If you are an outdoorsy type of person, and either live in or have visited Branson or the surrounding Tri-Lakes area, it is highly likely that you have heard of or visited some part of the Mark Twain National Forest. This vast forest in southwest Missouri is truly beautiful, and has offered many a hiker, camper, horseback rider and naturalist with its flora and fauna and varied terrain. If you have not yet explored Mark Twain National Forest, be sure to take advantage of this beautiful wilderness near Branson!
Mark Twain, as it’s known casually or by locals, is a U.S. National Forest managed by the USDA Forest Service that was established on September 11, 1939. Named after the Missouri native author Mark Twain (author of Huckleberry Finn), the wilderness area spans approximately 1.5 million acres, and is the largest public land area in the state. Mark Twain features several natural attractions of note, including the Ozark National Scenic Riverway near the middle of the national forest, Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, and the Table Rock State Park Recreation area. The Mark Twain National Forest also surrounds Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield and Ft. Leonardwood.
There are multiple different areas of the Mark Twain National Forest that are wonderful for exploring the Ozarks – on horseback or on foot! Devils Backbone, is one of the best places in the Ozarks to go for a trail ride on horseback. With thirteen miles of trails on the ‘backbone’ (ridge top), there is enough country here to keep you and your equine friend busy all day long. With some natural springs and forested valleys, you’ll have varied terrain that will challenge both you and your horse, while always having something pretty to look at.
If a moderately difficult backpacking trip appeals to you, Rockpile Mountain is the place to go. While you get some rugged outdoor exercise, you’ll be able to see limestone bluffs, unique rock formations, and caves.
And for the history buff that also likes to spend some time in the great outdoors, you won’t want to miss the Irish Wilderness. This is the site of Father Hogan’s Irish Catholic Settlement – during the Civil War, the village here was raided by bushwhackers from both sides and by the end of the war, the Irish settlers had disappeared. It is a mystery to this day where they went. So put on your hiking boots and take a look around this mysterious wilderness!
The USDA Forest Service takes the care of Mark Twain National Forest very seriously. Through selective timber harvesting and vegetation management, prescribed burning, watershed restoration, wildlife observation and management, and education, the Forest Service is doing their part to ensure that Mark Twain National Forest will be around for generations of explorers to come!
