St. Joe State Park ORV
St. Joe State Park OHV Area offers over 54 miles of ATV, UTV, and dirt bike trails across 2,000 acres of former lead-mine land near Park Hills in St. Francois County, eastern Missouri — approximately 65 miles south of St. Louis. The park sits within the Old Lead Belt, where extensive surface mining and processing operations from the late 1800s through the 1970s created the post-industrial landscape that now serves as Missouri's most-visited OHV destination. The riding terrain reflects this origin: sand flats, hard-packed dirt, water-filled pit areas, wooded sections on mine waste hillsides, hill climbs, and open play areas that feel unlike any naturally formed landscape. The variety makes St. Joe State Park exceptionally popular — beginner families can ride the flat sand loops while expert riders find challenge on the technical hill and mud sections. The park also includes four lakes for swimming and fishing, equestrian trails, and developed picnic areas alongside the OHV zone, making it genuinely multi-use. A Missouri State Park OHV permit is required and available for purchase on-site. Operating hours are dawn to dusk daily. The park is managed by Missouri State Parks (573-431-1069).
- Phone
- 573-431-1069
- Hours
- Thu–Sun 7am–8pm (Nov–Mar: 7am–5pm); closed Mon–Wed
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Chadwick Motorized Trails
Chadwick Motorized Trails is the primary OHV riding area in the Mark Twain National Forest — nearly 80 miles of interconnected trail winding through 12 square miles of Ozark ridge tops, forested hollows, and rocky creek drainages in Christian County, approximately 20 miles south of Branson and 35 miles southeast of Springfield. The Ozark topography gives Chadwick a trail character distinct from the flat-terrain parks of the northern plains: trails climb from creek-bottom hardwood hollows to ridge-top viewpoints, cross multiple seasonal stream crossings, and traverse some of the most rugged and biologically diverse forest in Missouri. ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycles up to 50 inches wide are permitted on the marked trail system. A dedicated 3-acre family play area and 5-acre observed trials zone serve those wanting structured challenge rather than trail riding. A National Forest OHV permit is required; permits are available at the Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs Ranger District office or self-issued at the trailhead. The primary Chadwick trailhead off US-160 has parking and basic facilities. Primitive camping is available at several established sites within the riding area. Contact the Cassville Ranger District (417-847-2144) for current conditions and any seasonal closures.
Sutton Bluff OHV Area
Sutton Bluff OHV Area is a 45-mile segmented OHV trail system in the Mark Twain National Forest in Reynolds County, Missouri, following the rugged river breaks of the West Fork of the Black River approximately 50 miles south of Potosi and 60 miles northwest of Poplar Bluff. The terrain is genuine Ozark backcountry — the most remote and topographically dramatic OHV area in Missouri. Trails traverse forested ridge tops above deep hollows, creek drainages, and exposed dolomite and sandstone outcrops typical of the St. Francois Mountains transition zone. Stream crossings are numerous and seasonal, and some sections close after heavy rain to protect sensitive riparian habitat. ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycles up to 50 inches wide are permitted. Sutton Bluff has a dual permit requirement: a Mark Twain National Forest OHV permit AND a Reynolds County day-use permit, both of which must be displayed. The Sutton Bluff Recreation Area on the Black River serves as the primary staging area, with camping, swimming, and picnicking in addition to the OHV trailhead. The Current River is accessible nearby for float trip combinations. Contact the Potosi/Fredericktown Ranger District (573-438-5427) for current conditions.