Part of the Mark Twain National Forest, this US Forest
Service Trail has approximately 35 miles of trail in this 16,500
acre section. One of
the largest areas of public land north of the Missouri
River, trail riders will enjoy memorable rides through
varied terrain.
Cedar Creek Trail is formed by 3 loops, crossing 36 miles
of pastoral countryside. Two-thirds of the trail is
cross-country; the rest is along gravel roads.
Southern Loop cross 22 miles of scenic
country with about one-third of this section on gravel and
paved county roads. It is marked in grey diamonds.
Smith Creek Section, between Hwy J and Cedar
Creek, about 5 miles from Boydsville to Rutherford Bridge.
This scenic route provides glimpses of Cedar Creek from the
bluffs above. It is marked in orange diamonds.
Pine Ridge Section, which passes through Pine
Ridge Recreation Area, is open to foot travel and mountain
bikes only. This trail is marked with grey diamonds.
An alternative trail to the west is provided for
horses.
Moon Loop, about 7 miles in length, offers
varying landscapes. The name was given because, at one time,
the effects of soil erosion that occurred in the 1930s caused
hikers to think of the surface of the moon. It is marked with yellow
diamonds.
History
Around 1870, the citizens of Missouri had begun to use
natural resources for profit. Timber mills flourished and vast
forests of pine and oak were leveled, sawed, sold and shipped.
Over-fishing of streams was common (dynamite became a new
fishing tool) and an almost total annihilation of game turned
the land lean. By the 1930's the lumber mills were gone as
were the forests and game. Soil erosion and water pollution
had begun due to the clear-cutting, slash-burning, and
continued farming of slopes. This was the condition of the
land when the forest service began restoration in the early
30's. When the Great Depression rolled across the United
States, thousands of young, unemployed men joined the Civilian
Conservation Corps (CCC). CCC camps were established in the
newly formed national forests. During the 10 years the
Civilian Conservation Corps was active, Corpsmen planted
thousands of acres trees, built fire lanes, and constructed
recreational facilities across the national forests. Much of
their work is still evident.
Mark Twain National Forest was established by Presidential
Proclamation on September 11, 1939. The 1.5 million acres of
land that make up the Mark Twain National Forest spans the
southern half of Missouri. Total forest acreage represents 11%
of all forested land in Missouri. Mark Twain National Forest
has land in 29 Missouri counties. The area is diverse in
vegetation, geological features, water resources, and
wildlife. It includes seven federally designated wildernesses
and numerous historical and archaeological sites. Mark Twain
NF Supervisor's Office is located in Rolla, MO. There are six
Ranger Districts on the forest with offices in Ava/Cassville/Willow
Springs, Doniphan, Winona, Fredericktown, Houston, Van Buren,
Salem, Potosi, Poplar Bluff, Houston, Rolla and Cedar Creek.
Excerpts from Mark
Twain National Forest
Broken Gait Trail Rides is not responsible for loss or injury. All
riders must sign a waiver and release form prior to your scheduled ride.
Missouri Revised Statutes
Chapter 537
Torts and Actions for Damages
Section
537.325
Augusts 28, 2002 - 2. Except as provided in subsection 4 of
this section, an equine activity sponsor, an equine
professional or any other person or corporation shall not be
liable for an injury to or the death of a participant
resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities and,
except as provided in subsection 4 of this section, no
participant or a participant's representative shall make any
claim against, maintain an action against, or recover from an
equine activity sponsor, an equine professional, or any other
person from injury, loss, damage or death of the participant
resulting from any of the inherent risks of equine activities
Be sure and read the entire Statute
