Forest The team at Stacker utilized the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration and state travel guides to figure out the Must-Drive Roads in every state. In Missouri, that's our State's only National Forest Scenic Byway, the Glade Top Trail, which the U.S. Forest Service says is about 60 miles southeast of Springfield.

Stacker likes the Glade Top Trail, which cuts through the Mark Twain National Forest. The forest is home to the roadrunner and Bachman's sparrow, and the rolling countryside is covered in yellow and purple coneflowers, which attract birds and butterflies.

Check out the Must-Drive Roads in every state below and read more specific information about our Glade Top Trail.

That's a great look at the must-drive roads across America. Now, here's a deeper dive into our own Glade Top Trail near Springfield.

What Is A Glade?

According to Wikipedia, a glade or clearing is an open area within a forest, in this case, the Mark Twain National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service has this to say about Glade Top Trail: "For twenty-three miles, the two-lane, all-weather gravel road follows narrow ridge tops rising approximately 500 feet above the surrounding rolling countryside, and overlooks and passes through many limestone/dolomite glades interspersed with open and closed woodlands and forests."

Where Is The Glade Top Trail?

As I mentioned, the Glade Top Trail is about 60 miles southeast of Springfield and includes portions of Forest Roads 147 and 149. The trail also has three entry points. The most popular entry point is near the Douglas/Ozark County line about ten miles southwest of Ava, accessed off State Highway 5 by State Highway A and County Road A-409.

The south entry point to the trail is north of the town of Longrun off State Highway 95 and about five miles north of U.S. 160. The west entry is just off State Highway 125 about two miles south of Hercules Glades Wilderness.

Flowers Are A Highlight

Along the trail, common and rare plants native to these glades can be seen. According to the U.S. Forest Service, some of the plants include Arkansas calamint, aromatic aster, Barbara's buttons, Bush's skullcap, Gattinger's goldenrod, Missouri black-eyed Susan, Missouri evening primrose, purple beardtongue, purple coneflower, rosinweed, stenosiphon, silky aster, and yellow coneflower.

Safety First

The U.S. Forest Service says many wildflowers can be viewed along roadsides, and seven overlook "pull-outs" provide panoramic views. Most glades occur on steep ridgelines in areas of loose rock, so if proceeding off the roadsides, please carefully navigate the steep slopes and rocky outcroppings. Additionally, always look for rattlesnakes and slippery rocks when crossing creeks.

The U.S. Forest Service also recommends that visitors carry a snack, insect repellent, water, and wear comfortable hiking boots if you plan to walk off the road. The 23-mile trail is a two-lane all-weather gravel road, so consider that as well.

For more information on the Glade Top Trail, visit the U.S. Forest Service website and watch the video below. Plus, keep scrolling to see the most popular National Parks in America!