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Bateman Road Trailhead

This is a trailhead for the Bateman Trail. From this trailhead you can access the Bottoms Corner Connector and Corral section of the trail.

Bateman Trail Details

Rating: Moderate
Length: 16 miles
Best Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring
Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material
Average Trail Grade: 12 - 20%, moderately steep to steep and challenging for some hikers.

Vegetation along the trail is diverse and includes oak-hickory and eastern red cedar trees. Prescribed fire is often used to maintain the unique glade habitats.

Species such as Bachman’s sparrow, a state endangered species, collared lizards, Indian paintbrush wildflowers, and primrose plants can be a welcoming site on a hike or horseback ride.

Terrain: This hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trail, leads you through limestone glades that can be seen throughout the trail system. Landscapes vary from gently rolling hills to moderately steep terrain with rock outcrops and tall grass prairies.

General Information

Camping

Dispersed camping is allowed along the trail. There are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates available.

Safety:

During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures.
A good map and compass , along with knowledge of utilizing these, are strongly suggested.
Be aware of hunting seasons.

For more safety tips visit the Safety section of the website.

Available Maps:

Bateman Trail Map - PDF

Visit Visitor Maps and Guides for information on available Forest Visitor Maps, Topographic Maps, and Mobile App/Interactive Maps.

January - December

Day Use Hours:

6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

No permits are needed to access this trail.

On the Trail

No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail or past designated parking areas.
Camping is allowed along the trail.
- Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources.
- Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered.
- Pack out all of your garbage.
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, please ensure they are under control.
- Leashing is encouraged. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to other pets, the natural resources of the area, wildlife, and other forest visitors.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.

At the Trailheads

No overnight camping in day use areas at any time of year.
Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the day use area
No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
Fireworks are prohibited.
Horses may not be tied directly to trees.

Trail Use

Dogs are allowed on hiking trails. Please leash your dog, unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.

Leashes must be six feet, or shorter, when in developed recreation sites, including trails within the boundaries (36 CFR 261.16(j)) when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.

Camping

Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.

Wildlife

Do not allow them to interact with wildlife

Address: 1006 S. Jefferson Ava, MO 65608
Phone: 417-683-4428
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; District Offices closed 1 - 1:30 for lunch (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 36.714424

Longitude: -92.815726

Directions

Bateman Road Trailhead

From Ava

Take State Highway 76 W for 18.3 miles
Turn left onto State Highway W and travel for .7 miles
Turn right onto Caney Creek Road and travel for 5.5 miles.
Turn left onto Forest Road 150 for .2 miles
Turn right onto Road 125-100B/Glade Top Trail for 2 miles
Make a sharp right onto Bateman Road and travel 1.8 miles to the trailhead.

From Ava, MO via Glade Top

The byway begins outside of Ava:

go south on Hwy 5 for three miles to Hwy A
turn right/west on Hwy A and drive 4 miles to Smallett Junction,
turn left/south onto A409 (Glade Top Road) and Hayden Park
Drive for 10 miles on A409 to Bateman Road.
Make a sharp right turn onto Bateman Road and travel 1.8 miles to the trailhead.