Mark Twain National Forest

Potosi/Fredericktown Ranger District

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The 201,582 acres of Potosi Ranger District offer many undeveloped sites for camping and picnicking. Forest roads lead to most areas on the District; consult a Forest officer to find out which road offers the best prospects for a secluded site. 

At the same time, Council Bluff Recreation area provides a much more refined experience, complete with sandy swimming beach, drinking water, restrooms, and many barrier-free facilities. 

Courtois (pronounced CODE-away) and Huzzah (HOO-zaw) Creeks are well-known "floating" streams, typical of the Ozarks, and much-loved by canoeists who flock there in summertime. 

Because of the karst topography prevalent in this area, caves with springs that feed the rivers and streams can often be seen, but it is not wise to explore them unless you are an experienced "spelunker"

The Ozark Trail traverses Potosi District, and the segment known as Berryman Trail is a popular location for mountain biking events.

Fredericktown Ranger District provides a variety of recreation experiences within a short drive of several urban areas. 

In Spring, the "shut-ins" at Silver Mine are a magnet for kayak enthusiasts, who take advantage of the high water. 

Marble Creek provides a quiet campground for family outings, and Crane Lake welcomes hikers to take the trail around it
as part of their trek along the Ozark Trail. 

Rockpile Mountain Wilderness offers 3,900 acres of  heavily-forested land, including some of the state's last remaining virgin forest nestled in a narrow gorge.

Main Office
Potosi/Fredericktown Ranger District
Highway 8 West
Potosi, MO 63664
(573) 438-5427
(573) 438-4411 TTY

Fredericktown Office
1501 Madison 212
Fredericktown, Mo 63645
(573) 783-7225
(517) 438-4411 TTY
(at Potosi office)

Recreation opportunities:
Quickpick (location map of all Recreation Areas for this area)
Council Bluff Recreation Area
Red Bluff
Marble Creek
Silver Mines
John J. Audubon Trail
Bell Mountain Wilderness
Rockpile Mountain Wilderness


Frequently Asked Questions

Where is a place to ride ATVs in your District?

Are there wild hogs on your District,
and can they be hunted?

What kind of maps,
are available at your District Office?

If you are planning to purchase property adjacent to National Forest land, read this informational document

Link to a website for mountain bike riders.

US Forest Service - Mark Twain National Forest
Last modified: Thursday, 01 November 2007
http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/marktwain