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Brazil Creek Trailhead

The Brazil Creek Trailhead serves as a trail camp for the 24-mile Berryman Trail and the 40 mile Courtois (koh-teh-wah) Section of the Ozark Trail.

The Berryman Trail traverses 24 miles of scenic Ozark countryside starting at the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp of 1937 and winding through timbered stands and fields. This section of the Ozark Trail is part of the over 200 mile through-trail. Camping, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding here offer the recreationist a pleasant measure of solitude and quiet.

The trailhead is located past the campsites, on the right-hand side, down a short gravel path. You will need to cross a creek to get onto the trail.

The campsites are located on the right-hand side of the road.

General Information

Camping

Dispersed camping is allowed along the trail. 

Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground.

Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates.

There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!

  1. Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles
  2. Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources.
  3. Treat any water found in the area before consuming it.
  4. Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered.
  5. Pack out all of your garbage.

Berryman Campground

This small, remote campground and picnic area located at the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp of 1937 provides a quiet setting for escaping from your normal routine. With just 8 individual campsites and a picnic shelter, it is enjoyed by campers, picnickers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and hikers.  

January - December

Day use only; no overnight camping allowed

When visiting, please remember

  • No overnight camping in trailhead 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. Hitching posts are available.
  • No motorized vehicles permitted on trail system.
  • No motorized vehicles beyond posted signs.

No Fees are required for this site.

No Fees at trailhead. There are camping fees at the Berryman Campground.

Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.

  • Leashes must be six feet, or shorter, when in developed recreation sites, including trails within the boundaries (36 CFR 261.16(j)) when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
  • Yield your leashed dog around other hikers, bicyclists and horses.
  • Be sure to give your pup water breaks to keep them hydrated.
  • Store their food in bear-resistant food containers.
  • Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
  • Bring enough food and water for your canine companion.

USDA Forest Service Logo

Address: 10019 W. State Hwy. 8 Potosi, MO 63664
Phone: 573-438-5427
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; District Offices closed 1 - 1:30 for lunch (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 37.98598

Longitude: -91.032112

Directions

From St. Louis

  • Take Highway 21 south 60 miles to Potosi
  • then, turn right/west onto Highway 8 and travel 16 miles to Berryman Road . .
  • Follow Berryman Road for approximately 5 miles to Floyd Tower Road.
  • Take a left onto Floyd Tower Road and drive about 2 miles to the end of Highway  W.
  • Take a right onto Highway W, the entrance to the trailhead is on the right about  1 mile down the road.

Parking

Horse Trailers - 6; single vehicles - 10

Facility and Amenity Information

Accessibility

The restrooms are accessible.

Restrooms

Restrooms are not available at this site.

There are restrooms at the Brazil Trailhead and Berryman Campground.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

No drinking water; stock water available in nearby creek.

Horse/Pack Animal Information

Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Biking - Mountain Info

Bike riders must yield the right-of-way when encountering horseback riders.

Berryman Trail - 24 miles

The 24-mile loop Berryman Trail traverses scenic Ozark countryside, winding through timbered stands of oak, pine and bottomland hardwood, climbing switchback fashion from low bottoms to high cherty (flint-like rock) ridges.

Interesting flora and fauna abound in the old fields, glade-like rock outcroppings and deep forest.

Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail

The western half of this trail also serves as part of the Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail, and can be used as part of a multi-day thru-hike, or a longer point -to- point trip.

Horse Camping Info

Horses are welcome in this trailhead. There are three campsites at the trailhead, each with a picnic table and firerings. There is room for two horse trailers in the parking area.

Hitching posts are provided. Tying horses directly to trees prohibited. Brazil Creek is suitable for watering stock.

Please scatter manure beyond the manicured lawn before you leave. Dispersed camping with horses is allowed along the trail.

Horseback Riding Info

Berryman Trail - 24 miles

The 24-mile loop Berryman Trail traverses scenic Ozark countryside, winding through timbered stands of oak, pine and bottomland hardwood, climbing switchback fashion from low bottoms to high cherty (flint-like rock) ridges.

Interesting flora and fauna abound in the old fields, glade-like rock outcroppings and deep forest.

Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail

The western half of this trail also serves as part of the Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail, and can be used as part of a multi-day thru-hike, or a longer point -to- point trip.

Backpacking Info

Be aware of bicyclists and equestrian users on the trail. Please step to the side to allow horses to pass.

Berryman Trail - 24 miles

The 24-mile loop Berryman Trail traverses scenic Ozark countryside, winding through timbered stands of oak, pine and bottomland hardwood, climbing switchback fashion from low bottoms to high cherty (flint-like rock) ridges.

Interesting flora and fauna abound in the old fields, glade-like rock outcroppings and deep forest.

Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail

The western half of this trail also serves as part of the Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail, and can be used as part of a multi-day thru-hike, or a longer point -to- point trip.

Day Hikes Info

Be aware of bicyclists and equestrian users on the trail. Please step to the side to allow horses to pass.

Berryman Trail - 24 miles

The 24-mile loop Berryman Trail traverses scenic Ozark countryside, winding through timbered stands of oak, pine and bottomland hardwood, climbing switchback fashion from low bottoms to high cherty (flint-like rock) ridges.

Interesting flora and fauna abound in the old fields, glade-like rock outcroppings and deep forest.

Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail

The western half of this trail also serves as part of the Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail, and can be used as part of a multi-day thru-hike, or a longer point -to- point trip.

Recreation Groups

A group of people hiking
The Ozark Trail is 230-miles between Onondaga Cave State Park and the western edge of the Mark Twain National Forest. The trail is multi-use for hiking/backpacking, biking and equestrians in 13 sections, all of which are on the Mark Twain National Forest.

Last updated May 12th, 2025