark Twain National Forest. While the trail is not very interesting, the geologic feature is worth checking out and is the reason for stopping if you are in the area. The water level constantly changes depending on the season and the amount of rainfall. A small trail leads down close to the water; however, it is steep and slick, and there isn't much to hang on to. A couple of signs explain the history and geology of the sinkhole.

County Road 106-B offers a leisurely drive through the Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry and the Rocky Creek Conservation Area. Multiple small creek crossings, camping opportunities, and dense forest make it an engaging trail to traverse. While the road is a gravel surface, some creek crossings along the western half of the trail have deposited rocks up to softball size. These larger rocks are often pushed to the sides of the trail but can easily move into your path with stronger water flows. Beware of downed trees and tree branches on the trail. The west end begins in Gang and is private property on either side of the road. Several small water crossings are present in the valley along with the Ozark Trail - Blair Creek Section. Once up on the ridge, the trail opens up a bit where multiple large, well-established, dispersed campsites can be found on public land. The campsites are right off the road and can fit multiple vehicles with plenty of shade on some, while others are wide open. 

Mashit is a quick and easy gravel road that provides access to Palmer Lake. Where the MVUM shows the trail ending, it continues on to other areas around the lake, namely the dam and connecting to Gilliam (2571). The road itself is nothing special other than offering a gateway to the lake. Wide open areas around the end of the trail offer large, flat areas for camping.

Stringtown Branch runs along the northern edge of Parole Lake, a former barite and lead mine. Dense vegetation and trees along the road make it difficult to see much of the surrounding area, but when the leaves fall, the views become more open. The lake itself is largely covered with lily pads, grasses, and other plant life. No campsites were seen along the trail, and while the road serves as a good connector to other areas, it doesn't have any particularly notable features.

Old Tiff Mill is typically driven to reach Howell Lake. The trail is simple and easy, through a thick forest of hardwood and pine, and provides connection access to the lake. There are a few campsites in clearings on the northern end.

County Road 250-C is an out-and-back trail offering a long ridge line drive before dead-ending just above the Current River. Most of the road is within the Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry, while the last three-quarters of a mile enters the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Williams cemetery is located at the trail's end, and its dates range from the 1800s through the 1940s. There is no vehicle access to the Current River. The road is generally golf ball-sized gravel, although a few locations have softball-sized rocks.

The dense forest makes it challenging to see the valleys on either side of the trail. Beware of downed trees and tree branches. Clearings from logging activities in places offer dispersed camping opportunities. While there are a number of side trails, signs prohibiting further exploration are prominently posted. The Ozark Trail - Upper Current section crosses the road at the five-mile mark with visible markers posted on trees.

Mashit Spur B offers the perfect access to Palmer Lake, an old barite mine. The trail dead ends at the water's edge, where there is a boat ramp. To the east, there is some shoreline to set up for camping, and the same applies to the west. Going to the west, it connects to the dam. Palmer Lake is a popular area for fishing, boating, camping, and driving around. Check it out to maximize your recreation activity potential!

Barite is also spelled Baryte and is the main compound used in making barium. Barium is used in drilling muds, paint, glass, ceramics, and rubber. Barium sulfate is also used in medical tests and X-rays!

County Road 106-535 is an easy out-and-back gravel (golf ball size and smaller) road leading to Missouri's 6th largest natural spring. Starting at State Highway 106, the trail quickly transitions from the Current River Conservation Area to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways for most of the road. Users will encounter steep grades along the drive as the elevation drop from the beginning of the trail to the parking area is nearly 500 feet. Along the way, cliffs are visible, towering above the road along with dense trees. At the trail's end is a parking area, vault toilets, a picnic area, and a walking path to Blue Spring. A short, easy hike along the Current River ends at the deep blue water coming out from the base of a cliff.

Multiple signs at the trailhead offer information about Blue Spring. Its daily flow is 87-90 million gallons, and its depth is 310 feet, making it the deepest spring in the state.

Camping is not permitted.

County Road V-216 offers an easy out-and-back drive on a gravel (golf ball size and smaller) road from State Highway V to the summit of Coot Mountain. The elevation gain is just over 400 feet to the top of the mountain. The trail starts with private property on either side before transitioning to the Rocky Creek Conservation Area and a corner of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. There is a bridge over the creek and trees along the duration of the trail. Beware of downed tree branches. Close to the end of the road, there is a closed and locked gate preventing traveling up the trail's last little bit. There is a small parking area to stage vehicles close to the gate. Once parked, a short hike up the road reveals a fire tower and buildings.

The fire tower can be climbed almost all the way to the top. The observation platform is locked to prevent access. Views around the area provide an excellent vantage point for observing the Current River and surrounding countryside. If you are looking for a prominent place for views, look no further!

No obvious campsites were observed along the trail.