Trail Overview
Madison Co Road 247 (also known as Bo-Co Road 247) is an easy, scenic gravel route through the Mark Twain National Forest that is perfect for beginners, families, and anyone looking for a relaxed, picturesque drive with wide-open views. Spanning approximately 2 miles with minimal elevation change, this smooth-sailing road begins at its intersection with MO-72, where drivers are treated to sweeping vistas that stretch for miles. The trail meanders south over rolling hills, winding through a beautiful dense canopy of towering pines and lush hardwood forest. Because the route is a well-maintained county dirt and gravel road, it serves as a straightforward, accessible gateway into the deeper, more rugged off-road networks of the region.
With a technical rating of 1, the terrain consists of highly packable, stable gravel that presents no major obstacles, making it suitable for any standard two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicle, as well as SxSs and dual-sport motorcycles. Drivers may encounter very mild washboarding or slight mounding along the way, but these minor surface variations do not impede travel in any dry conditions. Navigating the route is exceptionally simple, starting at the northern entrance off MO-72 at coordinates 37.51633, -90.14517, and heading south into the forest. Whether used as a quick scenic detour or as an access point to more thrilling, technical adventures nearby, this trail offers a peaceful, hassle-free taste of the Missouri wilderness.
