Ozark Trail Association

2026 OT Hike and Float Challenge
2026-05-15 - 2026-05-17 | Round Spring Campground, Eminence, MO, United States
Take the Challenge: Hike, Float, and Fundraise for the Ozark Trail!
Join fellow trail enthusiasts in supporting the Ozark Trail Association during this unforgettable weekend adventure! Whether you go solo or form a team, each participant will commit to raising $800 for the OTA—and we’re now limiting the number of participants, so don’t wait to sign up!
Register now: https://charity.pledgeit.org/2026OTHikeAndFloat
The Challenge:Fundraising is simple—ask your friends, family, coworkers, and social media followers to support your efforts. The funds you raise help maintain and protect the Ozark Trail.
The Celebration:We’ll kick things off with a 4-mile hike from Round Spring to Echo Bluff, followed by a shuttle to Pulltite for a scenic 9-mile float back to Round Spring on the beautiful Current River. Saturday evening we’ll also crown the champion of our quirky tradition: the Real Hikers Wear Kilts race!
What’s Included: Tent camping at Round Spring Group Campground (Friday & Saturday nights) Kayak for the Saturday float Meals from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast
Questions? Email us at otchallengehike@ozarktrail.com.
Ready to make a difference and have an adventure? Register here:
https://charity.pledgeit.org/2026OTHikeAndFloat

CANCELLED: May 20, 2026 - O'Fallon Park Cooperative Trail Build
2026-05-20 08:45 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | O’Fallon Park Rec Complex – St. Louis, 4343 W Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63115
May 20, 2026 O’Fallon Park Cooperative Trail Build — Start time at the YMCA O’Fallon Park Rec Complex parking lot is 8:45 am.
The OTA will be teaming up with other organizations such as the Sierra Club, Open Space STL and the City of St. Louis Forestry Division to work on additional new trails in O’Fallon Park just behind the YMCA O’Fallon Park Rec Complex.
The OTA will supply all tools and volunteer safety equipment and tools. We’ll also have cold drinks and snacks available for volunteers.
Volunteers should wear long pants, shirts and sturdy hiking shoes/boots. Bring at least 2 liters of water.

June 6, 2026 - National Trails Day: Harmon Spring Spur Build
2026-06-06 08:45 - 15:00 | Harmon Spring Trailhead (New), XWMG+XGR, Butts, MO, 65441, United States
We are celebrating National Trails Day by working on building the new spur trail at Harmon Spring trailhead! The US Forest Service has approval for a new, more accessible trailhead at Harmon Spring, and it will need a new spur trail to connect to the Ozark Trail. This is located on the Courtois section near mile 22, not far from the Berryman loop.
We will be meeting at 8:45am on Floyd Tower Road (FR 2265) where it intersects FR 2901. GPS Coordinates: 37.98344, -91.07249.
Please bring water and lunch/snacks for yourself. As always, bring sturdy work shoes/boots, long pants, shirt and weather-appropriate layering. We will have gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection, but if you prefer to bring your own, please do.

June 13, 2026 - Celebrating 100 yrs at Sam A. Baker Park
2026-06-13 | Sam A. Baker Park, MO, United States
The OTA is participating in centennial event at Sam A. Baker State Park. We could not make this happen without your help.

To view more info go to the schedule and map of the area. https://maps.app.goo.gl/M4PUoA96oXdz7y26A

Please park in designated parking areas shown on map. If you need to unload from your vehicle, please do that before 9:30am, as all vehicles are not allowed in that area after that time. Look for a staff member around Shelter 1 or the welcome tent for information and direction. All stations should be set up before 10am.

While we may have several volunteers — we can always use more .. If you wish to volunteer — pleased send email to admin@ozarktrai.com by Friday 12:00 PM

The event runs from 9:30 am- 3:00pm Sat Sept 13.

June 26, 2026 -- Rescheduled Cooperative TrailBuild - O'Fallon Park, St. Louis Mo
2026-06-26 | O’Fallon Park Rec Complex – St. Louis, 4343 W Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63115
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** Rain has forced us to move this to Thursday June 25th, 2026 !!!
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June 26, 2026 — Re-Scheduled Cooperative TrailBuild – Ofallon Park, St. Louis Mo
Start time at the YMCA O’Fallon Park Rec Complex parking lot is 8:45 am.

The OTA will be teaming up with other organizations such as the Sierra Club, Open Space STL and the City of St. Louis Forestry Division to work on additional new trails in O’Fallon Park just behind the YMCA O’Fallon Park Rec Complex. Work Day 8:45am-1PM.
The OTA will supply all tools and volunteer safety equipment and tools. We’ll also have cold drinks and snacks available for volunteers.
Volunteers should wear long pants, shirts and sturdy hiking shoes/boots. Bring at least 2 liters of water.

