Ozark Trail Association

Sooth the Karkaghne Beast @ Sutton Bluff
2022-11-14 20:06 (America/Chicago) | MO
Let’s sooth the beast down at Sutton Bluff as we gather to do maintenance along the bluffs and beyond. More details will be available as they are available.

It's a Time for you Ladies!
2022-11-14 20:06
Ladies! It’s your day and Kathie will be heading up an all-women’s trail event doing trail work. We will be basing out of Current River State Park and if you haven’t stayed there before, you are in for a treat! This event is primarily to get seasoned and new OTA volunteers some experience with trail construction and trail maintenance by lopping, sawing, leaf blowing and general corridor clearing, mixed with some good hiking.
Contact Kathie Brennan for questions kathie.brennan@ozarktrail.com

OTA Board Meeting
2022-11-14 20:06
All are invited to attend the 1st Quarter Board meeting that will be held at the USFS MTNF Potosi facility. If you would like to address the OTA Board as a public voice, please contact Kathie Brennan, President at kathie.brennan55@gmail.com.

The 3 F's Maintenance Event out of Bass River Resort
2022-11-14 20:06
Are you tired of the three “F’s”? Food, football and family? Then join us for a day in the Forest as we head to the Courtois section OT to do maintenance consisting of sawing, lopping, leaf blowing and tread repair where needed. We’ll meet up at Bass River Resort that morning and head out to the OT to make it better for the users. Camping will be an option if you would like to come down Friday might and also volunteering on Sunday. After a great day on the trail, we’ll gather for a meal so be sure to let us know of any food needs. If you have any questions, contact Kathie at kathie.brennan@ozarktrail.com. See you soon on the OT!

Barton Fen Maintenance
2022-11-14 20:06
We will be gathering at the Barton Fen Trail head just south of Bixby Missouri at 8:30 am Saturday, November 23. Work will involve tread restoration, leaf blowing and lopping. Camping is available at the trail head and the Bixby Store is just a short drive up the road. If coming you will need to dress in layers for the weather, bring a backpack with water/drinks, lunch/snacks, camp chair, wear sturdy boots and bring along your favorite gloves.
A meal will be provided at the end of the day to finish up a great day on the OT. Camping is available at the Barton Fen trail head as well as a water source. Any questions, please contact Kathie at kathie.brennan55@gmail.com.
Directions to the work site are: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7040686/ozark-trail-middlefork-section-barton-fen-bypass

Midco Hollow Reroute Build multi days
2022-11-14 20:06
Come spend a day or two or four as we work on the new reroute at Midco Hollow due to a timber harvest in the area. NOTE CHANGE: We will be basing out of the USFS Watercress Campground on the Current RIver in Van Buren. It is primitive camping with no water or electric and we’ll enjoy campfires, group meals and relish in the new trail we built at the end of each day.
When signing up, please let us know any food restrictions as well as how many days you will be volunteering.
You will be responsible for camping gear, bring extra water, and some meals. The OTA will furnish tools, safety gear, some meals(will provide which ones in the informational email to be set out to those participating.), and free camping. Be prepared for all types of weather and if the weather becomes too questionable, we will call it one way or the other. Let’s get another section of the OT looking great! Questions, be sure to contact Kathie at kathie.brennan@ozarktrail.com See you there!!!

CANCELED - Maintenance at the Narrows
2022-11-14 20:06
NOTE: We will meet at the OTA house in Potosi at 8:30 a m or you can meet us at Bass River Resort in the lodge parking lot at 9:00 am.
We’ll be out on the OT sawing more of the trees that have been reported as well as doing some leaf blowing. Where we go will depend on the issues that will be reported. At the end of the day, we’ll share a meal so let us know any food needs. A meet-up point will be posted closer to the event. Any questions, contact Terry Hawn – thawn@prodigy.net See you soon!

