There are places that I feel completely at ease. One such place is Sutton Bluff Recreation Area.
It is located in the Mark Twain National Forest between Centerville and Lesterville, Mo., off of Highway 72.
The namesake of this spot is the beautiful Sutton Bluff. This impressive bluff is just upstream from the campground.

It was named after R.G. Sutton who settled in this area of Reynolds County in 1888. Three generations of the Sutton family worked the farm before it became part of the Mark Twain National Forest.
Fast forward to 2018 and Sutton Bluff Recreation Area is a location where I can quiet my mind and simply listen to the wind in the trees alongside the clear flowing waters of the West Fork of the Black River.
This past October I once again did exactly that. I completely lost track of time, doing what some people call nothing and I call living.
Sutton Bluff Recreation Area appeals to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, picnicking, mountain biking, swimming, fishing, camping, scenic drives, nature walks, off-roading, or simply hanging out are just a few of the many activities one can partake in at Sutton Bluff.