Ozark Highlands Trail

Ozark Highlands Trail

Ozark National Forest

The Ozark Highlands is the second longest trail in the state of Arkansas. It is a 165-mile National Recreation Trail, primarily within the Ozark National Forest. OMH hikes this trail almost exclusively on overnight trips. The Trail extends from near Ft. Smith to the Buffaol River at Woolum, in eight sections, approximately 20 miles each, as identified in Tim Ernst Guide. A thirty mile (disconnected) extension of the trail is farther east in the Sylamore Creek region. The trail is exceptionally scenic throughout. There are several forest service campgrounds along the way. At some point in the future, the trail will connect to the Ozark Trail in Missouri to form one, continuous trail extending from Ft Smith all the way to St Louis.

Access Notes:

Section 4: AR 21 N to AR 16; West to FR 1404 (Arbaugh Rd); S couple miles to TH; parking. Continue S on 1404 @ 3-4 miles to 1474; W (right) couple miles to trail crossing. No parking; not well marked. FR 1417 - @ 2 mi from AR 21; several miles N of Ozone campground.

Section 7: Hwy 16 from Pelsor; to Ben Hur take FR 1203 at wide curve in road; to Richland Creek it is a long drive down FR 1205 to Richland Creek

For additional info:

Tim Ernst "Ozark Highlands Trail Guide";

Ozark National Forest map;

Ozark Highlands Trail Association (OHTA);

Kris/Billy McMillen know this trail as well as anyone in OMH.

Recent Hikes:

Oct 24, 2003

Leader:

(mutiny)

12 Hikers

OMH Overnight

Route:

Sec 4 / FR 1474 to Arbaugh Road TH [65.7 - 70.9]

5.2 miles

Difficulty Rating

Scenic Rating

Absolutely beautiful section. If any water had been present, this would be a "5". Runs under bluffs; along benches overlooking huge grottos and wonderful creeks/waterfalls. Not particularly difficult.

This hike was a bit of a mutiny; Kris was assigned leader and wanted to do 12 miles, but rest of us voted for shorter hike due to hot day (and drive home). Kris/Billy, Kenny T, and Tom ended up doing 10 miles, due to an error in entry point. Rest of us did five miles.

Overnight notes:

Ozone Campground

Oct 23, 2003

Leader:

Kris & Billy McMillen

15 Hikers + 2 dogs

OMH Overnight

Route:

Section 4 / Moonhull Mt (FR 1417) to Hwy 21 TH (78.3 - 85.7)

7.4 miles

Difficulty Rating

Scenic Rating

Hot day; lots of up and down; lunch at nice creek bed area

Overnight notes:

Ozone Campground, off AR 21 (about 18 mi N of Clarksville). Primitive campground; no water

Sep 27, 2002

Leader:

Ben Glazer

10 Hikers + dog

OMH Overnight

Route:

Section 7 / Ben Hur to Richland Creek (135.6 - 144.1)

8.5 miles

Difficulty Rating

Scenic Rating

Completed Section 7 of OHT

Jim got left at campsite - had to catch up

Horrible chigger attack - we all itched for days after

Sep 26, 2002

Leader:

Ben Glazer

11 Hikers + 1 dog

OMH Overnight

Route:

Section 7 / Fairview campground to Ben Hur (125.0 - 135.6)

10.6 miles

Difficulty Rating

Scenic Rating

Polar coming through the woods on dead run -- fifteen minutes before Mike caught up with us

Overnight notes:

Camp at Richland Creek Campground.

bathing in the creek; "peeping Jim" incident

Ozark Highlands Trail / Sylamore extension

Ozark National Forest

This is a beautiful stretch of thirty-one miles, designated as an extension to the OHT, but disconnected from OHT. It runs essentially north-south from Sylamore Creek area up to the Buffalo River. The northern 13 miles are most difficult; southern section is most beautiful.

Planning notes:

Late March or fall would be best times.

Mar 24, 2004

Leader:

Kris & Billy McMillen

17 (+ 4 dogs)

OMH Overnight

Route:

Did the entire 31 miles over three days.. Wed: Mile 9 - 18; Thurs: Miles 31.6 - 18. Fri: Mile 1 - 9.

31 miles

Difficulty Rating

Scenic Rating

sss

View above White River (~ mile 31) bluff lines; creeks; views in southern section (miles 1 - 9). Birmingham Hollow (mid section)

Waterfall

Dry waterfall in northern section - must be 100'

Trail in excellent condition; spring wildflowers everywhere, particulalry in mile 1 - 9 (southern end)

Northern section (Miles 31.6 - 18) was toughest hike in long time. "Athens-BigFork extended by 4 miles". Turned out to be 13.6 miles, instead of 11.0 as promised.

Rock formations; trees; flowers; creeks

Overnight notes:

Blanchard Springs Campground (USFS; Sylamore District). Just off AR14 near Fifty Six, AR. Reservations only for a group campsite. Facilities include: hot showers, pavilion, faucets. NO RV hookups.

Cabins at Cody's Restaurant: On AR14 in Fifty Six. [870 757/2270] Six cabins; sparse, but neat clean. Two with kitchenettes; but others just bedrooms / bath. Some have refrig; ask. Restaurant serves good breakfast, starting at 6:30am. NO CREDIT CARDS - take cash. About 3 miles from campground; about 20 miles from TH

About 3 hour drive (150 miles): Up AR 9 to US 65 (near Clinton) to Marshall. AR 27 to AR 14 to Blanchard Springs area. Trailhead on right about a mile up AR 341 off AR 14; well marked