Bass Pro Shops Fitness Series Health and Wellness Expo
2022-11-14 20:06
Come out and visit the OTA at the Bass Pro Expo! This is a two-day event that is open to participants in the Bass Pro Shops Marathon Weekend Events, the Dogwood Canyon Trail Run Events and to the public. The Expo is free and includes more than 50 vendor booths from companies and organizations that promote fitness and healthy living. The Bass Pro Shops Fitness Series Health and Wellness Expo is an excellent opportunity for vendors to meet and connect with more than 10,000 fitness-minded individuals.
Dates & Times:
Friday, November 1st from 2 PM – 6 PM
Saturday, November 2nd from 10 AM – 5 PM

OTA Trivia Night Fun-raiser
2022-11-14 20:06
It’s time to gather the troops and sign up for the 8th Annual Ozark Trail Association Trivia Night! This is always a great time and a great way to support the work of the Ozark Trail Association’s volunteers!
Saturday, February 8, 2020
Affton Elks Lodge, 6330 Heege Road, Affton, MO 63123
FEATURING:
•Ten rounds of ten questions of general trivia as well as questions about the Ozark Trail
•Beer and soda set-ups provided
•Please, no outside alcohol! We want to be in compliance with the policies
Please feel free to bring your own food spread for your table
•50/50 drawings, an AWESOME raffle and a killer Silent Auction and much more! We will have a square on site for payments.
•8 persons/table @ $20/person
•Set up begins at 4 pm with doors opening at 6 pm and Trivia questions begin at 7 pm.
To reserve a table, e-mail kathie.brennan55@gmail.com

One-Eyed Dog MTB 50m/100m Race
2022-11-14 20:06
This year the NOAH Foundation has partnered with the OTA to get you MTBers back out on 50 or 100 miles of the Ozark Trail. By far, the OT offers up some sweet single track but along with that comes rugged, remote and full of spider webs! This year’s course is sure to fit the bill for those who want a challenge (100m) or just some time in the saddle(50m). Either way, come celebrate National Public Lands Day at it’s best with an amazing time racing and riding on Missouri’s longest National Recreation Trail! As MTBer Jm Davis would say….GETCHASUM!!!

https://www.bikereg.com/the-ozarks-one-eyed-dog-50100?fbclid=IwAR0C5RnusUrdpri_Ou3uHEZ15KLX65-gd19ZhH3FJ2tuzQs6qgEqoysvteY

OTA and OT Section Hikers and Backpackers Maintenance Event
2022-11-14 20:06
NOTE: The OTA is partnering with the Ozark Trail Section Hikers and Backpackers Facebook group as they meet up to do much needed trail maintenance on the Current River section. If you are a member of the OT SHAB FB group be sure to register through their group site. IF you are not a member of OT SHAB, please sign up on the OTA Events page. Kathie will contact those who have registered through the OTA events page.
The following information is from the OT Section Hikers and Backpackers FB page.
Note: The group site is reserved for both Friday and Saturday nights.
Join us at Round Spring (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234045) to do maintenance on Saturday, September 14. We’re coordinating with the OTA to have its tools available and are also coordinating to have sawyers in attendance. We’ll later provide additional details about the maintenance day.
We’re staying in a group site at Round Spring and Saturday evening we’ll have a fire and BBQ. Andi is providing the meat for all attendees. Please bring a side dish to share, and all beverages, alcoholic or otherwise, are BYO.
There will be showers available to use after the maintenance day so you can clean up before dinner. We’ll coordinate additional details later.
On Sunday attendees can hike, float, or head home.
We have a beginner backpacker trip that weekend as well and we’ve moved it to Round Spring. They’ll hike be Saturday afternoon and will be with us in the evening at the fire and for the BBQ event. Please be sure to try to help answer their questions whenever possible. We want to welcome them to our much-loved OT SHAB time around the fire and ensure they feel included.
More details later, but mark your calendars now! We’re doing this in lieu of a regular backpacking trip in September. The October trip will start at the Peck Ranch TH and head south, so this work will improve your October trail experience.

OT100m Endurance Run Support
2022-11-14 20:06
Aid Stations volunteers needed for the OT100m Endurance Run, 11/02/2019
Here is your chance to cheer on some of the most elite trail runners in the nation by volunteering for several of the aid stations for the OT100m Endurance Run that begins at Hwy P TH and ends at Bass River Resort. OTA Volunteers are needed to help man several aid stations located along the run. Please sign up with availability on Saturday at the following: ozarktrail100@aol.com
Volunteers are also needed Thursday and Friday 10/21 and 11/1 to leaf blow the where the OT crosses the roads which makes a huge difference for the runners. There also may be some sawing to do as well. Volunteers will be based out of the OTA office in Potosi. Some meals will be provided. If you have volunteered before you know how much fun this is, if you haven’t now is the time to see the fruits of your labors on the OT by watching these runners take on the OT.

OTA Fall MEGA Event & Closing the Gap Celebration!
2022-11-14 20:06
WOW!!! We hate to do this but we have to close registration! Over 160 volunteers signed up at this time and we may run out of trail to build….not a bad thing! It’s MEGA time! As the temperatures cool off, trail construction heats up. Join us as we return to the ONSR Round Spring area to finish what we began 13 years ago. We have just a little over a half mile to complete connecting the Round Spring loop to Echo Bluff State Park. And this means another monumental event has happened because of YOU, our volunteers so we’ll be celebrating that night!
We’ll be based out of the ONSR Round Spring facility with tent camping or bring along your camping trailer as sites will be available on Friday and Saturday night.
Work will commence Saturday morning, as we head to the work areas just north of the Current River at Hwy 19. Lunch on the trail along with safety equipment and trail will be provided.
After a good day on the trail, we will begin the celebration with Jeff’s famous BBQ, Kathie’s infamous raffle, and some music around a bonfire. If you’d like to contribute a desert that would be awesome.
Please remember to dress for the trail and be prepared for the weather. Gloves, long pants and hiking/work boots are required, as we are working on rough ground and using tools. Wearing a hard hat is required in the work area. You may want to bring safety glasses. Have rain gear, sunscreen, and bug deterrent. Bring plenty of water (2 litres per person recommended) and remember to bring supplies for your fur buddies.
Join us for this once in a lifetime event of completing the newest section of the OT that couldn’t have happened without YOU, our dedicated and passionate volunteers! If you have any questions, please contact me, kathie.brennan@ozarktrail.com

Kick-off Fall Trail Celebration at Echo Bluff SP
2022-11-14 20:06
Join us at the Painter’s Ridge Bluff Top Pavilion in Echo Bluff SP to celebrate the beginning of the Fall Hiking and Floating season! The festivities begin at 6 pm with door prizes and presentations!

Fall Whoopin' It Up In Winona
2022-11-14 20:06
Fall Whoopin’ It Up at Winona , 10/26/2019 starting at 08:30:00 AM
An OTA tradition…..Spend the weekend in the Winona area to give some love to the southern sections. If you’ve never camped at Sinking Creek TH/cabin you are in for a treat! This USFS facility has a huge level yard, electric and pit toilet but alas no water…sorry but we’ll have plenty! Camping will be available for Friday and Saturday nights. Work will be on Saturday and possibly Sunday.
Crews will be dispatched to various areas of the Eleven Point and Between the Rivers sections – to saw, lop, and repair sections in need. Volunteers will be asked to help car pool to the various sites and there are some drives up to 45 minutes.
You will need to dress for the weather and trail work. Boots and layers of clothing work best. You will also need to wear sturdy boots, have a backpack, rain gear, snacks and plenty of water. If you have a favorite pair of loppers bring them along. Dinner will be provided on Saturday night and if you’d like to help bring along a side dish to share or a desert. We’ll throw together a communal breakfast Sunday morning. Kathie will supply coffee needs if those attending can throw in breakfast fixings, i.e. eggs, ham, bread, fruit.
Questions? If you have any questions, please contact me, kathie.brennan@ozarktrail.com Don’t hesitate to reach out via email. See you soon!
Sinking Creek Lookout TH, Forest Road 3152, Ellsinore MO 63941

Bluffin' It! Celebrate National Public Lands Day on the OT
2022-11-14 20:06
Bluffin’ It! Trail Maintenance, 09/21/2019 08:30:00 AM
Come one, come all! Join us as we celebrate National Public Lands day by giving back to the Mark Twain National Forest. We’re ready for fall weather and what better way to get into the season than a day in the woods.
Camping: We will be basing out of Council Bluff Lake campground.
Fun on the Trail: We will be doing critical maintenance on the trail to prep for the One Eyed Dog Mountain Bike Race!!! There are portions of the OT that still need some tender love and care to ensure our bikers have a great experience. We need loppers, weed eaters, sawyers, sawyer assistants (i.e., swampers), and a bit of work on the tread.
All levels of skill are needed. Please come, bring a friend, and join the woods fun. It will be a weekend of fun and fellowship!
Breakfast & Lunch: Bring your own.
Dinner: Pot Luck!
We’ll provide the meat and veggie burgers. Bring a side, appetizer, or dessert to share!
See you on the trail! If you have any questions, please contact me, kathie.brennan@ozarktrail.com

