Blue Buck Knob is in south-central Missouri about 75 miles east of Springfield. It begins in Cabool and travels south through the Mark Twain National Forest to the intersection with MO 14. The byway is nearly 30 miles long and follows Missouri Highways 76, 181, and “AP.” The state highways are two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles. Blue Buck Knob generally remains open year-round.
The Blue Buck Knob scenic byway travels through Missouri’s Ozark hill country within the Mark Twain National Forest. It twists and turns through farmland, open pastures, and densely wooded hillsides. Many tree-lined spur roads tempt the byway traveler to take a side trip and further explore the national forest.
Noblett Recreation Area offers diverse recreational opportunities for the byway traveler. Noblett is a 27-acre lake that was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. The remains of the CCC camp are accessible just a few miles away by gravel road. A boat ramp provides access to this scenic lake set among the hardwood trees. A nine-mile walking trail circles the lake. The northern trailhead of the Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail is also located here. This hiking trail heads south through the forest to the North Fork Recreation Area. A campground is in Noblett Recreation Area and has 25 tree-shaded sites with picnic tables and fire rings. No hookups are provided. Fishermen may wish to spend some time trying to pull bass, bluegill, crappie, or catfish from the lake.
Other recreational activities are available throughout the national forest. Wildlife observers will want to be on the lookout for white-tailed deer or wild turkey that were reintroduced to Missouri in the 1930s. The North Fork of the White River offers canoeing enthusiasts a pleasurable float among rugged rock outcrops and densely wooded forests. Horseback riding, hunting, and hiking are also popular recreational opportunities on the Mark Twain National Forest.