Sutton Bluff ATV 8 Trailhead
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 of the Black River. The segmented trails are accessed via county roads and Forest Service system roads, and total approximately 45 miles. There are varying levels of difficulty over each segment, following forested ridge tops and crossing deep hollows.
- Trail 12 is closed for compromised structural integrity of the bridge.
- Trail 17 is closed due to storm damage.
General Information
Camping
Trailer and tent camping at Sutton Bluff Recreation Area. Reservations recommended, however some sites are first come, first served.
Available Maps:
- Sutton Bluff Trail - PDF
Visit Visitor Maps and Guides for information on available Forest Visitor Maps, Topographic Maps, and Mobile App/Interactive Maps.
Safety:
- 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 to December
Day Use Hours:
- 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
State regulations apply on all vehicles using public roads. Check alerts and notices page for current closures.
On the Trail
- Unlicensed motorcycles are not permitted on county or Forest Service system roads.
- ATV’s/OHVs must be 50” or less to ride on this trail.
- The bridges cannot support a vehicle wider than 50”.
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.
Forest Service
Riding permit required. Visit the Passes section of the site for prices and how to buy Mark Twain passes.
Reynolds County
Reynolds county permits are required for ATVs and UTV’s accessing trail segments via county roads, and Forest Service system roads.
Address: 1301 South Main Street Salem, MO 65560
Phone: 573-729-6656
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 37.482459
Longitude: -90.94650782
Directions
From Centerville
- Follow MO-21 N/MO-72 E for 2.4 miles
- Turn left onto Karkaghne Scenic Drive and travel 2.2 miles.
- The site will be on the left.
Parking
There are multiple pull-offs near Trails 8 and 18 that can accommodate 1 or 2 vehicles with trailers. These are not trailheads.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
OHV Trail RidingOHV Trail Riding Info
No ATVs, UTVs or equipment greater than 50 inches in width are permitted on trails.
Recreation Groups
This is an almost 45-mile long trail system with multiple road crossings for ATVs/OHVs 50” or less in width.