July 8-10, 2026 - Midsummer Night OT Maintenance in Winona, Mo
2026-07-08 08:00 - 2026-07-10 17:00 | Winona USFS Facility, Winona, MO
July 8-10, 2026 – Midsummer Night OT Maintenance in Winona, Mo
Join the OTA as we catch a cooler weather window to do some badly needed
trail maintenance.
We”ll be based out of the Winona Mo USFS Ranger house. Arrivals on Wednesday afternoon or start early
Thursday as we’ll go out at 8:30 on Thursday to start working on the Current River, Between the River, Blair Creek
Peck Ranch and Eleven Point sections. We’ll hit has many spots as we have folks and time to do.
We”ll provide dinner on Thursday evening and a potluck breakfast on Friday morning
If you are staying over .. you’ll need sleeping bag or bedding, towel and toiletries and any extra food or special items
you would like to eat. If you have special dietary needs let me know so we can accommodate you. We will have vegetarian and non re-meat options for dinner and breakfast.
I will have cooler with cold drinks for trail work days but be sure to have at least 2 liters of fluids with you each day you work.
The USFS facility is in Winona Mo just north of the HWY H/Hwy 19 intersection. 11 miles south of Eminence, Mo on Hwy 19.
Bring trail appropriate clothing .. even though it will be warm.. long pants, shirts, and sturdy hiking shoes/boots are recommended. Treat your clothing and foot wear with permetheryn — it is tick season and they are plentiful. We’ll have extra treatment as well
The OTA will provide all equipment safety equipment.

July 11-12, 2026 - Miner Tough Event -- St. Joe State Park - Volunteer signup
2026-07-11 - 2026-07-12 | St. Joe State Park
July 11-12, 2026 – Miner Tough Event — St. Joe State Park
The OTA is again providing support for this wonderful event
Sat July 11 – is the running event .. The OTA will have a canopy at the Start/Finish line and an aid station up on the trail junction. Setup at 7:15am at Start/Finish.
Sun July 12 – is the MTB event .. The OTA will have a canopy at the Start/Finish line. Setup at 7:30am
We could use volunteers for both locations on both days.

Join Our Trail Crew Leader on the Ozark Trail!
2026-07-13 08:00 - 2026-07-17 16:00, 2026-07-20 08:00 - 2026-07-24 16:00, 2026-07-27 08:00 - 2026-07-31 16:00, 2026-08-03 08:00 - 2026-08-07 16:00, 2026-08-10 08:00 - 2026-08-14 16:00 | Ozark Trail, MO, United States
The OTA now has a full-time Trail Crew Leader —Devin Barnett! 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.
Projects will include: Trail Clearing – This involves cutting downed trees, weed eating, lopping, leaf blowing, and putting up trail markers. *Must be a USFS certified sawyer to operate a chainsaw with OTA.
📝 Want to help? Bring your gloves, water, lunch, and trail spirit—Devin will provide the tools and guidance. Since locations vary, registrants will be contacted with information on where to meet for the work day.
Together, we can keep the Ozark Trail wild and wonderful. See you on the trail!

Aug 8, 2026 -- OTA Sponsored --3 Legged Monster Race Prep -- 3LM Volunteer Signup
2026-08-08 08:00 - 17:00 | Bass’ River Resort, 204 Butts Road, Steelville, MO, 65565, United States
Aug 8, 2026 — OTA Sponsored –3 Legged Monster Race Prep — 3LM Volunteer Signup
We’ll meetup at Bass’ River Resort parking lot at 9:00am. We’ll work until about 3:00pm.
We’ll be weed eating, and clearing any tree blow down on trail between Ozark Outdoors and Bass’ River Resort. We’ll also perform similar maintenance on the bike course on the loop between Bass’ and the Berryman Loop on the bike course. We’ll utilize the OTA’s UTVs to access various points on the trail.
Bring a day pack with lunch/snacks and at least 2 liters of water.
It’s prime tick/chigger season, so prep your gear and clothes with permethrin and yourself with picaridan or heavy duty OFF (other of your preference).
The OTA will provide all equipment and safety gear.

