Lick Creek Trail, Joanna Trail reopen at Mark Twain Lake

MARK TWAIN LAKE, Mo. — Two multi-use trails at Mark Twain Lake have reopened after extended high water and storm damage, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Friday.

The Lick Creek Trail and Joanna Trail provide hikers, mountain bikers, equestrian riders, backpack campers, birders and hunters many miles of natural enjoyment. Both trails meander through several habitat types, including upland hardwood, open fields, bottomlands and limestone bluffs. Visitors may still encounter downed limbs and experience short detours.

Lick Creek Trail is eight miles point to point with a shorter two-mile loop at the northern end.  Trailheads are across from the Ray Behrens Recreation Area, Hunter-Fisherman Access No. 62 and Duane Wheelan Recreation Area along Highway J.  

The Joanna Trail consists of three loops — Prairie Loop (4 miles), Log Cabin Loop (11 miles) and Pioneer Loop (5 miles) — which comprise a 32-mile scenic trail with trailheads at the John F. Spalding Boat Ramp entrance and Hunter/Fisherman Access 11 and 16.  

Primitive camping at designated sites along these trails is available by permit only.  Visitors should be cautious during hunting season and wear fluorescent orange. Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you will return.

Online maps are available at www.mvs.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Mark-Twain-Lake/. Get a primitive camping permit by calling the Visitor Center at 573-565-2112.

For more information, contact the M.W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitor Center at 573-565-2112 or  MarkTwainInfo@usace.army.mil.