Blair Creek Section

This was one of the first new trail sections of the OT.  It passes through the Roger Pryor Backcountry on its way to the Current River at Owls Bend.


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Current Trail Conditions

As of 03/08/2010, the condition is:
Open

All clear as far as we know, except for a few step overs in Pogue Hollow. Please send us a report if you know of any other issues.

Due to major wind damage resulting in hundreds of downed trees, this section of trail still has many deep holes in the tread left from tree root balls that blew over, and Ozark Trail markers have not been repaired yet. Tread repair on this section will be needed and will be in the plans over the next year. It will take some time.

Description from the Ozark Trail Council Brochure

The northern six mile of trail follow a major ridge line that divides Big Creek and Blair Creek.  It then leaves the ridge and enters the watershed of Blair Creek.  The trail follows Blair Creek southward as the creek carves a long, deepening valley in its descent to the Current River.  Old home sites, springs, and reverting fields clad with wildflowers dot Blair Creek Valley.  The trail slowly makes its way to the bluffs high above the Current River and to the most outstanding views of the river along the entire trail.

Directions

There are three trailheads on this section. 

  • Highway 72- From Centerville, go south on Highway 21, then west on Highway 72.  Go south on Highway P and look for the trailhead parking lot almost immediately on your left. The trail starts on the opposite side of Highway P.
  • FS 2220- From the Highway 72 trailhead, go south on Highway P about 2+ miles and make a left at the gravel road (this turnoff is marked as "Mine Road" and is at a sharp bend on Highway P).  Go about 1/3 mile and make a right on FS 2220 (which is also marked as County Road 235).  The trailhead is about three miles on your right.
  • Owls Bend Campground- Take Highway 106 west from Ellington to Owls Bend.  The trail crosses Highway 106 near the bridge over the Current River.

Further Information

Danny McMurphy's Review

 



Trail Stats

Length: 26 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailheads: Highway P; FS 2220; Owl's Bend
Camping: 100' from trail
Campground: Owls Bend
Total Ascent
: 1900' N-to-S; 2600' S-to-N (refers to total gain of all climbs on trail)
Topo Quads: Bunker, Midridge, Powder Mill Ferry
Restrictions: Foot traffic only.

  




Land Stewards

US Forest Service - Salem District
1301 South Main
Salem, MO 65540
(573) 729-6656
Current Contact: John L Bryan

Pioneer Forest
P.O. Box 497
Salem, MO 65560
(573) 729-4641
Current Contact: Greg Iffrig

Missouri Department of Conservation
Wildlife Division
P.O. Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(573) 751-4115

 

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