Mark Twain National Forest Hercules Tower Road

The old fire access road to Hercules Tower cuts through some of the gnarliest timber in the Missouri Ozarks, climbing relentlessly through dense oak-hickory forest before breaking into rocky clearings near the 1,772-foot summit. Built in the 1930s by the CCC, this forgotten route sees more wild turkey than tire tracks, with several stream crossings and a particularly nasty switchback section that’ll test your low-range skills. The abandoned steel tower at the end offers panoramic views across the Current River valley.

This is solid intermediate territory—stock 4WD will make it, but you’ll earn every foot of elevation gain. Spring and fall offer the best conditions when the creek crossings are manageable and the timber roads aren’t soup. No permits required, but fuel up in Winona since it’s a 30-mile round trip through country where cell service is a pipe dream. Come for the solitude and stay for some of the most pristine dispersed camping in southern Missouri.