Mark Twain National Forest

Berryman Trail

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The Berryman Trail starts at Berryman Campground, the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, and traverses 24 miles of scenic Ozark countryside. It winds through timbered stands of oak, pine and bottomland hardwood, climbing switchback fashion from low bottoms to high cherty ridges. Interesting flora and fauna abound in the old fields, glade-like rock outcroppings and deep forest. Trail users are insured a measure of solitude and quiet, as motor vehicles are prohibited on the trail. Mountain bikes are permitted; however, users must yield the right-of-way when encountering horseback riders. That portion of the trail from just west of the Berryman Recreation Area to just south of Harmon Springs is also part of the Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail.

Area Attractions:

Trail: Mileage markers are located at intervals along the trail. They start at Berryman Campground, with numeric values increasing proceeding clockwise around the loop trail. Points of interest along the trail include Beecher and Harmon Springs. Primitive camping is permitted anywhere along the trail. Practice “leave no trace” principles. Please be careful with fire and pack out non-burnable trash. Also, dispose of human waste in cat holes dug 6-8 inches deep at least 100 feet away from the trail.

Rating: Moderate
Length: 24 miles
Best Seasons: Fall, winter, spring
Restrictions: No motorized use.
Other Recreation Activities: Primitive Camping - Practice “leave no trace” principles
Safety: During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures. Be advised of hunting seasons. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods.
Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material
Travel Time: 6-8 hours by horseback
Leave No Trace: Pack out what you pack in.

Trailheads: The Berryman Trail has two vehicle access trailhead developments.

Berryman Recreation Area
Brazil Creek Campgrounds

A printable brochure is available for download (Click here to open the document, 675k, pdf format).

How to get here:

From Berryman, MO take Hwy 8 east about 2 miles; turn north onto County Road 207.
Go about 1.5 miles. This is the starting point for the 24-mile Berryman Section of the Ozark Trail.
From Potosi, MO take Hwy 8 west 16 miles; turn north onto County Road 207.
Go about 1.5 miles. This is the starting point for the 24-mile Berryman Section of the Ozark Trail.

Click here for an area map (map is dated 1997, 180k pdf format).

Open year-round. No Fees. No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.