Brazil Road - WCR 657

Trail Overview

Brazil Road or Washington County Road 657, is a gravel-dirt mixed road going through portions of rural Washington County land and the Potosi Unit within Mark Twain National Forest. The road features a unique use as an official Rally Stage in the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood (Spring-March) and the Show-Me Rally (Fall-November), and it closes on the days of these two events annually. Brazil Road is placed amongst the valleys and hills surrounding the Courtois and Hazel Creeks, which for the local Rally Stages uniquely features multiple steep elevation changes versus the typical one or no major elevation change points. The biggest climb is the one west of Courtois Creek, where the track makes a hard tight U-turn while climbing up roughly 250 feet throughout the half-mile-long hill. The Brazil Road also features access to the Ozark Trail (Courtois Section) Hazel Creek Campground via the FS 2392, as well as 6 other FS roads, Palmer Road and Colen Ridge Road. Come drive the scenic stage that the Rally tears through, just at a normal-day safe speed! Rally in the 100 Acre Wood action photos provided by Brad Plant Photography.

Photos of Brazil Road - WCR 657

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Difficulty

Brazil Road is given a base rating of 1/10, only having mild surface mud and occasionally feeling soft as if the front wheels are plowing through the damp areas, otherwise being a wide gravel-dirt mix road through the woods. It is safe to expect all the normal gravel road complications of washboards, mounding, and potholes. The difficulty could increase due to lack of maintenance or extremely wet and inclement conditions. The low-water bridge over Courtois Creek could flood and should be deemed closed if covered in deep water.

History

Founded in 1977, the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood has been a driver favorite since its inception. Sweeping turns and fast straights make this one of the fastest rallies on the calendar. Commitment and confidence are key. One of the most important places to commit? The rally's famous cattle guard jump that sees cars fly over 100 feet. 2025 marks the 30th running of this historic event, and the event is the third as a part of the American Rally Association National Championship Series. In recent years, downtown Potosi has shut down part of North Missouri Street after the Rally to allow fans to get up close and personal with the competition rally cars parked along the strip; sometimes drivers are known to show and mingle with fans. Notable Stats: Ken Block won here 7 times, and the closest margin of victory was 7 seconds in 2007. March 14-15th 2025 marked the 30th running of the event.

Technical Rating

Brazil Road - WCR 657 can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV