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 throughout the trail system. Landscapes vary from gently rolling hills to moderately steep terrain with rock outcrops and tall grass prairies.

The trail is made of several sections of smaller loops. Along the trail you’ll cross Brushy Creek a few times in the Bottoms, Bottoms Connect, and Corral sections. At various places along the trail you will be following the creek. At the Bottoms there are big open fields.

Trail Sections

Bottoms - 2.82 Miles
- This section can be accessed from accessed from FS Road 150 Trailhead. From Forest Road 150 Trailhead the trail is relatively flat, there is a slight decline heading towards Bottoms.
606 Connect Loop - 1.92 Miles
- This section can be accessed from Bottoms section. The 606 Connect Loop will take you uphill where you can loop around to Merriman.
Boy Scout - .79 Miles
- This section can be accessed from Bottoms section
Arrowmen - 1.12 Miles
- This section can be accessed from Bottoms section
Bottoms Connect - 1.41 Miles
- This section can be accessed from Bateman Road Trailhead
Corral - .73 Miles
- This section can be accessed from Bateman Road Trailhead
Merriman - .93 Miles
- This section can be accessed from Bottoms or Willie Lee sections
Willie Lee - 6.25 Miles
- This section can be accessed from Willie Lee/Wolf Junction Trailheads. From Willie Lee you’ll have a drop of almost 400 feet between the trailhead and the creek.

Trail Details

Rating: Moderate. Terrain is sometimes steep
Length: 16 miles
Best Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring
Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material

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.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

21-6208, 21-6204, 21-6205, 21-6207, 21-6202, 21-6203, 21-6201, 21-6206

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

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.

Dispersed camping is allowed at Willie Lee, please note there are no fire rings or tables 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

No fees at any trailheads

No permits are needed to access this trail.

No drinking water is available at trailheads or along the trail; bring what you will need, or be prepared to sterilize water you find.

Natural water for horses along the trail is very limited and may be seasonal.

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.

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