Not a bad hike up there, but don't expect to see anything. There are 15,307 acres with the Ozark Highlands Trail and Hurricane Creek Wild and Scenic River running through the middle of the area. Come in autumn and winter to avoid ticks and chiggers, like any other Ozark trail. I take my friends here and they are amazed by the beauty. Over 250 miles long and growing, this section of the OHT runs 32 miles through the Sylamore National Forest and the Leatherwood Wilderness Area. A nice short 2 mile hike down to Point 40, or further - As with the other Ozark Highlands Trail trailheads there is good parking right off the main highway. Right turn at gravel road takes you to the top, but no views there. We'll maintained, clearly marked trail with some great views. Not too hard of a hike, but not ridiculously easy. Later in that trip we found Hiker-dog. The best single-track mountain biking trail in the state. This section of the OHT will take you through the Marninoni Scenic Area, a … Take short walks or hike to other trailheads. Great woodland trail! Ozark Highlands Trail. This long linear stretch is the southern end of the 32-mile Ozark Highlands Trail Sylamore Section. ... left (west) on Arkansas 123 and go 14 miles to Piney Creek (one lane bridge). OHT Trail Description: Ozone to Fairview (Maps 9-12) March 13-16, 2008. Crazy amount of spiders and spider webs on 22 August 2020. Very nice scenic overlook (.8 out) although slight detour off the trail for the overlook. The Taum Sauk Section of the Ozark Trail, which is widely believed to be Missouri's best-known and most-used hiking trail. It is on the extreme west edge of 2Cooleys tour map. Walk to Hwy 341 and turn right. Another 10 miles of trail starts at Barkshed and meanders west to join the Ozark Highlands Trail. Well blazed in white and well maintained.A great view of the White River. Ozark Highlands Trail: Matney Knob is a 4.1 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Norfork, Arkansas that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. Brush Creek trailhead of the OHT is just past this sign. Just wished there was more vistas and less access road hiking. We only went to the River outlook and back out. Ozark Highlands Trail: Spring Creek Road to Moccasin Springs is a 14.2 kilometer lightly trafficked point-to-point trail located near Big Flat, Arkansas that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Parking is right off the highway on your right. Classic Ozarks trail along limestone bluffs, through deep hollows and across mountain streams. Head south out of the parking lot to intersect the trail which quickly turns east then north as it follows the lakeshore. The Cherry Bend Trailhead and Parking Area provides access to the Ozark Highlands Trail just south of where the trail crosses the Pig Trail Scenic Byway (AR Hwy 23). You'll see the OHT brown Carsonite signs marking the trail on both sides of the road. Later in … Parking is just a little ways down and is obvious from the road. A nice strenuous trail for winter time hiking. Pretty views and well maintained. water at mile 4 and 7-8, Indian Rock House Self-guided Nature Trail, Ozark Highlands Trail: Moccasin Springs to Cripple Turkey Road, Ozark Highlands Trail: Cripple Turkey Rd to Brush Creek, Spring Creek OHT to National Park Boundary, Ozark Highlands Trail: Spring Creek Road to Moccasin Springs. We really liked this trail for this warm winter day. Well marked clear trail. OHT Sylamore Section: The first map is of the Sylamore section of the Ozark Highlands Trail (trail shown in red). We began at Cherry Bend Trailhead on AR 23 hiking the Ozark Highlands Trail to the west and stopped at the Rock House before continuing toward Fane Creek. The views are plenty good in the winter but would be nonexistent in the spring after the leaves have grown back. The best Federal Wilderness trail. The trail was nicely maintained. The first section to the White River overlook was nice. You pass mile marker 37 in another 0.1 miles, just as you pass the bend in the highway, and then cross Highway 23 (OHT-11). The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, camping, and backpacking. The Ozark Highlands Trail currently stretches 269 miles across the state of Arkansas, running from Lake Fort Smith State Park south of Fayetteville, through the Ozark National Forest, along the Buffalo River, and all the way to Norfork Lake. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Enjoy! The next 3.6 miles generally follow Hurricane Creek. A nice short walk, or hike to Ozark Highlands Trail trailheads at either Point 37 or Point 42. Including: 1. OHT Trail Description: Morgan Mountain to Ozone (Maps 5-8) March 25-28, 2011. Beautiful outlook. OHT- 13 is another 0.1 miles, where the trail crosses FR-1504. It is currently 165 miles from end to end, with 27 additional miles of connecting spurs and loops, so it makes for a great long-distance backpacking trail. Backpack camping is allowed anywhere along the trail… The next section that leads up to Matney Knob gets a bit steeper and ends up following a gravel road. The trail ends on a utility road, then you hike up the toad a little ways then you’re at Matney Knob. This section of the Ozark Highlands Trail begins with a half-mile spur trail at the Indian Creek Canoe Launch. Ozark Highlands Trail. Another great morning on the trail! Several good views of the river. We noticed some recent trail maintenance