Mark Twain National Forest near Springfield, MO covers more than 1.5 million acres across southern Missouri.
With over 750 miles of trails, 350 miles of floatable streams, seven designated wilderness areas, and some of the clearest springs on the planet, this is where the Ozarks show off. Here are the best spots to visit on a day trip from Springfield.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
- No entrance fee is required for most areas of the national forest.
- Cell service is limited to nonexistent in most areas. Download maps before you leave.
- Bring your own water. Most trailheads and recreation areas do not have potable water.
- Hunting is permitted in season across much of the forest. Wear bright colors during fall and winter.
- Check road conditions before driving to remote trailheads, especially after rain.
- Leave No Trace. Pack out everything you bring in.
Hercules Glades Wilderness (1 Hour from Springfield)
Missouri’s oldest wilderness area and one of the crown jewels of the national forest. Over 12,400 acres of open limestone glades, forested ridgelines, and creek drainages, all within easy reach of Springfield. The glades offer some of the best panoramic views in the Ozarks. Long Creek Falls is the most popular destination, about a 5-mile round trip from the Coy Bald Trailhead. Hikers may spot wildlife including deer, wild turkey, and on rare occasions, roadrunners and collared lizards. Trails are moderate to difficult with rocky terrain and stream crossings. Bring a trail map and plenty of water.
- Trail miles: 32 miles of maintained trails
- Best trailhead for first-timers: Coy Bald Trailhead (off Hwy 160 east of Forsyth)
- Best season: Fall, winter, and spring. Summers are hot with limited shade on glade tops.
- Phone: (417) 683-4428 (Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs District)
Piney Creek Wilderness (1.5 Hours from Springfield)
A quieter, lesser-known wilderness area south of Cassville. Piney Creek Wilderness offers about 8 miles of trails through rugged Ozark terrain with bluffs, creek crossings, and dense hardwood forest. A good option for hikers looking for solitude.
Big Piney Trail and Paddy Creek Wilderness (About 2 Hours East)
Considered one of the best trails in the state. Seventeen miles of scenic bluffs, forest views, and seasonal waterfalls. The trail is rocky and rugged with sparse markings, so experience and navigation skills are recommended. No bridges across creeks. This is genuine wilderness hiking. The Paddy Creek Wilderness surrounding the trail offers backcountry camping for those who want to extend the trip.
- Trail miles: 17 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Best for: Experienced hikers looking for a challenge
Glade Top Trail National Scenic Byway (1.5 Hours from Springfield)
If you want to experience the national forest without leaving your car, Glade Top Trail is Missouri’s only national scenic byway within a national forest. The 23-mile gravel road runs along ridgetops between Ava and Branson with sweeping views of the Ozark hills. Pull off at overlooks for photographs, short walks, and fall foliage that rivals anything in the eastern US. Spring wildflowers are spectacular here too.
- Length: 23 miles (gravel road, suitable for most vehicles in dry conditions)
- Best season: October for fall color, April for wildflowers
Camping in Mark Twain National Forest
The forest offers everything from developed campgrounds with electric hookups to dispersed backcountry camping where you make your own site. Many campgrounds are located near rivers and lakes. Reserve developed sites ahead of time during peak season through Recreation.gov.
Reserve Camping at Recreation.gov
Mark Twain National Forest Official Site
Pro tip: Hercules Glades is the must-do for first-time visitors. It is the closest wilderness area to Springfield and delivers the most dramatic scenery per mile of any trail in the region. For a scenic drive without the hiking, Glade Top Trail is hard to beat.
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