Aug 15, 2026 -- 3 Legged Monster Race Volunteer Signup
2026-08-14 08:00 - 2026-08-15 17:00 | Ozark Outdoors
Aug 15, 2026 –3 Legged Monster Race Volunteer Signup
The 3-Legged Monster Race is right around the corner, and we need awesome volunteers to help make race day a success!
This unique adventure race brings together paddlers, mountain bikers, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts – and our volunteers are what keep everything running smoothly. Whether you’ve volunteered with us before or are looking for a new way to get involved, we’d love to have you join the team.
Volunteer opportunities include:

Manning an aid station
Helping racers stay on course with directional support
Recording finish times
Assisting with race check-in (Friday evening and/or Saturday morning)

As a thank-you for volunteering, you’ll receive:

Free camping Friday night
Free volunteer dinner Saturday afternoon
Official 3-Legged Monster Race shirt

When signing up, please let us know your availability, preferred volunteer role(s), and shirt size. We’ll match you with a position and send details as the event gets closer.
Thank you for helping us make the 3-Legged Monster Race a great experience for racers and supporting the Ozark Trail Association!

Sept 6-12, 2026 - OTA and The American Hiking Society Vacation Trail Week
2026-09-05 - 2026-09-13 | Peck Ranch
The OTA is hosting an Amercian Hiking Society – Vacation- Trail maintenance week at
Peck Ranch. We have reserved housing space for the vacation group and OTA coordinators.

There is ample camping space at the facility and there may a very limted number of beds for volunteers on
a first come first serve basis. There will be multiple folks ( up to 4) per bedroom.
We will be doing trail building, trail maintenance and other enrichment activities during the week.

Peck Ranch general info
https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/peck-ranch-conservation-area

Sep 24, 2026 - OTA Al-Pint Night at the Alpine Shop
2026-09-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Alpine Shop, 440 N Kirkwood, Kirkwood, MO, 63122, United States
Sept 24, 2026 — Thursday 6-8 pm – Alpine Shop Al-Pint Night
Come out and celebrate the Alpine Shop and the OTA.
Good times, a couple cold adult beverages and great people.

Sept 25-27, 2026 -- OTA Fall Mega -- Harmon Springs New Spur Build
2026-09-25 08:00 - 2026-09-27 17:00 | Berryman Campground, 11237 County Rd 207, Berryman, MO, 65565, United States
Sept 25-27, 2026 — OTA Fall Mega — Harmon Springs New Spur Build
The Ozark Trail Association is excited to build the new Harmon Springs Trailhead Spur!
The U.S. Forest Service has approved a new, more accessible trailhead and connector spur that will provide access to the Ozark Trail. This new trail segment is located on the Courtois Section near Mile 22, not far from the Berryman Loop.
Join fellow OTA volunteers for a weekend of trail building, good food, live music, and celebrating the Ozark Trail community!
Weekend Details:
Free camping will be available Friday and Saturday nights at Berryman Campground (no electric hookups available). Additional lodging/camping details will be announced as they become available.
After Saturday’s trail build, we’ll gather for a free dinner, followed by our always-popular raffle! We’re excited to add even more fun this year with the Wolf Creek Bluegrass band joining us around the bonfire as we relax and socialize with fellow trail enthusiasts.
As an extra thank-you to our volunteers, the first 80 registrants who volunteer at the event will receive a free Ozark Trail t-shirt!
Saturday Trail Build:
We will meet at 8:45 a.m. Saturday morning at the intersection of Floyd Tower Road (FR 2265) and FR 2901
GPS Coordinates: 37.98344, -91.07249
For Saturday’s trail build, please bring:

Plenty of water (at least 2 liters recommended)
Lunch and snacks for yourself
Sturdy work shoes or boots
Long pants
Work-appropriate shirt
Weather-appropriate layers

OTA will provide tools, gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection. If you prefer to bring your own gear, you are welcome to do so.
Parking at the work site is limited, so we will carpool to the trail location.
We can’t wait to build this exciting new connection to the Ozark Trail with you!

Tuesday Sept 29th, Oct 1 and 2 - 6th Annual Devil's Toll Race Prep
2026-09-29 08:00 - 2026-10-02 17:00 | Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO, 63656
The 6th Annual Devil’s Toll Race is coming back and we need some help in getting the trail in shape
So Tuesday Sept 29th, Oct 1 and 2 we’ll be out on the trail weed eating and clearing obstructions

On Tuesday — we’ll be up on Taum Sauk at the Power line weed eating and clearing trail in
both directions. We’ll go as far as we can in each direction. We’ll take a beak on Wednesday and then come
back out on Thursday and finish up as much as we can up on Taum Sauk and Profit Mtn then
Friday morning we’ll come out and clear the path from the Scour Overlook Pavillion down to the Black River crossing at the Johnson Shutins Day use Pavillion.

Friday night . we’ll be over at thee Goggins Mtn Trailhead parking area to signin participants as they come in until approx 9pm.

