Cedar Bluff Trail
Cedar Bluff Trail is a 1.5-mile loop trail in the Lane Spring Recreation Area. It climbs the hillside a rocky cedar glad and view of Little Piney Creek are possible.
If you've never seen an Ozarks "glade", you'll enjoy visiting the rocky meadow at the top, surrounded by cedar trees for which the trail is named.
This trail starts at the northern part of the recreation area and winds it’s way up to the top of the bluff.
At the top of the bluff you’ll be able to see the Little Piney River and adjacent bluffs. In the Summer you will not see as far or as much due to the vegetation leafing out.
The bottom of the trail that comes back out in the Recreation area of Lane Spring can have standing water after a heavy rain in spots.
Trail Details
- Rating: Easy
- Length: 1.1 miles
- Best Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring
- Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material
- Trail Grade: 10-12%, it is a fairly steep, windy, narrow trail and there are many roots and rocks.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
Accessibility
Vault toilet at Lane Spring is accessible
General Information
Camping
Camping is available at Lane Springs
Safety:
- During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures.
- Be aware of hunting seasons.
For more safety tips visit the Safety section of the website.
Winter Use
The trail is still available for use when the gate to Lane Springs is closed. You will need to park at the small parking area provided next to the gate at the top of the hill.
Day Use at Lane Spring:
- $5 per vehicle per day
- Commercial Vehicle (Bus): $10 vehicle per day
Day Use Fees
Day Use Fees can be paid on-site using the provided fee tubes.
- Fees must be paid using cash or check, no credit card machines are available at any sites.
- Annual and Lifetime passes can be purchased to cover day use fees at USDA Forest Service operated sites.
The day use area at Lane Spring has potable water
On the Trail
- Hiking is permitted.
- No motorized vehicles, horses or bikes are permitted.
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
- Fireworks are prohibited.
Address: 108 S. Sam Houston Blvd. Houston, MO 65483
Phone: 417-967-4194
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
Trailhead/Starting Points
The trail is a loop that begins and ends in the picnic area at Lane Springs Recreation Area.
Parking
At Lane Springs Day Use area - multiple parking lots that can fit 75 vehicles total
Directions
From Rolla, MO
- go 12 miles south on Hwy 63;
- turn right/west onto Forest Road 1892 (marked by entrance sign). Follow this road 1.5 miles to recreation area where the road dead ends.
Additional Information
Operated By
USDA Forest Service
