Skip to content

Trails

Trails

Mark Twain Lake offers a variety of trail systems. Users include hikers, walkers, bikers, equestrian riders, backpack campers, birders and hunters.

These trails are maintained by the Corps of Engineers. For more information, trail maps, and trailhead locations, visit the M.W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitor Center or call 573-565-2112.

 
• Lick Creek Trail: An 8-mile multipurpose trail situated off Route J, opposite the Ray Behrens entrance. This trail extends to the Duane S. Wheelan Recreation Area, and also offers a shorter 2.5 mile loop. View the Lick Creek Trail map.
 
• Joanna Trail: Joanna Trail boasts a remarkable 32-mile scenic route. This multipurpose trail comprises three loops: Prairie Loop (4 miles), Log Cabin Loop (11 miles), and Pioneer Loop (5 miles). Begin your journey at the trailheads found at the John F. Spalding Boat Ramp entrance, Hunter/Fisherman 11, and the Frank Russell Recreation Area. View the Joanna Trail map.
 
• Frank Russell Adventure Bike Trail: Unleash your inner adventurer on this newly opened trail, featuring a 1.5-mile all-weather surface pathway. Enjoy an exceptional outdoor experience for biking, hiking, and leisure walking.
 
• Frank Russell Fitness Trail: Located within the Frank Russell Recreation Area, this 3/4-mile concrete trail offers fitness stations for an optimal workout. Embrace the harmonious blend of fitness and natural beauty of this trail.
 
• White Tail Trail at Indian Creek: Connect with nature on the peaceful 1-mile White Tail Trail, linking Indian Creek campground to the beach access lot. Take a leisurely stroll and immerse yourself in the nature surrounding the Indian Creek Campgrounds.

These trails are maintained by the Mark Twain State Park. For more information, please call 573-248-9980.

 
• Barefoot Sam Trail Barefoot Sam Trail provides visitors a chance to experience nature before or after visiting the nearby Mark Twain Birthplace Museum. View the Barefoot Sam Trail map and information.
 
• Dogwood Trail – Dogwood Trail gives hikers a glimpse of a mature oak-hickory woodland on the northern hillside of Mark Twain Lake and a contrasting view of the secondary woodland on the southern side. In spring, the dogwood displays are impressive. The campground road dissects the trail east to west, allowing hikers to complete just one of the two sections. White connector 1 allows access to Post Oak Trail from the southwest portion of Dogwood Trail. The trail shares a trailhead and a section with Whitetail Trail. View the Dogwood Trail map and information.
 
• Post Oak Trail – Post Oak Trail follows the steep hillsides overlooking the South Fork of Mark Twain Lake then circles back around the outskirts of the campground. The campground road dissects the loop east to west and gives the opportunity to end the hike at the showerhouse or experience the trail in smaller segments. White connector 1 allows access to Dogwood Trail.The trail shares a section with White Oak Trail. View the Post Oak Trail map and information.
 
• White Oak Trail – White Oak Trail follows the steep hillsides overlooking the lake and a good portion of the large peninsula jutting into Mark Twain Lake west of the campground. It shares a section with Post Oak Trail. View the White Oak Trail map and information.
 
• Whitetail Trail – The very popular Whitetail Trail borders the lake hillside and showcases scenic rock cliffs. These cliffs, carved by water, illustrate the power of the Salt River that once flowed freely before it was dammed in the early 1980s to create Mark Twain Lake. The trail shares a trailhead and a section with Dogwood Trail for those wanting a longer walk. View the Whitetail Trail map and information.
 
 
 

Trail Ethics

  • Courtesy and cooperation with other trail users is imperative
  • If you pack it in, pack it out
  • Take only pictures, leave only footprints
  • Stay on trail
  • Be aware of fire hazards
  • Wear fluorescent orange during hunting season