First Day Hike -- 1/1/2025
2025-01-01 | Affton Elks, 6330 Heege Road, MO, 63123
.Remember — January 1, 2025 is First Hike Day
Get 2025 started off with a Bang!!!! Get out and get that first hike
Hopefully you can be somewhere on the Ozark Trail — but if not
enjoy one of the many great trails near you!!

Jan 4-5 , 2025 -- CANCELED OTA House Cleanup/Maintenance in Potosi
2025-01-04 08:00 - 2025-01-05 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Ozark Trail Association Office, 406 West High Street, Potosi, Missouri, 63664
CANCELED DUE to WEATHER
Jan 4-5 , 2025 — OTA House Cleanup/Maintenance in Potosi, Mo
406 West High St
Potosi, Mo 63664
Come join other OTA volunteers give the OTA facilities some TLC this weekend.
We’ll clean, maybe paint, put oviup new light fixtures, fix plumbing perform some electricial work etc. This helps the OTA meet USFS maintenance requirements for the facility the OTA is privileged to use for very little money and it will give everyone chance to get to know other volunteers and leadership of the OTA.
we have limited beds for anyone who might want to stay over night.
There is also a Super 8 in Potosi for a modest nightly rate.
We’ll have a light continental breakfast Sat and Sunday Morning, Lunch on Sat and a dinner on Sat Night.

January 11, 2025 -- GAOA Maintenance on the OT - Potosi
2025-01-11 | Ozark Trail Association, 406 W High Street, Potosi, MO, 63664, United States
January 11, 2025 — GAOA Maintenance on the OT – Potosi
Come out and help do some tread rehab on the OT — we’ll have a couple of sites we can go in an do some badly tread work not far from Potosi.
We’ll have exact location details the Monday before the event.
We generally meet up by 8:15am at the location — so stay tuned for more details.
As allways , wear sturdy hiking shoes/boots, bring a lunch, at least 2 liters of water and weather appropriate clothing.
We’ll watch the weather and make sure we have a good weather window.
The OTA will provide all tools, and safey gear.

January 25, 2025 .. CANCELED Maintenance on The OT - Moved to FEB 1,2025
2025-01-25 | Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO, 63656
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CANCELED Maintenance on The OT – Moved to FEB 1,2025
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Come out and help do some tread rehab on the OT — This maintenance helps the OTA fulfill its volunteer hours comittment to the USFS under the GAOA contract.
We’ll have a couple of sites we can go in an do some badly tread work not far from Potosi.
We’ll have exact location details the Monday before the event.
We generally meet up by 8:15am at the location — so stay tuned for more details.
As allways , wear sturdy hiking shoes/boots, bring a lunch, at least 2 liters of water and weather appropriate clothing.
We’ll watch the weather and make sure we have a good weather window.
The OTA will provide all tools, and safey gear.

Rescheduled - Ozark Trail Association Annual Board Meeting
2025-01-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Annual Meeting of the Board. New Board Members and Officers will be elected.
This will be a Zoom meeting, and it is open to anyone. To join the meeting use this link.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88156319545?pwd=[REDACTED]

Sat February 1, 2025 . Maintenance on the OT -- Rescheduled JAN 25 event at JSI
2025-02-01 | Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO, 63656
We have moved the Jan 25th event at JSI to today.
We’ll meet up in the JSI visitor center parking lot and then shuttle ( or caravan) folks over to the work are area.
Meetup time is 8:45am.
Come out and help do some tread rehab on the OT —
This maintenance helps the OTA fulfill its volunteer hours commitment to the USFS under the GAOA contract.
we’ll have a couple of sites we can go in an do some badly tread work not far from Potosi.
We’ll have exact location details the Monday before the event.
We generally meet up by 8:15am at the location — so stay tuned for more details.
As always , wear sturdy hiking shoes/boots, bring a lunch, at least 2 liters of water and weather appropriate clothing.
We’ll watch the weather and make sure we have a good weather window.The OTA will provide all tools, and safey gear.

