Shut-In Mountain Forks Trail – Sam A Baker Sp

Distance: 8.0 miles Elevation Gain: 700 ft Difficulty: Strenuous Type: Loop Surface: Dirt/Rock Activity: Hiking Best Season: Year-round Typical Time: 5-8 hours Fee: $5-8/vehicle Dogs: Yes, on leash Permit: No

The Shut-In Mountain Forks Trail represents some of the most rugged hiking in the Missouri Ozarks, traversing the St. Francois Mountains through terrain shaped by ancient volcanic activity. The East Fork of the Black River cuts through exposed rhyolite bedrock creating numerous natural swimming holes and shut-in formations. The remote character of this trail means wildlife encounters are common including black bear, river otter, and Louisiana black bear from adjacent Arkansas populations.