Thru-Hike Arkansas's Ozark Highlands Trail

The Ozark Highlands Trail is a 164-mile point-to-point trail through the wilds of Arkansas's Ozark Mountains.

Hiking Moderate

Description

The Ozark Highlands Trail is a 164-mile, long distance point-to-point hiking trail running through Arkansas’s Ozark Mountains. "Located in the middle-South, it is well-known for its winter hiking opportunities when many other trails are impassable,” according to the Ozark Highlands Trail Association. "Fall through Spring are the peak seasons for this trail,” the OHTA continues.

Eventually, this trail will measure 320 miles in total. Construction is ongoing on some sections, and eventually the goal is to have them all connected. The section included in this guidebook is the longest continuous stretch of the trail.

Routes included

Ozark Highlands Trail: Lake Fort Smith to White Rock Recreation Area

The Ozark Highlands Trail is an epic 164-mile long hiking trail across northern Arkansas in the Ozark Mountains.

Moderate Hiking

Distance: 27 km
Ascent: 1 km
Descent: 621 m

Ozark Highlands Trail: White Rock Recreation Area to Cherry Bend Trailhead / Hwy 23

This section routes hikers over several mountains and past numerous streams.

Moderate Hiking

Distance: 27 km
Ascent: 1.1 km
Descent: 1.2 km

Ozark Highlands Trail: Cherry Bend Trailhead to Lick Branch Trailhead

This section routes hikers across the tallest point on the OHT and also through a designated scenic area.

Moderate Hiking

Distance: 31 km
Ascent: 810 m
Descent: 1.1 km

Ozark Highlands Trail: Lick Branch Trailhead to Ozone Campground on Highway 21

At 29.6 miles, this section is one of the longest and least used on the OHT. It also has one of the steepest climbs on the trail; however, it includes plenty of waterfalls and bluff views as payback.

Moderate Hiking

Distance: 45 km
Ascent: 1.5 km
Descent: 1.3 km

Ozark Highlands Trail: Ozone Campground on Hwy 21 to Big Piney / Ft. Douglas Trailhead

Good drinking water sources, scenic waterfalls, and inviting campsites, plus a tour of an old CCC camp.

Moderate Hiking

Distance: 30 km
Ascent: 774 m
Descent: 1.1 km

Ozark Highlands Trail: Big Piney / Fort. Douglas Trailhead to Fairview Trailhead and Hwy 7

This section routes hikers through one of the most scenic areas in Arkansas and also past a huge natural bridge.

Moderate Hiking

Distance: 30 km
Ascent: 1.2 km
Descent: 803 m

Ozark Highlands Trail: Fairview Trailhead / Hwy 7 to Richland Creek Campground

This section contains the interesting remains of another CCC camp, several picturesque stream crossings, the steepest climb on the OHT, and a side trip at the end to a truly unique twin falls.

Moderate Hiking