Sunday - February 9, 2025 -- Super Bowl Maintenance at JSI
2025-02-09 | Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO, 63656
Sunday – February 9, 2025 — Super Bowl Maintenance at JSI
Come out and help do some tread rehab on the OT — at Johnson Shutins.
We’ll meet up at either Taum Sauk TH or Johnson Shutins visiter center depending on the number of volunteers we have.
We’ll have a couple of sites we can go in an do some maintenance b
We’ll have exact location details the Monday before the event.
We generally meet up by 8:15am at the location — so stay tuned for more details.
As allways , wear sturdy hiking shoes/boots, bring a lunch, at least 2 liters of water and weather appropriate clothing.
We’ll watch the weather and make sure we have a good weather window.
The OTA will provide all tools, and safey gear.

CANCELLED Fri-Sun -- LADIES Weekend At Round Spring
2025-02-21 08:00 - 2025-02-23 17:00 | Current River State Park, Hwy 19, Salem, MO
Fri-Sun — LADIES Weekend At Round Spring
Join the OTA’s one and only Kathie Brennan for her traditional Ladies Weekend at Round Spring.
Come out and help do some TLC on the OT — with Kathie
There’ll leaf blowers, loppers and trail tools along with all of the safety equipment needed.
We’ll have exact location details the Monday before the event.
Arrivals Friday night and beds will be available. There is always dinner on Sat night as well as a light breakfast on Sunday morning
As allways , wear sturdy hiking shoes/boots, bring a lunch, at least 2 liters of water and weather appropriate clothing.
We’ll watch the weather and make sure we have a good weather window.

March 1, 2025 -- Tread Maintenance on the OT CANCELLED
2025-03-01 | Courtois Trail Section, Berryman, MO, United States
March 1, 2025 — Tread Maintenance on the OT
the work location has been moved to the southern section of the Courtois to just north of Hazel Creek
We’ll meet up at the OTA house in Potosi at 9am
Come out and help do some tread rehab on the OT —
This maintenance helps the OTA fulfill its volunteer hours committment to the USFS .
we’ll have a couple of sites we can go in an do some badly tread work not far from Potosi.
We’ll have exact location details the Monday before the event.
We generally meet up by 8:15am at the location — so stay tuned for more details.
As allways , wear sturdy hiking shoes/boots, bring a lunch, at least 2 liters of water and weather appropriate clothing.
We’ll watch the weather and make sure we have a good weather window.
The OTA will provide all tools, and safety gear.

Saturday .. March 8 , 2025 -- CANCELED OT Maintenance on The Courtois
2025-03-08 | Ozark Trail Association Office, 406 West High Street, Potosi, Missouri, 63664
Greetings! I’m reaching out to everyone registered for this coming weekend based out of the OTA House in Potosi as we do maintenance Saturday on the Courtois section of the OT.
Need to know details:
When: We will gather at 8:30 am at the OTA House in Potosi, MO.. From there, we will drive to the work location on Pigeon Roost Rd just south of HWY 8 — about 20 mins from the house.. It will be good gravel road so all vehicles can travel on them with no problem. Be sure to wear layers as it will be chilly in the morning and then get to around 50 degrees in the afternoon. It may be cloudy so, it there may be a chill in the air throughout the day. Bring a lunch and plenty of water. I will have a stove and can heat soup or water to make cocoa and coffee. We won’t be working too far from where the cars are parked. Bring appropriate clothing to work on the trail digging dirt and wear good hiking boots or shoes. The OTA will supply gloves, safety glasses, helmets and tools.
Where: The OTA House is we are basing out of this weekend. It is located on 406 West High St. The house is just west of the 4-way stop at the Court House — this s Hwy 8 directly across from the Hwy 185 intersection.
Housing/camping: You can stay over at the OTA House either camping in the yard or we have some limited sleeping space for 3 or 4 people in the house.
What to bring: Camping gear if you are camping in the yard) personal care items(there is a shower), food other than what the OTA is providing dinner on Saturday. We will be coming off the trail by 3PM and head for dinner by 4PM for those who wish to stay.
On the Trail: With any work on the OT, you need to wear sturdy boots, long pants, dress in weather appropriate layers.

Ozark Trail Association Monthly Business Meeting - March 2025
2025-03-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Zoom
You are invited to attend the monthly meeting of the volunteers who run the Ozark Trail Association.
No need to register.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/92216037029?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 922 1603 7029
Passcode: [REDACTED]
NOTICE: The Ozark Trail Association is not affiliated in any way with the manufacture, distribution, sale, or promotion of Ozark Trail branded outdoor merchandise from any source. All enquiries regarding Ozark Trail branded gear will be discarded without action as we cannot help you.

Sat-Mar 15 OTA Trivia Night celebrating St. Patrick's Day wearing of the Green!
2025-03-15 08:00 - 17:00 | Affton Elks, 6330 Heege Road, MO, 63123
Mark your calendars and get yourself ready for the 2025 OTA Trivia Night. Doors open at 5:30 PM — Trivia starts at 7 PM.
Let’s celebrate “All Things Green” this night as it’s always a fun time with your OTA family and friends. We’ll have a special prize for the ‘Best showing of the Green.” Plus we will again have an awesome Silent Auction and raffle for some amazing items as well as our “Priceless” Ozark Trail items. Cash bar and soft drinks will be provided. Outside food is allowed.
PLEASE sign up via email to kathie.brennan55@gmail.com Please provide your name, how many tables and any other information. Table assignments will be provided at the check in table. Cost is $20 per person.
The venue is the Elks Club, 6330 Heege Rd, St. Louis, Mo 63123

Directions: I-55 North to exit on Reavis Barracks Rd. Reavis Barracks becomes MacKenzie Rd. Take it North accross Gravois Rd to Heege Rd. Left on Heege half block to Lodge Facility.

St. Patty's Whoopin It Up In Winona
2025-03-21 08:00 - 2025-03-26 17:00 | Winona USFS Facility, Winona, MO
Fri-Wed March 21-26, 2025 – St. Patty’s Whoopin It Up In Winona
The OTA wraps p the St. Patricks Day celebrations with Jigs on the southern sections of the OT.
We’ll be doing tread rehab and regular trail maintenance.
The USFS housing in Winona right on Hwy 19 will be utilized so there should be a bed for anyone who wants to come out for a day or 5.
Come out and help do some tread rehab on the OT —
This maintenance helps the OTA fulfill its volunteer hours commitment to the USFS.
We’ll have exact location details the Monday before the event.We generally meet up by 8:15am at the location — so stay tuned for more details.
As always , wear sturdy hiking shoes/boots, bring a lunch, at least 2 liters of water and weather appropriate clothing.
We’ll watch the weather and make sure we have a good weather window.
The OTA will provide all tools, and safety gear.

POSTPONED Fri March 28,2025 -- OTA Spring Mega Prep at Sutton Bluff
2025-03-28
Fri March 28,2025 — OTA Spring Mega Prep at Sutton Bluff
Come out and help do some tread rehab on the OT —
This maintenance helps the OTA fulfill its volunteer hours commitment to the USFS.
we’ll have a couple of sites on Karkahgne Section that we can go in an do some badly tread work not far from the Sutton Bluff Campground
We’ll have exact location details the Monday before the event.
We generally meet up by 8:15am at the location — so stay tuned for more details.
As always , wear sturdy hiking shoes/boots, bring a lunch, at least 2 liters of water and weather appropriate clothing.
We’ll watch the weather and make sure we have a good weather window.
The OTA will provide all tools, and safety gear.

