Trail Overview
Mary Cole Ridge, also known as Forest Road 1011, offers offroad enthusiasts an easy and scenic ridgeline drive through the dense hardwoods of Mark Twain National Forest. Suitable for stock four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and dirt bikes, this 3.3-mile trail is particularly stunning during the fall and winter when leaf-off conditions open up distant, sweeping views of the surrounding Ozark hills. Starting off State Highway 86, the route begins at a spacious, gravel staging area perfect for parking trailers and unloading off-highway vehicles. The well-maintained gravel path meanders eastward along the high ridge, maintaining an average elevation of around 1,400 feet with minor elevation changes.
As travelers progress along the route, they will find several dispersed campsite pull-offs and spur trails branching off the main road, which are highly suitable for more agile SxSs and motorcycles. While the primary surface is mostly gravel, drivers should watch for larger, sharp rocks that can be obscured under fallen leaves, especially during autumn. The trail becomes increasingly narrow and rugged as it descends toward its end, dropping about 440 feet in elevation before reaching a final turnaround point at the junction of other forest trails. Standard high-clearance vehicles will easily navigate the main road, but caution is recommended if venturing onto the narrower, more technical spur trails where the rating increases.
