Things to Do in Mark Twain National Forest
Mark Twain National Forest is a national forest situated in the southern half of Missouri, covering approximately 1.5 million acres within the ancient Ozark Highlands. As Missouri's only national forest, it features diverse landscapes, including crystal-clear springs, rivers, limestone glades, and extensive woodlands. This varied terrain provides a setting for several sports like hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, jogging, and more.
Things to Do in Mark Twain National Forest
Mark Twain National Forest offers more than 40 routes for outdoor…
57
Routes
4.8
(14)
Average rating
406
People visited
46
hikers
4.29km
01:09
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
hikers
4.80km
01:15
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
21.0km
05:56
350m
630m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
4.99km
01:19
60m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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34
riders
22.4km
02:32
720m
720m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
19.6km
01:58
410m
410m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
11.7km
01:14
300m
300m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
42
riders
77.0km
06:57
1,200m
1,200m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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5.0
(1)
3
riders
35.5km
02:24
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
12
riders
115km
08:26
460m
460m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
riders
65.8km
05:56
120m
120m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
riders
130km
11:00
430m
430m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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11
riders
30.4km
01:27
230m
230m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
27.8km
01:31
160m
160m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
47.4km
02:13
370m
370m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
1
riders
25.8km
01:18
300m
300m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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7
runners
3.94km
00:25
20m
20m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
runners
6.38km
00:40
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
runners
10.0km
01:16
200m
200m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
runners
5.89km
00:45
110m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Mark Twain National Forest?
Mark Twain National Forest offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, and jogging. The forest features over 750 miles of trails suitable for various experiences across its diverse landscapes.
What are the best hiking trails in Mark Twain National Forest?
The forest offers over 750 miles of trails for hiking, including sections of the 350-mile Ozark Trail system. For detailed information, refer to the Hiking in Mark Twain National Forest guide.
Are there easy hiking trails in Mark Twain National Forest?
Yes, Mark Twain National Forest provides trails for various skill levels, including shorter, family-friendly walks. The Easy hikes in Mark Twain National Forest guide offers specific recommendations.
What mountain biking opportunities are available in Mark Twain National Forest?
Mark Twain National Forest features an extensive trail system for mountain bikers, characterized by rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and dense woodlands. Popular options include sections of the Ozark Trail and the Council Bluff Lake loop. More details are in the MTB Trails in Mark Twain National Forest guide.
Can I go road cycling in Mark Twain National Forest?
Yes, road cycling is possible, notably along the Glade Top National Forest Scenic Byway. This 23-mile (37 km) gravel road offers scenic routes and panoramic views. Information can be found in the Road Cycling Routes in Mark Twain National Forest guide.
What natural features can be found in Mark Twain National Forest?
The forest is part of the Ozark Highlands, featuring crystal-clear springs like Greer Spring, the Eleven Point National Scenic River, over 5,000 caves, and distinctive limestone glades. It also contains ancient volcanic mountains and seven designated wilderness areas.
Are there waterfalls in Mark Twain National Forest?
Yes, the forest's diverse hydrological features include various springs and water flows that can create waterfalls. Specific waterfall locations are detailed in the Waterfall hikes in Mark Twain National Forest guide.
What makes Mark Twain National Forest unique?
Mark Twain National Forest is unique due to its geological history; portions of the Ozarks were never glaciated or submerged by oceans, making it one of North America's oldest continuously exposed landmasses. This contributes to its rich biodiversity and endemic species.
How popular is Mark Twain National Forest on komoot?
Mark Twain National Forest has 42 routes available on komoot, with an average rating of 4.42 out of 5 stars. Over 1,900 visitors have explored and shared their experiences in the region.
What komoot guides are available for Mark Twain National Forest?
Komoot offers several guides for the forest, including Hiking, Easy hikes, Waterfall hikes, MTB Trails, Cycling, Running Trails, and Road Cycling Routes.
How can I contact Mark Twain National Forest?
The official website for Mark Twain National Forest is fs.usda.gov/mtnf. The Supervisor's Office can be reached by phone at +1-573-364-4621.
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