Baker Realty - Local Information

Area Attractions:

- Mark Twain National Forest-
Whether you're a birder or boater, fisher or floater, trail biker or wilderness hiker, this magnificent 1.5 million acre forest has your kind of outdoor experience in abundance. Within the Forest's 13 ranger districts lie more than 40 designated campgrounds and picnic sites, over 50 miles of floatable streams and lakes and more than 63,000 acres of wilderness. The National Forest also has 145 miles of trails designated for trailbike and ATV use, hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding (including three national recreation trails) and literally thousands of hunting, fishing, sightseeing and bird watching opportunities.
*Click on photo for map*

- Akers Ferry -

For the Last 50 years, during daylight hours, Eugene Maggard's family has been ferrying vehicles across the Current River at Akers, south of Salem. Akers Ferry is a unique piece of Ozarks history, and is the last toll ferry operating within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

- The Ozark Trail -
The Ozark Trail will reach from St. Louis through central and south central Missouri into Western Arkansas, a distance of 500 miles. The trail is divided into five sections, one of which passes through the West Plains area. Much of this section of the trail has been completed and has been designed to accommodate foot, mountain bicycle and equestrian traffic. The trail combines clear Ozark streams, panoramic mountaintop views, and deep forests, and holds a myriad of experiences for the weekend stroller and long-distance backpacker alike.

- Devil's Backbone Wilderness -
A designated wilderness, the Devil's Backbone is noted for its rugged terrain and wild beauty. Thirteen miles of wilderness trails make the 6,595 acres within the wilderness boundary accessible by foot and horseback, but vehicles are prohibited. Three trailheads provide entry points.

- The Ridge Runner Trail -
This 22-mile long segment of the Ozark Trail extends from Noblett Lake to the North Fork Recreation Area at Hammond Camp, and throughout its length provides access to every kind of Ozarks vista imaginable, passing through meadows, ridgetops and Steam Mill Hollow as it meanders, following old wagon roads and ancient footpaths through forest and fen.

- Caney Mountain Refuge -
By 1940, Missouri's deer population had all but vanished due to overhunting, and the last known flock of native wild turkeys had taken refuge in a wild and precipitous range of hills in Ozark County called the Gainesville "monadnocks." In that year, the Missouri Conservation Department released 30 captured deer into the area so that both deer and turkey populations might be restored. In 1949, the department purchased a 6,694 acre tract in the roughest part of the monadnocks, and hired master conservationist A. Starker Leopold to prepare its first wildlife management plan. The area is host to a diverse wildlife population as well as other natural wonders. Many of the state's threatened and endangered species have their home here, including the rare Bachman's sparrow. Drive-through car tours are possible at most times fo the year and some camping is available in designated areas. Managed deer and turkey hunts, including a fall black-powder hunt, are held each year and self-guided nature trails provide diverse and scenic hiking opportunities. The area is open daily from 4 a.m. until 10 p.m.