Ozark trip-planning checklist

The week before

1. Pick an area that allows your vehicle, from the official page.
2. Buy any required permit (Mark Twain trail permit, St. Joe ORV permit, county road permit).
3. Download the current MVUM and trail map for offline use. Cell coverage can be poor.
4. Check the official page for closures and seasonal dates.
5. Truck check: tires, steering play, track bar, fluids, recovery points.

The day before and the morning of

1. Check the forecast and recent rain. Plan to skip creek crossings after storms.
2. Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. Sign trail registers where provided.
3. Pack water: several Ozark trailheads list no potable water.
4. Pack recovery gear, first aid, a tire repair kit and tools.
5. Bring licenses, registration, insurance and permits.

On the trail

1. Stay on designated routes.
2. Turn around at flooded crossings.
3. Pack out everything you brought in.
4. Leave gates as you found them.

Where this comes from

• USDA Forest Service: Mark Twain NF, motorcycle, ATV, UTV and mountain bike permits
• Missouri State Parks: Off-road riding rules, St. Joe
• USDA Forest Service: Ozark-St. Francis NF, visitor maps and MVUMs
• National Weather Service: Turn Around Don't Drown
• USDA Forest Service: Huckleberry Mountain
• USDA Forest Service: Mill Creek Trail
• USDA Forest Service: Wolf Pen Gap (Ouachita NF)
• Leave No Trace: The 7 principles
• USDA Forest Service: Ouachita NF FAQs (OHV riding)

Last reviewed 2026-10-19. General information only: the official site and posted rules always come first.