POSTPONED Fri-Sun - Mar 28-30 - OTA Spring Mega at Sutton Bluff Campground
2025-03-28 08:00 - 2025-03-30 17:00 | Sutton Bluff Campground, 7378 County Rd 849, Centerville, MO, 63633
Fri-Sun – Mar 28-30 – OTA Spring Mega at Sutton Bluff Campground
Join the OTA at Sutton Bluff Campground for the Spring 2025 OTA Mega
Come out and help do some tread rehab on the OT —
This maintenance helps the OTA fulfill its volunteer hours commitment to the USFS.
we’ll have a couple of sites we can go in an do some badly tread work not far from the Sutton Bluff campground
We’ll have exact location details the Monday before the event.
We generally meet up by 8:15am at the location — so stay tuned for more details.
As always , wear sturdy hiking shoes/boots, bring a lunch, at least 2 liters of water and weather appropriate clothing.
We’ll watch the weather and make sure we have a good weather window.
The OTA will provide all tools, and safety gear.

Ozark Trail Association Board of Directors Meeting -Saturday, April 12, 2025 @ 9:00 AM
2025-04-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
The quarterly meeting of the Directors Meeting of the Ozark Trail Association Board will be on Saturday, April 12, 2025 @ 9:00 AM.
The purpose of the meeting will be reviewing the prior year’s business, discussing corporate operations for the upcoming year, and for the transaction of any other business that may properly come before the meeting

Mon-Wed- April 14-16, 2025 ... International Trail Symposium .. Madison WI
2025-04-14 08:00 - 2025-04-16 17:00
Mon-Wed- April 14-16, 2025 … International Trail Symposium .. Madison WI

April 25-27, 2025 Spring Mega at Sutton Bluff Re-Scheduled --
2025-04-25 - 2025-04-27 | Sutton Bluff Campground, 7378 County Rd 849, Centerville, MO, 63633
April 25-27, 2025 Spring Mega at Sutton Bluff Re-Scheduled —
We’ll see if Mother Nature will cooperate this time
April 25-27,2025 ( Fri-Sun) at Sutton Bluff Campground
Karkahgne tread work is in order.
We’ll have campsites and a couple of RV/Camper Sites available.
As allways– we’ll have a Sat diner and bonfire.
Bring meals for Friday Night, Sat breakfast and lunch and Sunday breakfast if staying over.
This is a child friendly event .. soo pack up the family for a weekend of fun on the OT.
Bring sturdy work shoes/boots, log pants, shorts and weather appropriate layers if it looks like cooler weather.
Have a day pack for your lunch and at least 2 liters of water or drinks.

Trails Skill College - Winona
2025-05-01 12:00 - 2025-05-05 17:00 | Winona USFS Facility, Winona, MO
We are again offering an opportunity for OTA Volunteers, Land Managers and Partnes to participate in learning about what it takes to care for multi-use trails. From trail construction and maintenance to tool care and equipment to providing an opportunity to become a USFS Certified Chainsaw or Crosscut saw operator. We will also offer recertification for those who are due.
We will base out of the Winona Work Station with limited bunking (first come) and camping in the yard. There is also a hotel in Mountain Home 20 minutes away. Cost per participant is $30.
More details are being formulated and will be posted as we finalize them. Kathie Brennan

Rendezvous at the Ridge - May 10
2025-05-10 09:00 - 18:00 | Big Rock Candy Mountain Campground, 36225 Big Rock Candy Mountain Dr, Jadwin, MO, 65501, United States
This has become an annual event celebrating the cultural and historic areas surrounding the Current River, a National Scenic Riverway. The Ozark Trail Association, while building the Upper Current section of the Ozark Trail, spent a large amount of time learning about and discovering the area around the Current River. We have shared information about the Ozark Trail and the OTA to a plethora of people. Here is your chance to share your passion about the OT to visitors on Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm. Contact Kathie for more information in regards to camping on Friday and Saturday nights as well as an opportunity to float on Sunday. There will be a cost for your kayak or canoe. kathie.brennan55@gmail.com or text with a name to 573-382-8270.
SEE YOU AT THE RIDGE!

