Mark Twain National Forest, United States

Mark Twain National Forest Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Mark Twain National Forest, located in the Missouri region of the United States, is a stunning destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Spanning over 1.5 million acres, this national forest is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

One of the most prominent features of Mark Twain National Forest is its diverse landscape. From rolling hills to rugged mountains, the forest offers a breathtaking mix of terrains. Hikers and backpackers can explore the numerous trails that wind through the forest, each offering a unique perspective of the surrounding beauty. As you traverse the trails, you will be treated to picturesque views of lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and towering cliffs.

For those seeking a more adrenaline-pumping experience, Mark Twain National Forest also provides ample opportunities for activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The varied terrain ensures that there is something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned adventurers. As you partake in these thrilling activities, you will be immersed in the untamed wilderness and feel a sense of exhilaration like no other.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted to know that Mark Twain National Forest is home to a rich and diverse array of plants and animals. Keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and even the elusive black bear. Birdwatchers will be in paradise as they spot various species, including the vibrant eastern bluebird and the majestic bald eagle. The forest’s numerous rivers and streams also provide a habitat for a variety of fish, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.

Camping is a popular activity in Mark Twain National Forest, and with good reason. The forest offers a range of campsites, from primitive tent sites to fully-equipped RV parks. Fall asleep under a canopy of stars, and wake up to the tranquil sounds of nature surrounding you. Whether you prefer a peaceful retreat or a lively campground, you are sure to find the perfect spot to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Alternative names: Elevation: 1024 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°14'37"N, 91°10'25"W

Location

MissouriUnited States

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Mark Twain National Forest Top Attractions

Mark Twain National Forest Attractions - What to See and Explore

Mark Twain National Forest offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Dillard Mill State Historic Site, Talking Rocks Cavern, Bell Mountain Wilderness, Eleven Point State Park. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historical place • Museum
Dillard Mill State Historic Site
The Dillard Mill State Historic Site is a privately owned, state-administered property on Huzzah Creek in Crawford County, Missouri, that preserves a water-powered gristmill.
Natural attraction • Hiking trail • Mini golf
Talking Rocks Cavern
Talking Rocks Cavern is a cavern system located in Stone County, just west of Reeds Spring, in Branson West, in the U.S. state of Missouri.
Natural attraction • Protected area
Bell Mountain Wilderness
The United States Congress designated the Bell Mountain Wilderness in 1980. The wilderness area now has a total of 9,027 acres.

