Salem Area
The Salem district encompasses approximately 175,000 acres within the Salem Plateau of the Ozark Highlands. The district includes lands located within Crawford, Iron, Dent, Reynolds, and Shannon counties in the south-east central part of the state of Missouri. The Ozarks are characterized by deeply dissected hills, karst topography, horizontal bedrock, caves, sink holes, and natural springs. The ecosystem is rich in biological diversity and includes species that are found only in the Ozark Plateau. The main vegetation is upland oak-hickory and oak-pine forest, with bottomland hardwood forest in the floodplains of large rivers.
Passes & Permits
Pass information for day use fees can be found on the Passes page of the website.
Recreation Sites
Highway P Trailhead
Site Open
This trailhad on the Salem Ranger District of Mark Twain Natiional Forest provides access to the Karkaghne Section of the Ozark Trail (OT).This 25-mile trail section originates at MO Hwy J just east…
Huzzah Ponds
Site Open
Want a quick weekend outing in the forest? Check out the Huzzah pond trail great hiking experience! This 2.5-mile loop trail allows users the opportunity to spot wildlife like the whitetail deer,…
Loggers Lake Recreation Area
Site Open
Located deep in the interior forests of Shannon county, this campground is situated along the south-east shore of the 22-acre Logger's Lake.The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Camp 1730 located in…
OT Sutton Bluff Trailhead
Site Open
This trailherad allows hikers and equestrian users to access the Ozark Trail (OT Karkaghne Section from near the Sutton Bluff campground. This 25-mile OT section originates at MO Hwy J just east…
Sutton Bluff ATV 11 Trailhead
Site Open
This trailhead functions as a staging area for OHVs for the Sutton Bluff Trail system. The Sutton Bluff ATV, UTV, and Motorcycle Area is located within the rugged river breaks of the West Fork…
Sutton Bluff ATV 4 & 14 Trailhead
Site Open
This trailhead functions as a staging area for OHVs for the Sutton Bluff Trail system. The Sutton Bluff ATV, UTV, and Motorcycle Area is located within the rugged river breaks of the West Fork…
Sutton Bluff ATV 8 Trailhead
Site Open
This trailhead functions as a staging area for OHVs for the Sutton Bluff Trail system. The Sutton Bluff ATV, UTV, and Motorcycle Area is located within the rugged river breaks of the West Fork…
Sutton Bluff Recreation Area
Site Open
Roomy campsites surrounded by open lawn and natural shading, cool breezes, abundant songbirds, and scenic views all await visitors at the Sutton Bluff Recreation Area.The Sutton Bluff Campground is…