Winona Maintenance - May 12-21
2025-05-12 08:00 - 2025-05-21 17:00 | Winona USFS Facility, Winona, MO
The spring storms have been brutal on the Ozark Trail. Here is your opportunity to volunteer one, two or multiple days especially for our newly certified sawyers. Based out of the USFS Winona facility we will have bunking available at first come basis. The two story has 11 beds and the annex 9 and will be considered co-ed. There is plenty of camping spots as well. Volunteers will be doing trail maintenance over several miles each day and various maintenance tasks including weed-eating, leaf blowing, lopping and sawying.
INFORMATION: Please note as you sign up what days you will be attending so we can plan on food and eqipment.and if you need a bed.
WHAT TO BRING: Bedding/camping gear, personal care stuff, clothing appropriate for the weather(including rainwear), boots, long pants, backpack to carry your water, lunch and any other items for being out on the trail for several hours.
What is provided: The OTA will have dinner and breakfast each day. Please bring your own lunch fixings. We will try to accomidate food allergies but its ok if you bring your own. Safety gear including hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves. For sawyers we will have extra chaps and 2 extra chainsaws.
Questions? Please contact Kathie at kathie.brennan55@gmail.com or text with a name to 573-382-8270. Can’t wait to be out on the OT making it better for others!

OTA Monthly Business Meeting - May 13
2025-05-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Zoom

CANCELLED: Wappapello Maintenance — May 24
2025-05-24 09:00 - 15:00 | Ozark Trail Wappapello Section, Greenville, MO, 63944, United States
This event is cancelled.

Maintenance on the Middle Fork - May 31
2025-05-31 09:00 - 16:30, 2025-05-31 09:00 - 17:00 | Ozark Trail Association, 406 W High Street, Potosi, MO, 63664, United States
We’ll be hitting up the Middle Fork-John Roth Memorial section and will be meeting at 9 am at the OTA office. Be prepared to do multiple maintenance tasks, from sawing, leaf blowing, lopping, and weed-eating. Depending on the number of volunteers, we will spread out over multiple miles, addressing the needs.
What you need to bring: Be sure to dress for the weather, long pants, sturdy boots, bring a backpack to carry water, snacks, lunch,h and whatever else you will need. Carpooling is an option to the work sites as we will be doing point-to-point maintenance on several miles of trail. After we complete the maintenance, everyone will be treated to an end-of-the-day meal for the tremendous day out in the Forest.
Camping is available at the OTA office on Friday night and Saturday if needed. Questions? Contact Kathie at kathie.brennan55@gmail.com or text with a name at 573-382-8270

Join Our Trail Maintainer for a Week (or Day) of Trail Work at Peck Ranch!
2025-06-04 08:00 - 2025-06-11 17:00 | Peck Ranch
The OTA now has a full-time trail maintainer—Devin! Working out of Peck Ranch this week, Devin will be out on the trail tackling maintenance projects, and we’re inviting volunteers to join him! Whether you’re a seasoned sawyer or just want to lend a hand, there’s a place for you.
Here’s the tentative plan for the week of June 4–11. Jump in for a day or more and help us keep the trail clear and hike-ready:
🛠️ June 4: Eleven Point Section — trail clearing from FR 4152 to mile 23🛠️ June 5: Current River Section — clearing from Hunter’s Camp to mile 23.5🛠️ June 6: Upper Current Section — clearing with the L-A-D Foundation🛠️ June 7: National Trails Day — work location TBD (watch your email!)🛠️ June 8: Current River Section — weed eating from Midco Hollow🛠️ June 9: Eleven Point Section — tree clearing from McCormack Lake to Greer🛠️ June 10: Between The Rivers Section — clearing from FR 3152 to mile 27.8🛠️ June 11: Current River Section — weed eating at Owls Bend Schoolhouse TH
📝 Want to help? Bring your gloves, water, lunch, and trail spirit—Devin will provide the tools and guidance.
Together, we can keep the Ozark Trail wild and wonderful. See you on the trail!

