Hiking

Mark Twain National Forest has every type of hiking adventure you could think of. 

Staying at a campground and want a short, keep the kids busy hike? Many of our campgrounds have 2 mile or less walks, most of which are kid friendly. 

Looking for an afternoon in the woods? There are many trails across the forest that are 10 miles or less, as well as longer trails that can be broken up into sections.

Overnight adventure with a clearly defined trail? We've got you. Check out the Ozark Trail or any of the other longer trails on the forest for backpacking.

Looking to test your orienteering skills? We have six (6) wilderness areas to choose from.

Backpacking

Try your compass and map skills in any of the six (6) wilderness areas across the forest for an overnight adventure. 

Want an overnight trip that is a little less wild? Many of our designated (marked) trails are long enough for overnight trips, including the Ozark Trail. 

General Hiking

Staying at one of our campgrounds and just want something to do during the day? Many campgrounds have short trails in and around the campground where you can take a quick stroll to while away the afternoon.

Day Hikes

Many of our trails are less than 10 miles long and make for a great day hike. Or check out some of our longer trails that can be done in shorter sections.

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Recreation Opportunities

Backpacking (108)

Day Hikes (147)

Hiking (2)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 151 results

Bar-K Wrangler Camp

Site Open

Bar-K Wrangler Camp is a quiet campground located on the west bank of Swan Creek and serves as a Trailhead for the Swan Creek Trail.  The campground is used frequently by equestrians. Whether you…

Bateman Road Trailhead

Site Open

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 DetailsRating: ModerateLength: 16 milesBest…

Bateman Trail

The Bateman Trail, a non-motorized trail system, consists of approximately 16 miles of trail. This hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trail, leads you through limestone glades that can be seen…

Bell Mountain Ottery Creek Trailhead

Site Open

This trailhead accesses the Taum Sauk section of the Ozark Trail (OT) and the Bell Mountain Wilderness Trail.When entering the wilderness from the Ottery Creek Trailhead a short, 2 mile trail will…

Bell Mountain Wilderness

Site Open

This is a wonderful place to spend the day hiking! This 9,143 acre wilderness is part of the St. Francois Mountains, one of the oldest landforms in North America and includes the second highest peak…

Bell Mountain Wilderness Trail

Visitors frequently enter the area for daytrips or as a part of a broader journey on the Ozark Trail system which crosses through the South East corner of the wilderness. The trails and wilderness…

Bell Mountain Wilderness Trailhead

Site Open

This trailhead provides access to the Bell Mountain Wilderness from the north side.  It has a few parking spots, but no amenities.  There is usually just enough room for a small horse…

Berryman Campground

Site Open

This small, remote campground and picnic area located at the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp of 1937 provides a quiet setting for escaping from your normal routine. With just 8 individual…

Berryman Trail

The 24-mile loop Berryman Trail traverses scenic Ozark countryside, winding through timbered stands of oak, pine and bottomland hardwood, climbing switchback fashion from low bottoms to high cherty…

Big Piney Equestrian Camp

Site Open

Situated in an open pine forest, this area serves as one of 3 trailheads for the 18-mile Big Piney Trail, which travels through the Paddy Creek Wilderness. Designed as an equestrian camp, the area…