and caught an Ozark Highlands Trail Association volunteer, Bill, doing some great work close to the Frog Bayou crossing. Thursday November 21, 9am-noon, Trail Patrol plans to clear 4.1 miles of the Ozark Highlands Trail, Brush Creek to Twin Creek trailheads milepoints 18-22, the high ridge country. Water was clear, and we easily found sites for our tarps. There is a tower on top of the knob, but trees block any sort of view of the surrounding area. Parking is available at the Fort Douglas trailhead for the Ozark Highlands Trail. Easy hike with maintained trail and a couple of nice views but focal point of the hike which is the ‘knob’ was a disappointment. It’s nothing but a radio tower with no overlook unless you want to trudge through thick briars. Starting at Lake Ft. Smith State Park on Arkansas 71, the trail crosses the forest to Woolum near the Buffalo National River and into the Sylamore Ranger District. This is the northernmost stretch of the Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT), this section is 31 miles long from this trailhead southward to Spring Creek Road near Almus Knob, with six different parking turnouts/trailheads along AR Highway 341 aka Push Mountain Road. We ended up on a jeep road for a lot of it after about mile 2.5 and ended up turning around because of it. relatively easy hike. Directions - You'll see the brown and white sign announcing the Ozark Highlands Trail Brush Creek Trailhead. Ozark Highlands Trail is one of the longest hikes in the Midwest, extending for about 165 miles. Divide into two groups. One thing to not is that you can hear cars from the trail most of the time, but I had a wonderful time and got some amazing pics! The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is accessible year-round. A brief description of the Ozark Highlands Trail: I t has wonderful vistas, terrific streamside walks, lots of deep green pools to swim in, bluffs and rocks and boulders galore, forests that go on forever, and hundreds of waterfalls. It was a beautiful day and I needed the exercise, so overall, it was a good day. Between the beautiful waterfalls and natural springs, this hike offers shady walk at an intermediate level of hiking to be enjoyed over a 10-12 day backpacking trip This is a popular trailhead for accessing the OHT. 3. The Ozark Highlands Trail offers both long and short day hike routes. Excellent hikes around Almus Knob, including caves, near south trailhead. We will be back to visit! Watch for fast traffic when crossing the highway as you begin your walk. They are also available for sale). It is currently 165 miles from end to end, with 27 additional miles of connecting spurs and loops, so it makes for a great long-distance backpacking trail. We have put together hundreds of trips covering the whole Ozark Trail System, a true Missouri treasure. Great evening view. Two trailheads, south trailhead (mile 0) follow gravel Rand Road to Spring Creek Road, and north trailhead on Push Mountain Road (AR 341). The surround sound howl of coyotes and an owl in the distance were the only disturbances to the silence of … Gorgeous fall colors can be seen in October and November. Access to the Ozark Highlands Trail is available. We hike 8.8 miles the first day and camped at Boomer Branch. Ozark Highlands Trail: Spring Creek Road to Moccasin Springs is a 8.8 mile lightly trafficked point-to-point trail located near Big Flat, Arkansas that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT) is a hiking trail that crosses the Ozark National Forest and is recognized as one of the most scenic trails in the US. A good place for a walk in the woods and for the starting or ending point for a day's hike through the Ozarks. Map - Ozark Highlands Trail - North (Buffalo River & Sylamore) OHT Map - North, miles 164 to 253 (Buffalo River & Sylamore, Woolum to Matney Knob) $16.00. The parking area is located on the East side of Hwy 23, and a short spur trail takes off across the highway to connect with the OHT. amazing view of the river. ADD TO CART CHECKOUT NOW. It starts out fairly easy and then gets more moderate toward the end. Map - Ozark Highlands Trail - North (Buffalo River & Sylamore) $16.00. Carefully follow for a little ways to a scenic overlook! I would say the first 2 miles of this from the trailhead seemed to be the best. Rendezvous at Brush Creek trailhead parking turnout (OHT Mile 18), and then shuttle up County Road 76/Brush Creek Road to park at OHT mile 20. trail is very covered by leaves at the moment. Steve visiting with Bill. keep an eye on blazes. Once joining with the OHT proper, you'll continue east to the Lick Branch Trailhead. a little rocky in parts. In about 0.1 miles, you will pick up the OHT and continue north. Only 5 are open. Plenty of traffic, but lots of space on the shoulder. Day 2 was sunny and cool. ADD TO CART CHECKOUT NOW. Look for the Ozark Highlands Trail sign for Matney Knob trailhead. The Ozark Highlands Trail passes through 18 campgrounds and other trailheads and crosses more than 50 forest roads and highways, providing plenty of access for dayhikes of all lengths. We began at Cherry Bend Trailhead on AR 23 hiking the Ozark Highlands Trail to the west and stopped at the Rock House before continuing toward Fane Creek. Completely empty on a Saturday afternoon. The 32-mile OHT Sylamore Section has seven trailheads, with access to remote, off-trail seasonal waterfalls scattered through the Ozark National Forest. We recommend turning left at the OHT sign at the gravel road. Matney Knob and Matney Camp are peaceful and have lovely river views. At milepoint 14, the Cripple Turkey Road trailhead is a junction with the 23-mile North Sylamore Creek Trail, which follows Sylamore Creek on its southwesterly course to the White River. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. US Forest Service provides good maps, both paper and download, "OHT Sylamore Section", After a short gradual down hill the trail contours along the north slope of Black Mountain. Views from the OHT are predominantly forested, sporadically intermixed with … There is a complete mile-by-mile description of this 164-mile trail, which has been rated as one of the Top-Ten hiking trails in the United States. Just before mile 27, the trail drops about 100 into a hollow of upper Fane Creek. 2. This section of the Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT) begins from the parking area at Lake Fort Smith along the bluff and lakeshore. very easy to get turned around. Activities Camping & Cabins SHOW. We didn't go up to the knob (based on other reviews) but went about 5 miles out on the trail for a total of 10 miles. we wanted a long stretch of trail to do so chose this section of the OHT to do. The trailhead spur is marked in blue and there is a sign on the right side of the OHT at the junction. The Ozark Highlands Trail Association (OHTA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit all-volunteer organization that was founded in 1981 to build, maintain, and enjoy the Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT). Some maps may show this as the Matney Camp Trail. Beautiful view and especially nice to see sunset from the lookout! Thursday December 12 9am-noon, Trail Patrol plans to clear 4.1 miles of the Ozark Highlands Trail, Brush Creek to Twin Creek trailheads milepoints 18-22, the high ridge country. The next several miles are pretty level. Today I remembered the cold and rainy day when Bob and I sought refuge here on our thru-hike of the OHT. Dogwood and Redbud blossoms are abundant in early spring. If you look real close near the top of Matney knob you can spy norfork dam and the lake. At least while the leaves are on the trees. Camping- 10 total sites. This map is supplied to assist with your trip planning and is not available for sale (the Ready to Print map shown below are formatted to print on 11x17 paper. Parking for the trail is not at the lat/long that All Trails puts on your map app. Hurricane Creek was our destination for the first night. Ozark Highlands Trail The Ozark Highlands Trail is a 165 miles long trail spanning most of the Northern half of the Ozark Mountains from Lake Fort Smith State Park to the Buffalo River. NEW 6th EDITION includes all-new milepost locations and milepoints along the OHT, plus GPS coordinates for all trailheads and most road and stream crossings.. OZARK HIGHLANDS TRAIL GUIDE This is the bible for OHT hikers. In general though, the OHT seems to be well maintained and well marked. While the trail is long, it is well worth the magical forest setting that you become immersed throughout the trip. The trail starts at the Cherry Bend trailhead on AR Highway 23.Cross the Highway and pick up the spur trail (blue blaze) heading north as it parallels the road. Some maps may show this as the Matney Camp Trail. The short hike to Rock House begins at Cherry Bend Trail Head, located approximately five miles north of Cass on AR 23 (AKA Pig Trail). US Forest Service provides good maps, both paper and download, "OHT Sylamore Section", Junction of continuing trail off gravel rd, Two Mountains Scenic Drive: Mountain Home to Mountain View, Norfork Trail: Devils Backbone to Georges Cove, Norfork Trail: Tracy to Fish & Fiddle Road, David's Trail: Robinson Point to Panther Bay, Lower Buffalo Wilderness: Cow Creek Cook Hollow Loop Trail, Norfork Trail: Briarcliff to Devils Backbone, Norfork Trail: Georges Cove to Tracy Park, Ozark Highlands Trail: Brush Creek to Twin Creek, Ozark Highlands Trail: Sylamore Section Brush Creek to Matney Knob, Ozark Highlands Trail: Twin Creek to Matney Ridge, Ozark Highlands Trail: Cripple Turkey Rd to Brush Creek. Rendezvous at Brush Creek trailhead parking turnout (OHT Mile 18), and then shuttle up County Road 76/Brush Creek Road to park at OHT mile 20. The Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT) is a combination of simple footpath and old forest roads favoring the heights of land, and located for minimum reliance on construction for protecting the resource. Trail goes in both directions. The trail is rocky and covered in leaves this time of year. The trailhead is a dirt parking lot and the trail is accessed from the forest road. Keep looking once you get to the river because there is a clearing around a rock that gives a clear view of the river. I recommend good hiking boots and good tread. Dog friendly, light trail use, and easy to navigate for the most part. Camping trailers are allowed but no special facilities are available. The hike from Arbaugh to Ozone on the Ozark Highlands Trail was beautiful! Divide into two groups. Today I remembered the cold and rainy day when Bob and I sought refuge here on our thru-hike of the OHT. The spur is a half mile and leads to the Chancel trailhead on FR 1209, across Buck Branch. 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