MTB Prep at Council Bluff Lake
2022-11-14 20:06
OT-100 Trail marking and final touch-up, 09/26/2019 08:30:00 AM
This will be a multiple day event beginning on Thursday, Sept. 26 to put the final touches on the trail in advance of the One Eyed Dog 50/100m Mountain Bike Race. We will be heading out to clear where needed and also taking along a string trimmer or two if we get word of some overgrown areas that were missed. Join us if you want to do some weekday hiking that includes helping prep for the MTB race. Camping will be available for volunteers.
Dinner will be provided on Thursday night as well as breakfast for volunteers. Come spend a day or two
We will meet at Council Bluff Lake campground departing from there. If you have any questions, please contact me, kathie.brennan@ozarktrail.com

Maintenance/Prep for OT100m Run
2022-11-14 20:06
OTA volunteers will be prepping for the 11th year of the running of the Ozark Trail 100m Endurance Run. Starting Thursday, we will be based out of the OTA office in Potosi. Work will be comprised of leaf blowing intersections of the OT road crossings and other maintenance items that need to be addressed. Plans are to cover all 100 miles of the course over the course of the 2 days. OTA volunteers will be able to utilized the OTA office. Dinner will be provided on Thursday along with breakfast and lunch on Friday. Come out and help us prep for these amazing athletes running 100 miles of the OT! Any questions, contact the event leader. Let’s make it happen!

The Ozarks 1-Eyed Dog 100/50 MTB Race
2022-11-14 20:06
The OTA needs YOU! Support staff is needed from the OTA’s DD Aid station to water haulers to registration to time keepers and tear-down on Sunday. The One-Eyed Dog 50/100 Mile mountain bike race on the Ozark Trail begins at Council Bluff Lake campground covering over 100m of some amazing single-track trail. Sign up here to support this joint MTB race with the NOAH Foundation with proceeds being split between the two organizations to further each other’s mission. This is a unique loop endurance race on the Ozark Trail that you don’t want to miss volunteering at.
Friday we will need help with registration that night and other support activities.
Saturday September 28, we will need volunteers for the OTA Aid Station at DD, water haulers for Hazel Creek CG and Berryman CG, 50m check-in volunteer at Hazel Creek CG and break down on Sunday after all is over.
This event is a major fund raiser for both the Ozark Trail Association and the NOAH Foundation as well as an exciting event to watch. It is also a significant MTB event for the Ozark Trail because racers are coming from all over the country!
When you sign up please indicate what times you are available and what task you would like to tackle. We need volunteers throughout the event to help make this fun-raiser a success. Please comment in the sign-up where you would like to help. Camping will be available at Council Bluff Lake CG for volunteers that weekend. Please contact the OTA office. See you there!!!

Maintenance on the OT
2022-11-14 20:06
We will work on signage, lopping, leaf blowing, and tread repair to show some love to the OT!

Quarterly Board Meeting
2022-11-14 20:06
Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Directors

2020 OT Challenge Hike
2022-11-14 20:06
The OT Challenge Hike is not just a great time, it’s our largest fundraiser. After only three years, the event has generated $75,000 to help maintain Missouri’s longest trail.

What is it? The Challenge Hike is a fundraiser AND hike. Each registered hiker commits to raising $1,250 for the Ozark Trail Association and participates in a 17 mile hike.
What if I can’t hike 17 miles? Don’t worry! You can still raise funds for the OTA and be a “virtual” hiker. What a great way to support the organization!
What’s in it for me? The best part of this fundraiser is the group of committed hikers! You’ll be treated to a festive weekend with free camping, free food, fellowship, campfire, music and all sorts of OTA/Challenge Hike schwag.
Where is the hike? The hike is scheduled to start at Bass River Resort, near Steelville, Missouri.
How do I get involved? If you’d like to be a part of this exciting event, email otchallengehike@ozarktrail.com for more information.

Devil's Toll Race
2022-11-14 20:06
13 Miles: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park to Johnson’s Shut-In State Park
The Devil’s Toll Race is a 13-mile dual discipline event across one of the most scenic and rugged landscapes Missouri’s Ozark Trail has to offer. The course traverses from the highest point in Missouri, Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, past beautiful Mina Sauk Falls then through the lichen-covered rhyolite sentries of Devil’s Toll Gate. Hikers and runners will then climb over and around Proffit and Wildcat Mountains with a tricky descent past the famous scour of Taum Sauk reservoir, finishing at Johnson’s Shut-ins State Park. The race is meant to bolster friendship and awareness among groups and provide inspiration for adventure! For more details and to register your team, visit: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=65213
All Devil’s Toll Race proceeds benefit the Ozark Trail Association (OTA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, whose mission is to develop, maintain, preserve, promote and protect the rugged, natural beauty of the Ozark Trail.

