Bateman

The Bateman Trail, a non-motorized trail system, consists of approximately 16 miles of trail. This hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trail, leads you through limestone glades that can be seen throughout the trail system. Landscapes vary from gently rolling hills to moderately steep terrain with rock outcrops and tall grass prairies. Natural water for horses along the trail is very limited and may be seasonal.

Vegetation along the trail is diverse and includes oak-hickory and eastern red cedar trees. Prescribed fire is often used to maintain the unique glade habitats. Species such as Bachman’s sparrow, a state endangered species, collared lizards, Indian paintbrush wildflowers, and primrose plants can be a welcoming site on a hike or horseback ride.

Volunteers help maintain the trail.

The trail is made of several sections of smaller loops. Along the trail you’ll cross Brushy Creek a few times in the Bottoms, Bottoms Connect, and Corral sections. At various places along the trail you will be following the creek. At the Bottoms there are big open fields.

The 606 Connect Loop will take you uphill where you can loop around to Merriman.

From Forest Road 150 Trailhead the trail is relatively flat, there is a slight decline heading towards Bottoms.

From Willie Lee you’ll have a drop of almost 400 feet between the trailhead and the creek.

Trail Map

Trail System Map GEO Referenced

General Information

Safety:

No drinking water is available at trailheads or along the trail; bring what you will need, or be prepared to sterilize water you find.
During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures.
A good map and compass , along with knowledge of utilizing these, are strongly suggested.
Be aware of hunting seasons.

For more safety tips visit the Safety section of the website.

January - December

On the Trail

No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail or past designated parking areas.

At the Trailheads

No overnight camping in day use areas at any time of year.
Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the day use area
No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
Fireworks are prohibited.
Horses may not be tied directly to trees.

No fees at any trailheads

Getting There

Directions

There are three trailheads for the Bateman Trails. Bateman Road Trailhead (directions below), Willie Lee, and Forest Road 150 Trailhead.

Bateman Road Trailhead

From Ava

Take State Highway 76 W for 18.3 miles
Turn left onto State Highway W and travel for .7 miles
Turn right onto Caney Creek Road and travel for 5.5 miles.
Turn left onto Forest Road 150 for .2 miles
Turn right onto Road 125-100B/Glade Top Trail for 2 miles
Make a sharp right onto Bateman Road and travel 1.8 miles to the trailhead.

From Ava, MO via Glade Top

The byway begins outside of Ava:

go south on Hwy 5 for three miles to Hwy A
turn right/west on Hwy A and drive 4 miles to Smallett Junction,
turn left/south onto A409 (Glade Top Road) and Hayden Park
Drive for 10 miles on A409 to Bateman Road.
Make a sharp right turn onto Bateman Road and travel 1.8 miles to the trailhead.