Beautiful, long bridge with red railing going into the trees on the East side of Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area with sun lighting the end.

Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area is one of the most incredible places for outdoor recreation in the Ozark Mountains. It’s just a little over 2,700 acres and boasts a variety of different recreational activities.

Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area multiuse trails (with markers)

There are 18-miles of trails here that provide an amazing hiking experience. Color-code markers do an excellent job of guiding hikers through the forest’s trail system but should not replace your need to have a map of the area! Trail markers here are simply little tags on trees about head height for the average person so you shouldn’t have trouble noticing them. 

Trail difficulty ranges from easy to OMG MY THIGHS! There are easy parts that are basically a pleasant stroll. However, there are some areas that are quite rugged with steep, rough terrain. With that in mind, please do some research before your trip so you can properly prepare.

Mountain biking and horseback riding are possible on certain trails and roads in the forest year-round. For that reason, there’s a parking area on the East side of US Highway 65 that accommodates trailers. Hitching posts and a step-up are also available.

Tombstone tourism at Busiek State Forest

This is one of my favorite things about Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area. If you do nothing else here, at least hike to Carter Cemetery which dates back to the late 1800’s. On a regular basis, I seek out old cemeteries and there is certainly something about this particular one that sets it aside. Once inside the boundaries, there’s an indescribable sense of peace.

It’s a rather short hike, only about .6 miles there and back. The trail starts off easy which is quite deceptive of what’s to come so watch your step. You’ll come to a spot where the yellow trail goes straight, and the red trail goes left. Once you take a left on the red trail to go to the cemetery, shit gets real. You’ll start climbing in elevation while experiencing switchbacks, roots, and unstable ground. But, it’s totally worth it!

My dark-haired husband in a black shirt standing in a sea of deep green Yuka plants and gravestones at Carter Cemetery in Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area.
Dark green Yuka plants and gravestones in the Carter Cemetery at Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area.

BUSIEK TIP: If your hiking adventures take you to the Northeastern portion of the Red Trail and you choose to venture off that trail in a Northeasterly direction, you’ll eventually come across another cemetery. Its name is Chaves Cemetery, and its just outside the boundaries of the Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area on private property.

Off-Trail Hiking

There’s plenty of rugged terrain indicative of the Ozark Mountain region for you to explore while hiking off-trail. In lower elevations, there are beautiful creeks so there’s a possibility your feet will get wet. I always take a little extra time creek-side so I can enjoy the peace and serenity they provide.

Wide creek with a small rock trail going across to the other side at Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area.

Additionally, you’ll come across savannahs in the bottoms that can be quite impressive depending on the season. The flora in this region is quite diverse and spectacular so perhaps some native wildflowers will brighten your day.

The higher elevations are quite rewarding because you’ll encounter bluffs with scenic views and dolomite glades. Pay attention to the flora here, because you may be able to spot some prickly pear cacti in full bloom.

Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area camping

Get your permit and pack your tent! Why not combine hiking with primitive camping? It’s a win, win! At the present time, there are 8 different campsites you can choose from on the East side. Each campsite has it’s own fire ring for you to use so long as you are tending the fire.

BUSIEK TIP: I highly recommend the campsites farthest to the East for so many reasons. They are farther from the shooting range and farther from US Highway 65. Additionally, they are farther from the parking areas and the popular Woods Fork Walking Bridge. They are by far the most peaceful.

Target Shooting

There is a nice shooting range here for public use. You can site your weapons in at different distances while using sturdy shooting tables. There’s no onsite staff or public restroom facilities so plan accordingly.

Foraging

Foraging is very much a part of my lifestyle, both at home and while traveling. I love filling my baskets with all the amazing natural foods Mother Nature provides. Missouri provides an abundance of wild edibles which I am happy to harvest, hand stains and all. Some of my favorites are in the gallery below.

Green leaves and a ripe mulberry in front of my berry-stained hands.
A large bowl of fully ripe Mulberries.
My hands covered in dark deep purple stains from harvesting Mulberries.
A very large morel mushroom sitting in my hand.
A small green bundle of wild asparagus I harvested.
Two morel mushrooms joined at the base.
A large blue bowl filled with blackberries.
A pint jar of blackberry jelly with a cactus in a brown flowerpot behind it.
A tree loaded with orange persimmons waiting to be harvested.

You’re probably wondering why all the talk about foraging on a travel blog?! Right? Well, as a person who loves hiking, I find that my food rations last much longer if I take advantage of nature’s edibles. Berries, nuts, wild greens, fruits, roots, seeds, blooms, etcetera are perfect additions to your “on the go” meal plan.

You can forage for wild edibles throughout most of Busiek State Forest. There are a few areas within the boundaries where you can’t as the state is trying to encourage regrowth. Signs mark these areas so as long as you’re paying attention to signage, you’re good.

Additional information

Birding, photography, and looking for fossils in rocks are also rewarding recreational activities here.

Please know that the weather in this region can be unpredictable so plan accordingly.

The ridges and rolling hills of the Ozarks Mountains can get you directionally impaired rather quickly. For that reason, make sure you take a compass, an area map, and a well loaded pack with you.

Fauna

The fauna in this region is plentiful and down right beautiful. While for the most part harmless, I feel the need to make you aware of a few things.

  • Watch out for pit vipers! They’re NOPE ROPES!
  • Stripped Bark Scorpions love the glades.
  • The Brown Recluse and Northern Black Widow are not your friend.
  • Bald-Faced Hornets are assholes.
  • Ticks are everywhere so prepare! Also, don’t be shy…use the buddy system!
  • Feral hogs (there have been sightings in the county)
  • Please, don’t poke the bears!

Let’s talk Mountain Lions for a moment. So, there’s a ton of controversy over whether or not they were extirpated from Missouri. I promise you, there are mountain lions in the state of Missouri. I have personally seen them on many occasions, in many different counties, and have photographic evidence of their presence. Furthermore, people I know have seen them and the MDC has confirmed several sightings.

Given these points, simply be cautious and aware of your surroundings. You can never be too careful!

Learn more about the Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area in the area’s brochure.

Need Directions to Busiek State Forest

Click directions on the map below. It will open another window where you can enter your starting point. Use the minus sign to zoom out.

Worthy of notable mention

16.3 miles straight South of Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area, is Branson Missouri with so much to see and do. The Fire and Water Show aka The Branson Landing Fountain Show is one of the most unique things to do in Branson. Wanna know the best part? It’s free and there is no limit on how many times you can go. Read about the Fire and Water Show here! At the bottom of that post, you can read about some other free things to do in Branson and how you can travel the downtown area for free!

Need directions?