CANCELED - Boots, Tools & Good Vibes: National Trails Day on the OT June 7
2025-06-07 08:00 - 2025-06-08 17:00 | Peck Ranch
Due to the rain, this event has been canceled, but volunteers are still welcome to come down to hike and join us at Peck Ranch.
Join us for a weekend of adventure and stewardship on the Ozark Trail for National Trails Day!
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NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION #2: We have moved again .. to Peck Ranch. We’ll have full use indoor facilities including kitchen, restrooms, showers, laundry and 5 quad bedrooms. The facility has AC/Heat etc. There is plenty of space to pitch a tent and camp as well. Can bring a camper. no electric, water or sewer but space to park is available. we will be working the Upper Current River section as well as Current River and Between the Rivers.
NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION: Due to the loss of water at CRSP, the event will be based out of the Round Spring Group Camping area, where we’ll spend Saturday giving back to the Ozark Trail with much-needed maintenance work. But it’s not all work—there will be plenty of time to hike, float, and soak in the beauty of the Ozarks!
Camping is available Saturday evening, we’ll gather for a potluck dinner, so bring a dish to share and enjoy a night of great food, good company, and trail stories around the campfire.
Come ready to make a difference, meet fellow trail lovers, and celebrate National Trails Day in one of Missouri’s most scenic spots!

Join Our Trail Maintainer for a Week (or Day) on the Middle Fork!
2025-06-16 08:00 - 2025-06-18 17:00 | Ozark Trail, MO, United States
The OTA now has a full-time trail maintainer—Devin! Working along the northern part of the OT this week, Devin will be out on the trail tackling maintenance projects, and we’re inviting volunteers to join him! Whether you’re a seasoned sawyer or just want to lend a hand, there’s a place for you.
Here’s the tentative plan for the week of June 16. Jump in for a day or more and help us keep the trail clear and hike-ready:
🛠️ June 17: Tree clearing on Middle Fork Section🛠️ June 18: Tree clearing on Middle Fork Section
📝 Want to help? Bring your gloves, water, lunch, and trail spirit—Devin will provide the tools and guidance. Since locations vary, please email Devin at dev.barnett@gmail.com for information on where to meet for the work day.
Together, we can keep the Ozark Trail wild and wonderful. See you on the trail!

Join Our Trail Crew Leader for a Saturday on the Northern OT!
2025-06-21 08:00 - 16:00 | Ozark Trail, MO, United States
The OTA now has a full-time trail maintainer—Devin! Working along the northern part of the OT this week, Devin will be out on the trail tackling maintenance projects, and we’re inviting volunteers to join him! Whether you’re a seasoned sawyer or just want to lend a hand, there’s a place for you.
Here’s the tentative plan for Saturday, June 21, 2025. Jump in for a day and help us keep the trail clear and hike-ready:
Join us for a rewarding day of trail work on Saturday, June 21! Depending on weather and crew needs, we’ll either be continuing work on the exciting new re-route near Marble Creek or tackling tree clearing on the scenic Middle Fork section.
This is a great opportunity to give back to the trail and enjoy the beauty of the Ozarks. No experience needed—we’ll provide the tools and training. Just bring a daypack, lunch, water, gloves, and your enthusiasm for the outdoors!
📝Since locations vary, please email Devin at dev.barnett@gmail.com for information on where to meet for the work day.
Together, we can keep the Ozark Trail wild and wonderful. See you on the trail!

Join Our Trail Maintainer for a Week (or Day) on the Northern OT!
2025-06-21 08:00 - 2025-06-24 16:00 | Ozark Trail, MO, United States
The OTA now has a full-time trail maintainer—Devin! Working along the northern part of the OT this week, Devin will be out on the trail tackling maintenance projects, and we’re inviting volunteers to join him! Whether you’re a seasoned sawyer or just want to lend a hand, there’s a place for you.
Here’s the tentative plan for the week of June 21-24. Jump in for a day or more and help us keep the trail clear and hike-ready:
🛠️ June 22: Weed eating and trail clearing on Berryman Trail🛠️ June 23: Tree clearing on Taum Sauk Section
🛠️ June 24: Weed eating and trail clearing on Berryman Trail
📝 Want to help? Bring your gloves, water, lunch, and trail spirit—Devin will provide the tools and guidance. Since locations vary, please email Devin at dev.barnett@gmail.com for information on where to meet for the work day.
Together, we can keep the Ozark Trail wild and wonderful. See you on the trail!