Natural attraction • Protected area
Eleven Point State Park
Eleven Point State Park is one of three new Missouri state parks announced in 2016 that is awaiting developments and is unopened.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake Killarney
Lake Killarney is a reservoir in Iron County in the U.S. state of Missouri. Lake Killarney takes its name from the Lakes of Killarney, in Ireland.
Church
White Cloud Presbyterian Church and Cemetery
White Cloud Presbyterian Church and Cemetery is a historic Presbyterian church and cemetery located at Fulton, Callaway County, Missouri. It was built in 1888, and is a one-story, frame gable front church on a limestone foundation. There are approximately 250 graves in the cemetery dating from about 1840 to the present.
Natural attraction • Protected area
Devils Backbone Wilderness
The Devils Backbone Wilderness is one of eight wilderness areas protected and preserved in the U.S. State of Missouri. The United States Congress designated the wilderness area in 1980, and it now has a total of 6,595 acres.
Nature • Natural attraction • Hill
Mosby Hill
Mosby Hill is a summit in Oregon County in the U.S. state of Missouri with an elevation of 965 feet. The peak rises about 455 ft above the junction of Hurricane Creek and the Eleven Point River.
Nature • Natural attraction • Hill
Flynn Hill
Flynn Hill is a summit in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Missouri. It has a peak elevation of 584 feet. The peak is juat west of Missouri Route B about three miles southeast of Greenville. Wappapello Lake on the St. Francis River lies about one-half mile to the southwest.
Nature • Natural attraction • Hill
Conner Hill
Conner Hill is a summit in Oregon County in the U.S. state of Missouri. It has an elevation of 784 feet. The peak lies just east of the Eleven Point River and north of Riverton. Conner Hill has the name of George Conner, a pioneer citizen.
Natural attraction • Protected area
Irish Wilderness
The Irish Wilderness is a 16,227-acre wilderness area in the U.S. State of Missouri. The U.S. Congress designated it a wilderness in 1984.
Natural attraction • Protected area
Paddy Creek Wilderness
The Paddy Creek Wilderness is a 7,019-acre wilderness area in the U.S. state of Missouri, United States. The United States Congress designated it wilderness in 1983. Paddy Creek Wilderness is located within the Houston-Rolla Ranger District, of the Mark Twain National Forest, 10 miles northwest of Licking, Missouri.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Brown Mountain
Brown Mountain is a summit in Iron County in the U.S. state of Missouri. The peak is at an elevation of 1,388 feet. Brown Mountain has the name of the local Brown family.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Blue Mountain
Blue Mountain is a summit in Madison County in the U.S. state of Missouri. It has an elevation of 1,381 feet. Blue Mountain derives its name from the local Belew family.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Black Mountain
Black Mountain is a summit in western Madison County in the U.S. state of Missouri. The peak has an elevation of 1,503 feet. The St. Francis River flows past the east side of the mountain at an elevation of about 560 feet. Missouri Route E passes the east and south side of the mountain.
Natural attraction • Protected area
Piney Creek Wilderness
The Piney Creek Wilderness is an 8,122-acre wilderness area in Missouri. The United States Congress designated it wilderness in 1980.
Natural attraction • Protected area
Hercules Glades Wilderness
The Hercules Glades Wilderness is a 12,314-acre wilderness area in Taney County in the Ozarks of southwest Missouri. The United States Congress designated it a wilderness in 1976, making it the oldest wilderness area in Missouri.
Lake
Lake Wappapello
Lake Wappapello is a reservoir on the St. Francis River, formed by Wappapello Dam. Created in 1941, this 8,400-acre lake is located 120 miles south of St. Louis, Missouri.
Natural attraction • Protected area
Rockpile Mountain Wilderness
The Rockpile Mountain Wilderness is a wilderness area in the U.S. state of Missouri in Mark Twain National Forest. It takes its name from an ancient circle of granite rock, piled by some earlier man on top of the mountain.

Day trips

Mark Twain National Forest – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Mark Twain National Forest, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Taum Sauk Mountain (Taum Sauk Mountain State Park), Royal Gorge (Pilot Knob), Devils Well (Ozark National Scenic Riverways).

33 milesNE
Natural attraction, Mountain
Taum Sauk Mountain, Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
Taum Sauk Mountain in the Saint Francois Mountains is the highest natural point in the U.S. state of Missouri at 1,772 feet. The topography of Taum Sauk is that of an elongated ridge with a NNW-SSE orientation rather than a peak.
34 milesNE
Natural attraction, Canyon
Royal Gorge, Pilot Knob
Royal Gorge is a gap in Iron County in the U.S. state of Missouri. The gap is at a point where Minor Creek cuts through a ridge in Ketcherside Mountain. Routes 72 and 21 pass through the gap southwest of Ironton. Royal Gorge most likely takes its name from the gorge of the same name in Colorado.
20 milesNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Cave
Devils Well, Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Devils Well is a sinkhole cave near Akers in the U.S. state of Missouri, containing an underground lake that is the largest in the state. It is a part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and can be viewed by the public any day during daylight hours. The U.S.
14 milesW
Nature, Natural attraction, Protected area
Current River State Park
Current River State Park is a public recreation area occupying more than 1,200 acres of land along the Current River north of Eminence in Newton Township, Shannon County, Missouri.
45 milesNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Protected area
Bootleg Access
Bootleg Access consists of 303 acres in Washington County, Missouri about 10 miles south of Potosi. The access is owned and managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation and provides access to the Big River along Missouri Route 21.

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Best Time To Visit Mark Twain National Forest

Learn when is the best time to travel to Mark Twain National Forest weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Mark Twain National Forest?

The top attractions to visit in Mark Twain National Forest are: