Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri

About

Mark Twain National Forest, located in southern and central Missouri, spans approximately 1.5 million acres across 29 counties. It is characterized by the rolling hills and scenic beauty of the Ozark Highlands, featuring large permanent springs, caves, and rocky barren glades. The forest combines eastern upland oak hardwood and southern pine forests with the drier western bluestem prairie, creating a diverse landscape of open grassy woodlands and savannas. The forest offers a wide range of recreational activities, including over 750 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and motorized use. Visitors can enjoy canoeing and kayaking on more than 350 miles of perennial streams. Mark Twain National Forest also features seven Wilderness Areas and numerous campgrounds, providing opportunities for both semi-primitive and wilderness camping experiences. Its proximity to urban centers like St. Louis and Springfield makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.