Berryman Trail

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.

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.

The Berryman trail is marked with the Ozark Trail blazes, which are white rectangles that will be about six feet up on trees. All intersections where trails meet are signed.

Trail Sections

Berryman Trail - 26.5 Miles
Brazil Creek Spur - .1 Miles
Harmon Spring Trail Camp Spur - .2 Miles

Trail Details

Rating: Moderate
Elevation: High of 1,195 feet, low of 842 feet
Length: 24-miles
Best Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring
Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material, rocky in places
Average Trail Grade: 10 - 12%, Terrain is sometimes steep and rocky, several elevation changes

Vegetation along the trail is mostly short-leaf pine and oak forests.

Terrain: This hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trail, leads you into and around the hollows. There are several long, sustained climbs and rocky descents. Be prepared for wet feet – stream crossings are not bridged.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

056134, 56135

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

Camping

Camping is available at the Berryman Campground. With just 8 individual campsites and a picnic shelter, it is enjoyed by campers, picnickers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and hikers.

Dispersed Camping is allowed along the Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail. There are no toilets, structures, trash cans, treated water, or fire grates along the trail. Popular areas to camp include: Hazel Creek, Harmon Spring, and Beecher Spring.

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.

Available Maps:

Berryman Trail Map - PDF
GeoPDF map available through the Avenza app.

Visit Visitor Maps and Guides for information on available Forest Visitor Maps, Topographic Maps, and Mobile App/Interactive Maps.

Trailheads

Berryman Campground

Campgrounds

Berryman Campground

No permits are needed for this trail.

No trailheads or campgrounds have potable water. Bring what you will need, or be prepared to sterilize water you find.

Natural water for horses along the trail may be seasonal.

On the Trail

No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail or past designated parking areas.
Camping is allowed along the Ozark Trail; NO trailside camping on non-National Forest land north of the Narrows trailhead on the Courtois section of the Ozark Trail.
- Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources.
- Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered.
- Pack out all of your garbage.
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, please ensure they are under control.
- Leashing is encouraged. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to other pets, the natural resources of the area, wildlife, and other forest visitors.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.

At the Trailheads

No overnight camping in day use areas/trailheads 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.

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