Trail Overview
Fort Bald Spur FS 612A is the natural terrain Forest Service road within the Mark Twain National Forest Ava Unit, part of the greater Glade Top area. The road fits right in with the main road of Fort Bald FS 612, showing that its main purpose is in the hunting arena through the many offshoots, tight treelines, and narrow track. The entry features some natural rock going up a small grade steering away from the main road, this is the most thrilling point, but isn't the only thrill, the rest is consistent with smaller rock, tight trees, coarse gravel, mild surface mud, and fallen tree debris. Along the way, several spots appeared to be potential areas to set up a small camp or facilitate a small lunch meet-up spot that is secluded and even further away from the main road. At the end of the MVUM-sanctioned road is a fork, with the trail continuing past, this is the point to turn around and head back to the entry.
Difficulty
FS 612A is given a base rating of 3/10, meeting the bar with its large cobbles, and small ledges at the entry, being right at 6-12" in height, with smaller stock rigs, it is just enough to force wise line choices. The rest of the track would fall in the 2/10 realm, featuring surface mud, fallen tree debris, mild erosion, and exposed natural coarse gravel, all under the 6" and smaller features. The unsung difficulties are the tight and narrow trees along part of this track, requiring a multi-point turnaround at the endpoint, this is tight even for small high-clearance rigs, though the road is not legally limited to high clearance 4x4, it is not advised for full-size rig use.
History
In 2022, a local offroading group Mark Twain Mafia, hosted a small ride/clean-up event to help preserve the area, please follow their lead in keeping our National Forests clean, and promoting future access.
