Missouri Glade Top Trail Scenic Byway Travel Postcard

The Glade Top Trail National Scenic Byway is a 23-mile stretch of unpaved road winding through the rolling hills and ridges of the Mark Twain National Forest in southern Missouri. Renowned for its panoramic views, the byway meanders along narrow ridge tops, offering sweeping vistas of the Ozark Highlands in every direction. It’s a peaceful drive through open glades—sunlit, grassy clearings dotted with wildflowers—that give the trail its name, as well as oak-hickory woodlands rich in wildlife. The road was originally built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and today it remains a quiet escape for travelers seeking a more rustic and authentic Ozark experience. The Glade Top Trail is particularly famous in autumn, when the hillsides explode in a patchwork of red, orange, and gold. Pull-offs and overlooks along the route invite visitors to stop for photographs, picnics, or short hikes into the surrounding forest. Birdwatchers and nature lovers can spot species such as wild turkeys, red-tailed hawks, and even the occasional white-tailed deer grazing in the glades. With no commercial development along its length, the byway offers a serene, off-the-beaten-path adventure—perfect for those who want to slow down, breathe in fresh Ozark air, and soak up one of Missouri’s most scenic drives.