Trail Overview
Pine Union Hill FSR 2137 is a short but challenging climb in the Mark Twain National Forest, perfect for four-wheel-drive vehicles and SxSs looking to test their suspension on off-camber terrain and deep ruts. Spanning just under half a mile (approximately 0.43 miles), this trail serves as the starting portion of the Pine Union trail system before it splits into FSR 2137A and the Hilltop portion of 2137. The route begins near Bollinger County Road 872 in the lowlands of Grounds Creek, right past the scenic Sycamore Valley Artisan Well, and immediately begins its ascent. Drivers will encounter a primarily dirt surface laced with natural rock, climbing from an elevation of 708 feet to 885 feet with a steady incline that demands careful tire placement.
With a technical rating of 4, the trail features deep ruts reaching up to 18 inches and off-camber mounds of dirt that will fully articulate your vehicle's suspension. Standard four-wheel-drive vehicles with decent ground clearance are recommended, as wise line choices are crucial to maintaining traction through the uneven sections. Wet weather and heavy rains significantly amplify the trail's difficulty, turning the dirt sections into slick, muddy obstacles that require extra caution. Whether you are navigating the initial climb or using it to access the deeper reaches of the national forest's trail network, FSR 2137 offers a brief but engaging off-road experience.
Difficulty
The hill is a climb and takes some wise choices from the driver, the ruts are deep and the off camber spots make the suspension work to keep your tires traction. The hill can become extremely muddy and wet amplifying the difficulty.
