The 230-Mile Ozark Trail

The 230-mile Ozark Trail offers a variety of natural wonders and rugged terrain that are sure to take your breath away. From scenic vistas to challenging climbs and descents, this trail is suitable for hikers of all levels. With an abundance of campsites and breathtaking scenery, this is a hiking trail that is sure to captivate you from start to finish.

The history of the Ozark Trail began in the 1970s, when a team of public and private land managers met to discuss the concept of a long-distance hiking trail in Missouri’s Ozarks. The group hoped to create a trail that would use existing public and private land and require only a small amount of right-of-way from property owners. This approach would minimize the time and expense required to build the trail.

A plan was soon created for the construction of the trail, and work started in earnest in the early 1980s. Over the next decade, more than 170 miles of new trail were constructed. By 1991, the Ozark Trail was complete and ready for hikers to enjoy.

Today, the Ozark Trail continues to draw people from all over the country who want to experience its beautiful scenery and wildlife. While it is exciting to observe animals along the trail, hikers are encouraged to do so with a respectful distance and by not feeding or touching them. In addition, it is important to follow all trail rules and regulations to ensure the safety of hikers and animals alike.

Several different sections of the Ozark Trail can be hiked, but the Blair Creek and Current River sections are the most popular with thru-hikers. These sections are characterized by lush, green forests of oak-hickory-pine and moss-covered dolomite bluffs, as well as the pristine emerald waters of rivers and streams. The Blair Creek section is also home to a number of shut-ins, water-eroded rock formations that form waterfalls and rivulets.

While the Current River section is a bit shorter, it still provides some incredible views of the Ozark landscape. The trail crosses the emerald waters of the Current River, then winds up a steep valley toward the summit of Stegall Mountain. At the summit, hikers can look down on a wide expanse of mountains and valleys, as well as the rugged cliffs that rise from the riverbank.

The peaks and valleys of the Ozark Trail are a great place to spot a variety of animals, including foxes, squirrels, coyotes, barred owls, and more. The area is also home to a large number of birds, including the bald eagle, wild turkey, and North American river otter. Ozark Trail Customer Service