Missouri Off-Road Trails

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you are looking for a cool hiking experience, camping, and enjoying the peacefulness of the forest, look no further! While the track is not challenging, it offers plenty of hiking opportunities, the best of which is an easy hike on the Kaintuck Hollow trail to check out a natural bridge that more resembles a short cave! It is definitely the highlight of the area. The road has golf-ball-sized gravel and follows a creek for most of its length. There is also a cemetery and two hiking trailhead locations. There are large, flat grass campsites that can accommodate multiple vehicles in a few different locations.

Depending on the time of year, flooding may make the northern end impassable. Given the proximity to I-44, access is quick and easy, especially if passing through. 

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.

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 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.

1050 Mountain Maid Road is a short, scenic forest route located south of Roaring River State Park in the Mark Twain National Forest. The trail offers a peaceful mix of mud, dirt, and light rock surfaces, making it a fun and approachable drive for most vehicles.

The route is primarily flat with occasional soft spots and scattered rocks. Overgrowth is significant in places, especially during summer, so expect light pinstripes on wider rigs. Despite the tight brush, the road is well worth exploring for its quiet atmosphere and easy terrain.

Several primitive campsites can be found along the route, including a standout spot beside a small pond, perfect for an overnight stay or lunch stop. The trail culminates on a ridgeline with views of tree-filtered valleys. In winter, when the leaves are down, this high point offers expansive vistas of the surrounding Ozark hills.