MIDDLE FORK/JOHN ROTH MEMORIAL SECTION

The newest section of the Ozark Trail—the Middle Fork/John Roth Memorial section—was completed in November of 2005. It connects with the Trace Creek section just northeast of Highway 32 and runs about 24 miles to the Karkaghne section at Highway J.

Trail Conditions

This section gets pretty good use and is in great shape. Mostly tree-free and seasonal growth, especially in areas that have been clear cut or had timber stand improvement a few years ago. This should be an excellent destination and you can extend your trip up through the Trace Creek section, over to Council Bluff Lake, or south to Brushy Creek Lodge.

Use caution after periods of rain as the creek crossings can be hazardous.

Please be aware that in the past, there have been reports of break-ins to cars parked at the Barton Fen TH.

Trail Geography

This trail crosses many brooks and streams in the upper basin of the Middle Fork of the Black River: Neals Creek, Strother Creek, Henderson Creek, Little Creek, Brooks Creek, as well as the headwaters of the Middle Fork. The trail passes near fens, seeps, and small springs– you won’t run out of water here! In between the many water crossings the trail travels over and around the many fingered ridges found in this area of the Ozarks. You’ll pass through oak and hickory hardwoods, short-leaf pine stands, and small savannahs. The northern trailhead is at Highway DD. A 200′ gravel path connects to the main trail. The Middle Fork section continues 1.5 miles north before connecting with the Trace Creek section. If you’re just planning a trip on the Middle Fork, you’ll go south from the DD trailhead to the Highway J trailhead, a distance of about 23 miles.