Mark Twain National Forest

Some unique features of the Mark Twain include Greer Spring which is the largest spring on National Forest land, and the Eleven Point National Scenic River. Some heritage resources on the Forest include the Silver Mines Recreation Area, Markham Spring Recreation Area, Songbird Trail at Watercress Spring, Turner Mill and Falling Spring.

The Glade Top Trail National Scenic Byway provides views of glades and the Boston Mountains in northern Arkansas. Skyline Drive offers hill and river valley vistas.

The Mark Twain has seven designated Wilderness Areas, totalling 63,000 acres: Hercules Glades, Piney Creek, Rock Pile Mountain, Paddy Creek, Bell Mountain, Irish, and Devil's Backbone Wildernesses. The Berryman, Crane Lake and Ridge Runner National Recreation Trails all lead through the Forest, as does the Ozark Trail.

Recreation - Recreation opportunities on the Mark Twain include hunting, hiking, wildlife watching, mountain biking, horseback riding, ATV riding, fishing and camping. The Forest has 43 campgrounds, many near special attractions like rivers and springs.

Climate - Winters in this area are cool and sometimes cold with occasional snow. Spring and autumn are transitional periods, with normally mild temperatures but occasional seasonal fluctuations. Summers bring warm to hot and often humid days.

Location - The Mark Twain National Forest is located in the Ozarks of southern Missouri. The Forest is Headquartered in Rolla, but there are offices located across the region in Potosi, Fredericktown, Doniphan, Winona, Van Buren, Ava, Cassville, Willow Springs, Salem, Houston, Folton and Poplar Bluffs. The Mark Twain is within an hour drive of St. Louis, Springfield, Branson and Columbia, Missouri.