Remember those leisurely Sunday drives of yesteryear? Driving along country roads, admiring the scenery, and maybe even pulling over for a picnic or at an ice cream parlor for a cold treat? Missouri offers the perfect backdrop for those old-fashioned drives on Sunday or any other day. Meander through Mark Twain National Forest, for example, on what might be the most scenic drive in Missouri.

Pack the car with goodies; fill up the gas tank, and hit the road on the beautiful 23-mile Glade Top Trail.
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This is one of the best scenic byways in Missouri, making it a must-do at least once in each season.
The winding path through Mark Twain National Forest is Missouri's lone National Forest Scenic Byway, making it well worth a spot on your bucket list.
All Trails/Samantha Sellers
If you're looking for an idyllic way to spend a few hours, you won't find better than by journeying along one of the best scenic drives in Missouri.
If you're not in a hurry, you might even want to pack your camping gear. You'll find several camping areas just off of the trail.
All Trails/Jacob Rozner
All sites allow tent camping and are on a first-come first-serve basis. Campsites have basic amenities, including toilets, picnic tables, and parking.
For an old-fashioned, primitive camping experience, make your way to the trailhead near the old fire tower. It's the perfect spot for a night under the stars.
All Trails/Chaz Birdsong
Make sure you pack everything you need for a rustic overnight along one of the best MO scenic byways.

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You might want to bring along a picnic for your drive, too. Glade Top Trail features seven overlooks, where you can pull over, stretch your legs, and admire the sweeping views.
All Trails/Chaz Birdsong
Just remember to pack out everything you bring in with you to help preserve the forest.
Glade Top Trail is a gravel road that will take you through lush forested areas. During the warmer months, colorful wildflowers line much of the path.
All Trails/Jacob Rozner
The trail features an elevation of around 500 feet and is popular in all seasons.
All Trails/Jacob Rozner
You won't find a prettier scenic drive in MO, so remember to bring your camera!
Head over to the official website of the U.S. Forest Service for more information on Glade Top Trail. Or check out a trail map on All Trails.
All Trails/Jacob Rozner

Do you have a favorite scenic drive in Missouri? Tell us about it in the comments! Ready to explore more of Missouri? Check out these backroads in Missouri that are perfect for a leisurely drive.

Are you up for taking another scenic drive in Missouri or even setting off on a hiking trail in Missouri? Find both on All Trails.

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Scenic Missouri

Beth Price-Williams | August 25, 2023

Are there any other scenic drives in Missouri?

Glade Top Trail National Scenic Byway is just one of several scenic drives in Missouri that belong on your bucket list. We recommend also checking out these MO scenic byways:

  • Sugar Camp Scenic Byway spans 28 miles and boasts stunning views of forests and farmland.
  • Journey to Lexington along the 15-mile Old Trails Road Byway. While it’s pretty in all seasons, make sure you drive this scenic byway in Missouri at least once during the peak of the fall foliage.
  • Begin an epic adventure along Historic Route 66, which runs from St. Louis to Joplin.
  • Carve out plenty of time for your scenic drive along Highway 21. The MO scenic byway passes such attractions as Rocky Creek Conservation Area, Current River Conservation Area, and Mark Twain National Forest.
  • Missouri’s Great River Road will take you on a scenic drive along the Mississippi River.

When fall rolls around, you’ll find no better way to admire the stunning fall foliage than along one of these roads in Missouri.

 

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Glade Top Trail, Beaver Township, MO 65608, USA