Shawnee National Forest Forest Road 345 Pine Hills Loop
Technical Ozark canyon loop with serious water crossings
Forest Road 345 cuts through some of the roughest country in the Missouri Ozarks, where sandstone bluffs drop into narrow hollows and spring-fed creeks carve technical challenges. The route starts near Winona and winds through private timber land before entering Mark Twain National Forest, hitting the notorious Pine Creek crossing where flash floods have stranded vehicles for days. Rocky ledges demand precise wheel placement, and the final climb to Pine Ridge requires low-range momentum through loose shale.
This is solid intermediate territory requiring high-clearance 4WD with skid plates and recovery gear. Spring runoff makes water crossings treacherous March through May, while summer’s low water reveals the technical rock gardens beneath. No permits needed, but fuel up in Winona — it’s 40 miles to the next station. Dispersed camping along Pine Creek rewards those who tackle this forgotten piece of Missouri backcountry.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1420 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Winona, Missouri |
| Land manager | Mark Twain National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Will a stock Jeep Wrangler or Toyota Tacoma make it through this loop?
Yes, but you'll need high clearance 4WD and skid plates are highly recommended for the rock ledges. Stock suspension works but expect some scraping on the undercarriage.
Are the water crossings passable in spring or after heavy rain?
Avoid this trail during spring runoff (March-May) and after heavy rains - the water crossings can become dangerous torrents. Stick to summer and fall when water levels are manageable.
Do I need any permits to run Pine Hills Loop?
No permits required. This is Mark Twain National Forest land with free access, but follow Leave No Trace principles and stay on designated trails.
What's the most technical section I should prepare for?
The sandstone ledges in the canyon sections require careful wheel placement and spotting. Some drops are over 18 inches with off-camber approaches that'll test your nerves.
Can I camp along the trail and how's the cell coverage for emergencies?
Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest, but there's zero cell service on the entire loop. Bring a satellite communicator if you're camping solo and inform someone of your plans.