Roaring River State Park Tanyard Branch Technical
CCC roads too rough for tourists
The old Civilian Conservation Corps carved maintenance roads through Roaring River’s backcountry in the 1930s, and Tanyard Branch Trail follows the roughest of them. You’ll climb 800 feet in less than two miles up limestone shelves that can turn slick as glass when wet. Fire Tower Road branches off halfway up — a technical spur that dead-ends at the ruins of a 1940s fire lookout most visitors never know exists. The main trail drops back down through three creek crossings where spring-fed tributaries have cut narrow channels through bedrock.
This is difficult terrain that separates the pretenders from the pros. Articulation matters more than horsepower — those limestone steps will high-center anything without proper approach angles. Dry weather only unless you’re running aggressive tires and rock sliders. Spring through fall offers the best conditions, but summer heat makes the creek crossings welcome relief. No overnight camping allowed in state park boundaries. What you get is genuine Ozark technical driving and solitude that feels impossible this close to civilization.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | 4-6 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1350 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Cassville, Missouri |
| Land manager | Missouri State Parks |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler handle this trail?
No, you need modified 4WD with skid plates minimum. The limestone ledges and steep rocky descents will beat up stock vehicles and potentially leave you stranded.
Is the trail open during winter months?
Best season is April-October. Winter conditions make the limestone surfaces extremely slippery and dangerous, plus Missouri State Parks may restrict access during bad weather.
Do I need permits to run this trail?
No permits required, but you must stay on designated trails within Roaring River State Park. Park entry fees may apply during peak seasons.
What's the hardest part of this trail?
The steep limestone descents with loose rock sections. These CCC-era grades were never designed for modern vehicles and require precise line choice and momentum control.
Are there water sources along the trail for camping?
Yes, you'll cross several creek systems including Tanyard Branch, but dispersed camping isn't allowed in the state park. You'll need to camp outside park boundaries or use developed campgrounds.