Mark Twain National Forest

The Natl Geogr Explorer magazine recommends the Hercules Glades wilderness for its wildlife and backpacking. Article says, “Park the car at Hercules Tower trailhead off of State Route 125, then enter the wilderness on Northern Knobs Trail. Spur paths allow for loops ofup to 20 miles. The most satisfying routes encompass steep and rocky Lower and UPper Pilot Knob, as well as prime camping spots alongside the pools, and large sycamores.”

Another article from the same mag says that “with put-in at Greer to take out at Riverton, the Eleven Point River manages to avid any trace of civilization for twenty miles” and “four miles from the launch, take a break and hike to nearby blue0eyed Greer Springs.” A dozen float camps are operated by the national forest.

Other tips, anyone?

and I was car sick! I’d like to go back when I’m driving!

but it was really beautiful. I took a wrong turn on my way to Illinois and got 40 miles off track. I took a detour through the forest, not realizing how completely isolated I would be, and running low on gas in my rental, and no cell phone service. Some day I’d like to go when I’m not in a panicked state of mind.