Middle Earth served as the primary setting for the fantastical story, “Lord of The Rings,” written by J. R. R. Tolkien. However, you don’t have to be a hobbit to live out that fantasy of Middle Earth, because Missouri has its own Middle Earth and that’s Mark Twain National Forest.

The ever expansive Mark Twain National Forest, covers 1,491,840 acres. 78,000 of those acres are considered Wilderness and National Scenic River area. With that much space, you’ll never go bored creating your own hobbit-like adventure.

Missouri Division of Tourism/flickr

Just as Tolkien’s Middle Earth is separated into different realms, Mark Twain National Forest is too. The forest is comprised of 7 wilderness areas which include Bell Mountain, Devils Backbone, Hercules-Glades, Irish, Paddy Creek, Piney Creek and Rockpile Mountain Wilderness.

Savage Freedom/flickr

Hop from rock to rock at Marble Creek, which has such smooth reflective waters, that you might even catch a reflection of yourself.

Jeff Hamm/flickr Address: Route E Arcadia, MO 63621

Ready to find the treasure? Then head to Taum Sauk Mountain and hike through moss-covered rock cairns to find the ring! Er, I mean, to find the state high point! At this state park in the forest, you’ll come across the state’s highest natural point and enjoy sweeping views of the forest below you.

Vanessa Righeimer/OnlyInMissouri Address: Hwy. CC Ironton, MO 63656

Long Creek Falls flows wildly in the Hercules-Glades wilderness area. If you look close enough, maybe you’ll find some Middle Ground creatures swimming in the creek.

SR Graphics/flickr Address: Hercules Tower Trailhead Rd To Fire Tower Bradleyville, MO 65614

Since every hero’s adventure starts with a journey, begin yours somewhere along the Ozark Trail. This trail is over 350 miles long and can be picked up at many points in Mark Twain National Forest, including Marble Creek Recreation Area and Taum Sauk Mountain.

Vanessa Righeimer/OnlyInYourState

Ready to start your hobbit adventure? Even if you’re not a huge fan of “Lord of The Rings,” you have to admit, Mark Twain National Forest is pretty darn cool. As I said earlier, this forest is pretty expansive so just giving you one of the area’s addresses wouldn’t do it justice. For more information of where you can find these special places, head over to their website and plan your big adventure!

Missouri Division of Tourism/flickr

Savage Freedom/flickr

Jeff Hamm/flickr

Address: Route E Arcadia, MO 63621

Vanessa Righeimer/OnlyInMissouri

Address: Hwy. CC Ironton, MO 63656

SR Graphics/flickr

Address: Hercules Tower Trailhead Rd To Fire Tower Bradleyville, MO 65614

Vanessa Righeimer/OnlyInYourState

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