Most of the Forest's 1,487,009 acres lie entirely within the Ozark Plateau. Remnant hills from this country's oldest mountains, the Ozarks, dot the landscape. Noted for its beautiful scenic qualities, the variety of land forms ranges from gently rolling plains to heavily dissected areas with deep winding valleys. Clear, cool, spring-fed rivers and streams and some of the country's largest springs are just a few of the Forest's precious treasures. Exposed rock and open glades add visual interest in many areas.

The Forest lies within a vegetative transition zone that includes tallgrass prairie, central hardwoods and pine, northern hardwoods, and southern coastal species. This provides a wealth of visual variety during all seasons. Spring flowering and fall coloration are particularly vivid.

The Mark Twain National Forest includes 7 Wilderness Areas: Hercules Glades, Piney Creek, Devil's Backbone, Bell Mountain, Irish, Paddy Creek, and Rock Pile Mountain.

• Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs District -
• Cedar Creek District -
• Doniphan/Eleven Point District -
• Houston/Rolla District -
• Poplar Bluff District -
• Potosi/Fredericktown District -
• Salem District -

• Hike a portion of the Ozark Trail which meanders through the rolling hills and deep winding valleys.
• Canoe or kayak down some of the more than 350 miles of floatable streams, watching for rocky bluffs, caves, springs, and wildlife.
• In the springtime, while strolling through the prairie's tall grasses, look out for the colorful array of wildflower blooms.
• Watch for the great variety of birdlife, including wild turkeys, great blue herons, and kingfishers.