Stop 2: Smoke Tree Scene
American Smoke Tree (Cotinus obovatus) is found is central Texas, eastern Oklahoma, northwest Arkansas, southwest Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia.
In Missouri it occurs on the Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs Ranger District in Douglas, Ozark, Stone and Taney Counties. American smoke trees thrive in dolomite glade habitats. Missouri’s largest concentration of dolomite glades occurs on the Ava and Cassville Units, which makes this a particularly special tree to the Mark Twain National Forest and especially the Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs Ranger District.
American smoke trees are smaller brushy trees with wispy puffy blooms that resemble smoke from a distance during the springtime, and show off vibrant oranges and salmon colors during the autumn, they are definitely a highlight along Glade Top Trail.
Fun Fact – Yellow and orange dyes were obtained from the wood of smoke trees and used extensively during the Civil War.
In the United States there are no other native tree species with this genus. Smoke tree wood was used extensively, during the Civil War, to obtain yellow and orange dyes. The wood is strong enough to be used for fence post and tool handles.
General Information
January - December
Day Use, 6 am to 10pm
When visiting, please remember
- 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.
- Be aware of vehicle uses on the road.
No fees
Dogs are allowed at campsites and developed recreation areas; however, they should not be allowed to run loose in recreation areas where they will disturb other forest visitors. Be mindful of the impact a barking dog can have on other forest visitors.
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
- Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Address: 1006 S. Jefferson Ava, MO 65608
Phone: 417-683-4428
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: 36.794359
Longitude: -92.718187
Directions
From Ava, MO
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 on A409 and Hayden Park
- Drive for 1.3 miles on A409 to get to Smoke Tree Scene
Parking
3 vehicles
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
This is a gravel parking lot with a spectacular view.
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Scenic Driving Info
Glade Top National Scenic Byway
Glade Top Trail became a National Forest Scenic Byway in 1989.
While much of the Glade Top Trail was significantly improved or constructed outright by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s to the early 1940s, it is probable that a significant proportion of the Trail was used by settlers to access many of the homesteads that existed throughout the region during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Prior to that time, these same routes of travel were likely used by Native American peoples as they traversed the landscape in pursuit of the area’s natural resources.
Recreation Groups
This 23-mile Scenic Byway is named for the beautiful glades that surround the ridge tops where the Scenic Byway traverses.