Recreation on Pioneer Forest

Pioneer Forest is private property. However, as envisioned by our founder Leo Drey, many areas of Pioneer Forest, including the Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry, are open to the public for recreational uses such as hiking, horseback riding on designated trails, primitive camping, bird watching, and fishing as permitted by state law. In order to protect the land and its resources for all users, and to ensure the continued existence of the forest for future generations, we ask that all visitors follow our recreation policies.

Recreation Policies

Rules for recreational use of Pioneer Forest are simple:

1. Motor vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, motorbikes, and bicycles are permitted only on county roads. Private logging access and administrative roads are restricted to foot traffic only. Fences and gates protect some areas, and signs explaining motorized restrictions are posted along most private access points.
2. Feral hog hunting is prohibited on Pioneer Forest, which is private property. Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 270.400, requires the consent of a property owner for taking or killing of feral hogs on private property, so Pioneer Forest is exercising its right to forbid such actions.
3. Horseback riding is confined to designated equestrian trails, which are shown on the Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry trail maps.
4. Primitive camping and historic camps are permitted provided camping does not exceed 14 days. Please note, there are no utilities or developed campsites available on any section of Pioneer Forest.
5. Pioneer Forest does not give letters of permission for exclusive access. Neighbors and community members are encouraged to contact the Pioneer Forest office for more information on our access policies.
6. Visitors are asked to respect wildlife and fragile areas, leave the forest and its ecosystems intact, remove items they have brought in, and minimize campfire impacts.
7. Destruction or theft of property, graffiti or other defacement of natural areas, release of feral hogs, and theft of timber will not be tolerated. Violations will be prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law.
8. Unauthorized use of motor vehicles in streams and rivers is illegal, criminal trespass, and a violation of several state laws. Such illegal use damages wildlife habitat, fishing areas, and water quality.

Violations of Pioneer Forest policies can be reported to the Pioneer Forest office at 573-729-4641. We thank the many visitors each year who respect the forest. We likewise thank our neighbors and our larger community for helping to keep our lands safe, productive, and open for all.