TORCH TRAIL REVIEW #014 | TENNYSON HOLLOW (MO)
Looking for a rugged weekend escape in the Midwest? In this installment of TORCH Trail Reviews, we've teamed up with @EmptyNestAdventureProject for an off-road excursion through the stunning Mark Twain National Forest in southern Missouri.
Spanning nearly 1.5 million acres of public land, this sprawling forest offers a surprising amount of off-road exploration for overlanders and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Tennyson Hollow isn't just a scenic drive, it's a technical Ozarks trail that showcases the diverse terrain found throughout the Midwest.
TRAIL OVERVIEW
Tucked away in southern Missouri, the Tennyson Hollow route delivers an immersive deep-woods experience through the heart of the Ozarks. The trail winds through dense forest, traverses rocky terrain, and navigates a series of muddy lowlands and creek crossings. Depending on conditions, vehicle setup, and time spent exploring, most groups can expect to spend several hours enjoying the route from start to finish.
The trail provides a rewarding mix of changing elevations, technical tire placement, and classic Ozark scenery, making it an excellent destination for drivers looking to build confidence while experiencing some of Missouri's most scenic public lands.
THE TERRAIN
The terrain here is rated as a 4 out of 10 (Beginner-Friendly with Moderate Obstacles), making it a great destination for drivers looking to expand their off-road skills without committing to a difficult trail.
Rock Ledges: True to the Ozarks, the trail features exposed limestone shelves and small rock ledges that require careful line selection, particularly during wet conditions.
Deep Mud Ruts: The low-lying hollows retain moisture and can develop slick, clay-heavy mud sections. Maintaining steady momentum and choosing the right line are key to navigating these areas successfully.
Creek Crossings: Several seasonal creek crossings and drainage areas add variety to the route. Water levels can change significantly after rainfall, so always assess conditions before crossing.
Dense Forest: The trail winds through thick oak-hickory forest with occasional stands of pine. Tight sections and overhanging branches require drivers to pay attention to vehicle width, mirrors, and roof-mounted gear.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS & WAYPOINTS
Glade Top Trail: One of Missouri's most scenic backcountry drives, Glade Top Trail offers panoramic views of the rolling Ozark hills from a well-maintained gravel ridge route. It serves as an excellent approach drive and is accessible to most vehicles.
Hercules Fire Tower: Built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this historic fire tower remains one of the area's most recognizable landmarks. The surrounding area serves as a popular staging point and gateway to the extensive trail network throughout the forest.
THE EXPERIENCE
Scouting with the @EmptyNestAdventureProject crew highlighted just how enjoyable a well-equipped overland rig can be in a forest environment.
The Setup: The test vehicle for this run used a 2.5-inch suspension lift and 35-inch tires, providing ample clearance for the rocky sections and muddy terrain. This combination delivered a comfortable ride while maintaining traction throughout the route.
Midwest Overlanding: What makes Tennyson Hollow stand out is the change in terrain. One moment you're cruising along scenic ridge roads overlooking Ozark hills, and the next you're carefully navigating rocky ledges, muddy hollows, and creek crossings deep in the forest.
TIPS FROM THE SCOUT
Air Down: Reducing tire pressure appropriately can significantly improve traction, ride quality, and control on the trail's rocky and uneven surfaces.
Watch the Paint: The dense vegetation can leave a few "trail stripes" on full-size trucks and wider vehicles. Taking your time through narrow tree corridors can help minimize contact with branches.
Pack Recovery Gear: While beginner-friendly in dry conditions, the clay-heavy soil can become surprisingly slick after rain. Recovery boards, a tow strap, and basic recovery equipment are smart additions to any kit.
Check Weather Conditions: Recent rainfall can significantly alter trail conditions and water crossing depths. Always verify conditions before heading out.
SUMMARY STATS
Location: Mark Twain National Forest, Southern Missouri
Difficulty: 4/10 (Beginner-Friendly with Moderate Obstacles)
Terrain: Limestone ledges, mud ruts, creek crossings, and dense forest
Trail Time: Approximately 2.5 hours depending on conditions and stops
Rig Recommendation: High-clearance 4x4. Some capable stock vehicles can complete the trail in favorable conditions, while larger tires and increased ground clearance make the rocky sections more comfortable.
THE VERDICT
Tennyson Hollow is a standout Ozarks trail that offers scenic beauty and engaging terrain. It provides enough obstacles to keep experienced drivers interested, while remaining approachable for those looking to develop their driving skills.
Whether you're exploring the Mark Twain National Forest trail network, testing out a new suspension setup, or searching for a weekend adventure in Missouri, Tennyson Hollow is worth adding to your itinerary.
Big thanks to @EmptyNestAdventureProject for guiding us through these Missouri trails! Check out their channel for more overlanding adventures.
Navigating rocky shelves and deep mud requires the right combination of clearance and articulation. Is your rig ready for the backcountry? Shop Upgrades for your Jeep Wrangler or check out our lineup of Suspension Lift Kits.
Want your local trail featured? Drop a comment or tag us @torchoffroad and show us where you’re wheeling! -TORCH
