COURTOIS SECTION

The 48-mile Courtois section has perhaps more trip options than any other part of the trail. You can enjoy a short walk along the Courtois Creek, a vigorous mountain bike challenge on the Berryman Loop or down to Hazel Creek, a sunset horseback ride to the Huzzah Creek bluffs, a long backpacking trip or even a hike-and-float adventure that combines a 12.5 mile hike with a canoe trip back to your car!

Trail Conditions

Watch for traffic along the 1 mile of walk from the Bass’ River Resort entrance. Courtois Creek in the Huzzah Conservation Area can be subject to flooding. Consider contacting Bass’ River Resort or Ozark Outdoors for anupdate. Portions of the trail in bottomlands and open areas can be weedy in the summer, especially near Harmon Spring.

Note: Only foot traffic is allowed within Huzzah Conservation Area.

Note: Harmon Springs trailhead is reachable by road only with a high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle. The US Forest Service is constructing a new trailhead which makes the Harmon Springs campsite inaccessible. Access to Harmon Springs should be done from the Hazel Creek campground via the Berryman Loop.

Trail Geography

This trail uses the western half of the Berryman Loop Trail, adds a 12-mile section to the south to reach the Trace Creek Trail, and connects to the north into the trail at Huzzah Conservation Area. The trail south of the Courtois Trail Section to Butts Road is rocky along the creek, then follows a double-track road to the edge of Huzzah Conservation Area. The trail from Harmon Spring to Hazel Creek is very popular with mountain bikers and equestrians.