Memorial Day Trip

[rockstate45]

Guys,

I'm trying to plan a Memorial Day weekend trip with some light/moderate offroading and a nice view of the scenery.

I've got it narrowed down to a few places
1. Rush Springs Ranch (~200 miles, $20/vehicle/day with $7/night camp fee)
2. Mark Twain National Forest (~250 miles)
3. SMORR (~200 miles)
4. Fulton Potawatomi Off-Road Park (~160 miles)

I'd prefer it be fewer than 250 miles each way to cut down on costs and drive time.

Does anybody have any experience with these two trails? Is there anything I'm missing? (I guess SMORR could be an option) And, lastly, does anybody want to join for a Friday departure?

 

[FZJ80 in KC]

I know Sammy and the guys from over there (Columbia, MO) with their Toyota club (mo4wd I think?) are planning a day at Potawatomie for the 30th I believe.

Might be a nice sized group if a few of us joined them.

 

[rockstate45]

I know Sammy and the guys from over there (Columbia, MO) with their Toyota club (mo4wd I think?) are planning a day at Potawatomie for the 30th I believe.

Might be a nice sized group if a few of us joined them.

For sure! Unfortunately, I have a short weekend on the 30th and a wedding I'm in (not my own). Would you be up for a trip on the 22nd? Maybe Sammy could meet us to show us around.

 

[FZJ80 in KC]

Must've got my weekends turned around...I'll have to check with the wifey and see.

 

[SammyT96LX450]

I'm out on the 22nd. My wife and I are celebrating 10 years of being married in Las Vegas. The following weekend is the mo4wd club Fulton event. I'll be at that one. Fulton is pretty small and has few challenges. It's overgrown so be ready for that. There are no signs for the trails. If you keep to the right as soon as you cross the gate it takes you on a great loop of the park. I have a video that might give you an idea

 

[rockstate45]

I'm out on the 22nd. My wife and I are celebrating 10 years of being married in Las Vegas. The following weekend is the mo4wd club Fulton event. I'll be at that one. Fulton is pretty small and has few challenges. It's overgrown so be ready for that. There are no signs for the trails. If you keep to the right as soon as you cross the gate it takes you on a great loop of the park. I have a video that might give you an idea

Thanks for the heads up, Sammy. I'll have to watch the video when I get home since I can't view it at work. Oh, and happy 10 years! Enjoy Vegas.

It is probably in the running as second place right now since the Mark Twain trails have been pretty much closed (according to my research and posts on Pirate from several years ago).

Hopefully someone else has researched it here and can comment?

 

[rockstate45]

I spoke with someone affiliated with the Mark Twain National Forest and learned quite a bit of information

1. They have several different spots that make up the forest (it's not one big forest).
2. Trails:
A. The logging trails have been more or less shut down. Folks would damage the ground over time or try to make the terrain more challenging. They're gated now and I didn't ask what the fine would be if you go down them.
B. Most of the roads now are "forest service roads" that are similar to your county roads and/or gravel roads.
3. Camping is more or less free; however, abide by signs and if you're in a recreational area that is pay-for-camping, then pay for it so you're not ticketed
4. Hiking is "moderate" in the area near Fulton County. It gets harder the further southeast according to her.
5. Keep in mind safety precautions; bring water, set a timeline for things you're doing (just a good caution anyway)
6. The Motor Vehicle maps are free by mail
7. Their website is www.fs.usda.gov/mtnf

I hope this little bit of information helps someone, whether they're planning a trip or uses it to educate themselves.

 

[rockstate45]

Well, we ended up at Tuttle Creek this weekend for a night of camping and beer drinking. Before the beer came out, we made it to the offroad Park and tool the 80 and 100 for a spin.

Just a few pictures to document the weekend.