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Great River Road: Highway 79, Mississippi River, Missouri
Photo: Paul Sableman

Drives Missouri The Ozarks: Arkansas and Missouri

Great River Road: Highway 79

MO 79 · Clarksville → Hannibal

Leisurely44 mi1 hr 15 min2,900 ft climbHigh point ≈ 800 ftOne way
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The drive

Highway 79 follows the Mississippi River on Missouri's side, and this drive takes it north from Clarksville through Louisiana to Hannibal, 43.5 miles. Highway 79 carries the Little Dixie Highway tourist designation as part of the Great River Road, and the national Great River Road follows Route 79 all the way to Hannibal.

Travelers see river views, rolling hills and limestone bluffs, with roadside parks, overlooks and Missouri Department of Conservation areas, including Ted Shanks and Dupont Reservation, between Hannibal and Clarksville. Highway 79 overlaps US 54 near Louisiana. Clarksville is known for its Applefest, and Hannibal sits at the northern end of the scenic route. The curves are mostly gentle.

Along the way

  1. Clarksville (Highway 79)
  2. Louisiana (Third Street)
  3. Highway 79 near Saverton
  4. Hannibal (Fulton Avenue)
Elevation
2,900 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 800 ft
ClarksvilleHannibal
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
ClarksvilleHannibal
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Highway 79 has closed in floods on the stretch through Louisiana, so check conditions after heavy rain along the Mississippi.
  • Cyclists ride this road, and MoDOT's recent work included shoulder work and curve safety improvements.
  • Highway 79 overlaps US 54 near Louisiana.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check MoDOT Traveler Information Map.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Great River Road on Highway 79 take?

Highway 79 from Clarksville to Hannibal is 43.5 miles and takes about 1 hr 15 min.

Is Highway 79 in Missouri the Great River Road?

Yes. The national Great River Road follows Missouri Route 79 to Hannibal, and it carries the Little Dixie Highway tourist designation.

Can Highway 79 flood?

Yes. MoDOT has closed Route 79 in Louisiana, Missouri, for Mississippi River flooding and reopened it when the water fell.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Great River Road: Highway 79, from Clarksville to Hannibal