Mark Twain National Forest

Mark Twain National Forest spans 1.5 million acres across 29 southern and central Missouri counties, making it one of the largest public land areas in the state. Named after Missouri's most famous literary son, the forest is a vast expanse of oak, hickory, and pine woodlands threaded with clear-running rivers, rugged bluffs, and quiet backcountry trails. Established in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the forest was created to restore lands devastated by decades of intensive logging in the late 1800s. During the 1930s, hundreds of young men in the Civilian Conservation Corps built roads, planted pine forests, and constructed campgrounds that visitors still enjoy today.

The forest's centerpiece is the 225-mile Ozark Trail, one of the premier long-distance hiking paths in the Midwest, which connects through the forest and linked public lands. The Eleven Point River, designated a National Wild and Scenic River, offers some of the finest canoeing and trout fishing in the region. Missouri has unpredictable weather, with hot, humid summers (ideal for water activities) and cool winters. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures and spectacular foliage. Summers can be sweltering, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F (32°C), while winter cold snaps can dip well below freezing. The forest is spread across a wide area without a single central hub, so visitors typically access it via gateway towns like Rolla, Salem, Eminence, or Van Buren.

By Plane

Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF IATA) is the nearest major commercial airport, located about 2 hours from the forest's southern sections via US Highway 60 east toward Van Buren or Winona. Lambert–St. Louis International Airport (STL IATA) provides access to the forest's northern and eastern sections; take Interstate 44 southwest to Rolla, then Highway 19 south through Salem, approximately 2 hours.

By Car / Road

From St. Louis, take Interstate 44 southwest to Rolla (about 90 minutes), then Highway 19 south into the forest. From Springfield, head east on US Highway 60 to Van Buren or Winona, roughly 2 hours. Highway 19 and Highway 72 are primary north-south routes through the forest. Many forest roads are gravel and may be impassable after heavy rain. There is no public bus service to the forest.

A personal vehicle is essential for exploring Mark Twain National Forest. The forest is vast and spread across dozens of counties with no internal public transit. Forest roads are generally well-maintained paved or gravel roads, though backcountry access may require high-clearance vehicles. Gas stations are sparse within the forest proper, so fill up in gateway towns like Salem, Eminence, Rolla, or Van Buren. Cell service can be unreliable in remote areas of the forest.

• Eleven Point River — An 88-mile river, 44 miles of which are designated a National Wild and Scenic River. One of the Midwest's most preserved free-flowing streams, offering crystal-clear water and scenic bluffs.

• Cane Bluff — A dramatic limestone bluff overlooking the Eleven Point River valley. Short hike to the overlook with panoramic views.

• Greer Spring — One of the largest springs in Missouri, producing an average of 56 million gallons of water daily. The spring branch flows into the Eleven Point River.

• Irish Wilderness — A 16,500-acre designated wilderness area named for the Irish immigrants who settled here before the Civil War. Remote backcountry with old-growth forest.

• Glade Top Trail — A scenic driving and hiking route through the Ozark glades, offering sweeping views of forested hills and unique limestone glade ecosystems.

• Hiking — Over 500 miles of trails wind through the forest, ranging from easy riverside walks to rugged backcountry treks on the Ozark Trail. Popular routes include the trace trail near Rocky Falls and trails around Greer Spring.

• Canoeing and Kayaking — The Eleven Point, Current, and Jacks Fork Rivers offer excellent paddling. Canoe rentals are available from outfitters including Eleven Point Canoe Rental, Hufstedlers Canoe Rental, and Richard's Canoe Rental.

• Fishing — The Blue Ribbon Trout Area on the Eleven Point River is a noted fishing spot. The Current River and its tributaries also offer excellent smallmouth bass and trout fishing. A Missouri fishing license is required.

• Mountain Biking — Designated mountain biking trails are available throughout the forest, including sections of the Ozark Trail.

• Hunting — Deer, turkey, and other game hunting is permitted in season with appropriate Missouri hunting licenses.

• Winter Hiking — Trails remain open year-round; winter offers solitude and crisp forest scenery without summer crowds.

Dining options within the forest itself are limited to what you bring, though gateway towns offer casual fare:

• Blue Heron Restaurant — A local favorite near Eminence serving hearty American comfort food, catfish, and Ozark specialties.
• Cajun Catfish Restaurant — Located in Salem, offering fried catfish, hushpuppies, and Southern-style sides at budget-friendly prices.
• Van Buren-area diners — Small-town cafés near the park headquarters serve breakfast, burgers, and home-style meals.

Vegetarian options are limited in the region; plan to bring your own supplies for backcountry trips.

There are no bars or cafes within the forest itself, which is part of its appeal for those seeking solitude. Gateway towns like Salem and Eminence have a few small-town taverns and convenience stores where you can pick up beverages. The Montauk State Park Lodge, near the forest's northern edge, serves drinks with meals in a rustic dining room. For craft beer enthusiasts, St. James Winery and several Ozark-area breweries are within a day-trip drive. Bring plenty of drinking water for all outdoor activities; untreated spring and river water should not be consumed.

• Budget: Numerous campgrounds throughout the forest offer tent sites for $10–$15 per night, including Buffalo Creek (Eleven Point Ranger District) and Hammonds Camp (Ava Ranger District). Free deer camps (backcountry camping) are also available.
• Mid-range: Gateway towns like Eminence and Salem have motels ranging from $60–$100 per night. The Current River area has several cabin rental operations.

Gateway towns serve as the shopping hubs for forest visitors. In Salem, several outdoor supply shops sell camping gear, fishing tackle, and river equipment. Eminence has general stores carrying basics like firewood, ice, and fishing bait. Canoe rental outfitters along the Eleven Point and Current Rivers also sell basic camping supplies, souvenirs, and locally made crafts. The forest gift shops at ranger stations carry maps, nature books, and Mark Twain National Forest memorabilia. In the broader Ozark region, you'll find locally made honey, jams, and woodwork at roadside stands and farmers' markets.

• Ozark National Scenic Riverways (30–60 minutes south) — Canoeing, camping, and cave exploration along the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers.
• Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River — Extended paddling and fishing on one of the Midwest's finest free-flowing rivers.
• Salem (30 minutes north) — Gateway town with supplies, dining, and access to Montauk State Park.
• Rolla (1.5 hours north via Highway 19) — Larger city with full services, University of Missouri–Rolla campus, and access to Interstate 44.
• Branson (2.5 hours southwest) — Entertainment, shows, and Table Rock Lake for a complete change of pace.