Missouri State Route 125: Arkansas to Rueter

Travel with us through the rolling hills and wooded valleys of the Missouri Ozarks as we take a scenic 10-mile journey north along Missouri State Route 125, beginning at the Arkansas state line and ending at the junction with U.S. Highway 160 near Rueter. This short but rewarding stretch of road offers a pleasant blend of rural solitude, forested landscapes, and small-town charm, making it an ideal backroad alternative for anyone exploring the southern part of the state.

Our drive kicks off just after crossing into Missouri from Arkansas, where Highway 125 picks up its path in a quiet, wooded area that immediately immerses you in the natural beauty of the Ozarks. About a mile into the state, we make a brief westward jog into the small community of Protem. This tiny settlement doesn’t offer much in terms of services, but it’s a quintessential slice of rural Missouri—complete with an old post office and a scattering of homes that hint at its history as a once-thriving crossroads town. Protem may be easy to miss, but it marks a gentle transition from the foothills of Arkansas into the more defined uplands of southern Missouri.

Leaving Protem behind, Route 125 bends back north and begins a steady climb through wooded terrain, showcasing the region’s natural character. This part of the drive runs through a patchwork of forested land, clearings, and scattered farms. It’s peaceful country, dotted with fences and the occasional pasture, where you’re more likely to see deer or wild turkeys than another car. The Ozark landscape here is gently rolling, with modest elevation changes and plenty of curves to keep the drive interesting, though not challenging. It’s the kind of place where the road feels like it belongs to you alone.

We continue north for roughly five miles before arriving at the intersection with U.S. Highway 160, just east of the small community of Rueter. This junction marks the end of our segment on MO-125, though for those continuing westbound, it becomes a gateway into a longer, more winding route that heads deeper into the heart of Taney County. While Rueter itself is little more than a name on the map today, its proximity to Bull Shoals Lake, Mark Twain National Forest, and other nearby outdoor attractions makes it a good jumping-off point for those in search of secluded trails or fishing holes.

Whether you’re a local traveler, a motorcyclist in search of open roads, or simply a scenic route enthusiast, Missouri Route 125 from Arkansas to Rueter is a peaceful and visually engaging drive through a region that’s rich in understated charm. It’s a great warm-up for exploring nearby U.S. 160 or for diving deeper into the scenic routes that crisscross southern Missouri.