Volunteer opportunity for trail construction
2022-11-14 20:06
We have an AmeriCorp crew from Monday, May 13 through Tuesday, May 21 to do trail construction and maintenance based out of Current River SP. If you would like to join us for a day or two, contact Kathie at kathie.brennan55@gmail.com. Lodging will be provided as well as some meals.

Monthly Business Meeting
2022-11-14 20:06
A meeting of the Volunteers who run the Ozark Trail Association gathers monthly to discuss progress made and to set out operational tasks and goals.
These meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome! We always need new ideas so come visit or call in and get involved!!
Conference Bridge 712 451-0976 Access Code [REDACTED]

DNR/ONSR Summer Kick off
2022-11-14 20:06

Akers Ferry Celebration
2022-11-14 20:06
This weekend will include trail work and then on to help and enjoy the kick off for the summer. Three will be some available lodging and camping available at CRSP. Please make a note of it when signing up. Here are all the details:
Join us at Akers on May 18 and 19 to kick off the summer at Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The free event features an open-air concert by modern folk band National Park Radio at 6 p.m. on Saturday, and a celebration of the Akers community beginning at 9 a.m. on Sunday.
On Saturday, May 18, the summer kickoff will begin at 4 p.m. at the Akers Visitor Center with activities, information booths, and exhibits about historic communities on the banks of the Current River. At 6 p.m. National Park Radio will take the stage with their unique blend of folk, country, and bluegrass music that echoes the band’s deep-seated roots in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for the entertainment. The concert and activities are expected to conclude at 8 p.m. Tiny’s Hillbilly BBQ will offer food and drinks for purchase throughout the evening.
On Sunday, May 19, a driving tour of special cultural and natural sites along the upper Current River begins at 9 a.m. at the Akers Visitor Center. Bring a picnic lunch and hop on the tour shuttle, or follow in your own vehicle. Those with a connection to the upper Current River community will have an opportunity to share memories with everyone in attendance. Stops along the tour are scheduled as follows:

9:45 a.m. Devils Well
10:30 a.m. Historic Akers Cemetery
11:15 a.m. Crossing the river on Akers Ferry
12 p.m. Picnic lunch at Mt Zion Church
1:30 p.m. Hike to Welch Spring and Welch Hospital. Float to Akers Ferry with a stop at Howell/Maggard Cabin.

The weekend celebration will highlight recreational activities and historical programs that can be enjoyed at Ozark National Scenic Riverways throughout 2019. Partners for this event include the Shannon County Museum, Ozark Riverways Foundation, Ozark Trail Association, and Ozark Heritage Project.
Akers Visitor Center is located at the junction of State Routes K and KK in northern Shannon County. For more information, please contact Ranger Dave Tobey at 573-323-8093 or dave_tobey@nps.gov.

Education Outreach Committee Mtg
2022-11-14 20:06
Monthly meeting of the EO Committee
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/435520186 on computer
or call in Meeting ID: 435 520 186 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acd3Hxh527

Life Outside Festival
2022-11-14 20:06
The Life Outside festival brings together area businesses, nonprofits and clubs to offer activities for people of all ages. Attendees can see, try and learn ways to spend more of their lives outside. Free activities include tree climbing, kayaking lessons, birdwatching, rock climbing, nature crafts and activities for kids, walks and bike rides throughout the day, gardening and yoga.
Presented by Great Rivers Greenways

Ales For Trails
2022-11-14 20:06
During the month of April the Ozark Trail Association is teaming up with Public House Brewing Company, Rolla! All month long you can add a donation for the Ozark Trail Association to your check. Then, join us on Wednesday, April 24 from 5-9 for our Ales for Trails fundraiser! Enjoy the sounds of the Dixie Union Bluegrass Band and try your luck at winning outdoor gear, giftcards, and trail maps in our raffle. 1$ from every pint sold will go directly to the Ozark Trail Association during the event. Come on down and enjoy a Rod’s Cream Ale, Elusive IPA, Hide and Seek Hefeweizen, or any craft beer you fancy and support the Ozark Trail!
