Chances are, you've heard of the Appalachian Trail or the Continental Divide Trail. Spanning nearly 430 miles, the Ozark Trail is Missouri’s answer to these iconic hikes. The best part? You could hike the entire Ozark Trail in just three to six weeks, a much shorter commitment compared to the six months typically required for the Appalachian Trail.

The Ozark Mountains: A Hidden Nature Gem in Missouri

When people think of Missouri, they might not immediately picture mountains. But the Ozark Mountains, our own petite range, runs through the heart of the state. While the peaks here don’t reach the 6,000-foot heights of the Smoky Mountains, the Ozark Trail does take you to Taum Sauk Mountain, the highest natural point in Missouri at 1,772 feet, in Potosi.

Natural Beauty and Solitude

You might be surprised to learn that the Missouri Ozarks are some of the most ecologically diverse landscapes on the planet. Along the Ozark Trail, you’ll encounter waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, swimming holes, rocky outcroppings, bluffs, caves, shut-ins, prairies, wetlands, and dense forests, all supporting the native flora and fauna that live in these varied habitats. The area is remote and wild, so don’t be surprised if you spend days on the trail without seeing another soul. The variety of plant and animal life alone makes it worth the trip, but the sense of solitude truly sets the Ozark Trail apart and allows you to get deeply connected with nature.

A Realistic Long-Distance Adventure in Missouri

After watching documentaries about hikers conquering the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, I thought such epic adventures were out of reach for me. Only about one in four people complete these demanding hikes, but the Ozark Trail offers a more accessible challenge: Missouri’s very own long-distance, bucket-list-worthy trail. With eight [mostly] contiguous sections averaging around 30 miles, you can easily break the trail into manageable pieces to hike over seasons or complete it all in one go.

Ozark Trail Overview and Sections

The 250-mile thru-hike Ozark Trail runs from Onondaga Cave State Park (southeast of St. Louis), south to the Eleven Point River section near the Arkansas border. Depending on how you choose to approach the trail, the precise length varies. The Ozark Trail Association provides the most reliable and up-to-date maps using GPS data; this is my go-to resource. For thru-hikers, the entire trail can take anywhere from three to six weeks, depending on your pace. Fast hikers covering around 20 miles a day can finish in about three weeks, while those averaging 10 to 15 miles per day may take four to six weeks.

Here’s a breakdown of the eight major thru-hike sections of the Ozark Trail:

1. 1.
   Courtois Section – 48 miles
2. 2.
   Trace Creek Section – 26 miles
3. 3.
   Middle Fork Section – 24 miles
4. 4.
   Karkaghne Section – 29 miles
5. 5.
   Blair Creek Section – 27 miles
6. 6.
   Current River Section – 30 miles
7. 7.
   Between the Rivers Section – 29 miles
8. 8.
   Eleven Point Section – 29 miles

The remaining sections are still considered part of the Ozark Trail but are not in the contiguous section:

1. 1.
   Marble Creek - 9 miles
2. 2.
   North Fork - 26 miles
3. 3.
   Taum Sauk (with the tallest natural point in Missouri) - 36 miles
4. 4.
   Upper Current - 29 miles
5. 5.
   Victory - 19 miles
6. 6.
   Wappapello - 34 miles

Adding these trails to the above thru-hike section brings the grand total of the Ozark Trial to around 430 miles, covering over 1.5 million acres. Hikers often tackle sections in smaller trips, hiking 20 to 30-mile stretches over different seasons or years.

Unique Topography of the Ozarks

The Ozark Mountains, stretching from St. Louis to the southernmost part of the state near Arkansas, are part of a larger mountain range that also covers parts of Arkansas, Illinois, and southeastern Kansas. The Ozark and adjacent Ouachita Mountains are unique because they are the only significant areas of rugged topography between the Rockies and Appalachians. Terrain like this is rare in the Midwest, making the Ozark Trail a true hidden gem.

Preparing for the Ozark Trail Hike

One of the great things about the Ozark Trail is that it doesn’t require permits, making it accessible year-round. However, Missouri’s four-season climate means you’ll need different gear depending on when you hike. Summers are humid, hot, and wet, so be prepared for ticks, mosquitoes, and other bugs. Invest in quality waterproof hiking boots and bring layers for cooler weather and rain protection. You can camp anywhere along the trail, but remember to set up at least 100 feet away from water sources, public use areas, and popular spots. Use The Ozark Trail Association's trip planner to scour your route by distance, route type, pace, and length.

Should You Tackle the Ozard Trail?

The Ozark Trail offers a once-in-a-lifetime hike in Missouri that more people should know about. Whether you’re planning a full thru-hike or breaking the trail into sections, this scenic and remote path is perfect for both adventurers seeking solitude and nature lovers looking for beauty without the crowds. Are you ready to take on this iconic trail in Missouri? Are you more likely to do it in sections or plan a whole spring or summer adventure?