We’ll try and cover anything else during the day

Race Date: October 3rd, 2026
Taum Sauk SP – Johnson Shut-ins SP

Oct 3, 2026 -- The OTA Sponsored Devil's Toll Race event at Johnson Shutins
2026-10-03 | Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO, 63656
The 6th Annual Devil’s Toll Race is coming back to a rugged trail near you

Race Date: October 3rd, 2026
Taum Sauk SP – Johnson Shut-ins SP

Registration Opens: February 21st, 2026 — Participant
https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=136112

BIG Change
Due to a few factors we have decided to forgo the team options on both the run & hike events. You are still able to bring ALL the friends and complete the event together but no longer have to worry about the registration process, finish together timing or worrying of finding a NEW partner if yours ends up unable to attend.

Camping is still available Fri and/or Sat nights in the group area for $2 per night. per person. Add this to your registration

Volunteers Signup Here

We need volunteers for
Friday, evening registration at Ozark Outdoors
Saturday Morning checkin at Johnson Shutins visiter center
Saturday Morning race start on Taum Sauk Trail Head
Saturday Aid Station on Taum Sauk Mtn — 9AM Johnson Shutin visiter center parking lot
Scour Overlook Pavillion to serve as guide to day use area crossing n Black River
Johnson Shutin Day Use Pavillion Finish line and cookout assistance
Volunteers wil be contacted and have emails sent with more details and logistics information

Devil’s Toll Race

https://www.facebook.com/100063485906610/posts/1633947905398057/?app=fbl
Participant signup
https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=136112

Oct 16-18, 2026 -- OTA Fall Whoopin It up in Winona
2026-10-16 08:00 - 2026-10-18 17:00 | Winona USFS Facility, Winona, MO
Oct 16-18, 2026 — OTA Fall Whoopin It up in Winona
We’ll be based out of the USFS facilities in Winona, Missouri.
The OTA will be doing or traditional southern trail section maintenance on the southern sections of the Ozark Trail.
Beds are on a first come first serve.
So Sign up early.
The OTA will provide it’s traditional Saturday evening meal and provide drinks for folks
during the day. As always bring a lunch for Saturday and any other food for other meals.
Wear weather appropriate clothing, sturdy hiking shoes/boots and have the ability
to carry at lease 2 liters of water.
Bring sleeping bags as Winona has beds .. there is no bedding.
There are 2 full bathrooms in the 2 story Ranger house and 1.5 baths in the single
story annex.
Both houses have full kitchens .. the 2 story is the main facility for
any OTA prepared meals.
You can start arriving Friday afternoon after 12 noon.
We will meet in the parking area at 8:15a so we can be ready for
the trail by 8:30am.
GPS
37.0520255,-91.3820066

Directions to Winona USFS facility on Hy 19 in Winona, MO

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Winona+Work+Center/@37.0520255,-91.3820066,12z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x87d0b7529750def9:0xd99d03357eba3942!8m2!3d37.0154279!4d-91.3229536!16s%2Fg%2F11fplx_zsx?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDYxMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Oct 25-30, 2026 -- OT100 Endurance Run Prep -- Bass River Resort
2026-10-25 08:00 - 2026-10-30 17:00 | Bass’ River Resort, 204 Butts Road, Steelville, MO, 65565, United States
Oct 25-30, 2026 — OT100 Endurance Run Prep — Bass River Resort

The OTA will be out during the week doing prep work on the OTA Between the OT100 start on County Rd 862
where the event starts all the way up to Bass River Resort.
We’ll be clearing as much debris ad blowdown on the trail as possible and leaf blowing
every road crossing .

You can signup here for any day you can come out and help. Be sure to bring at lease 2 liters
of water, a lunch, sturdy hiking boots/shoes and weather appropriate clothing.

Oct 31, 2026 -- OT100 Endurance Run -- Bass River Resort
2026-10-31 08:00 - 2026-11-01 17:00 | Bass’ River Resort, 204 Butts Road, Steelville, MO, 65565, United States
Oct 31, 2026 — OT100 Endurance Run — Bass River Resort
Volunteers signup here
You ‘ll signup here to work with OTA or other related aide stations at
Stillwell Hollow ( Kathie Brennen – OTA )
Gunstock Hollow ( Terry Hawn – OTA )
Highway DD ( Andi Lowry – OTSHAB )
Martin Rd ( Pollihan Clan)
Others ( if know where you want to help — just put it in the comments and we’ll hook you up.
The aide station captains will contact you prior to the event.

Participants signup below
https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=133763

Friday Nov 6, 2026 -- Cooperative Trail Build at O'Fallon Park ..8:45am-1PM
2026-11-06 08:00 - 17:00 | O’Fallon Park Rec Complex – St. Louis, 4343 W Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63115
Friday 6, 2026 — Cooperative Trail Build at O’Fallon Park – 8:45 am – 1PM

Join the Sierra Club, City of St. Louis, The Ozark Trail Assoc as we continue
building the new trail in O’Fallon Park. We should be able to wrap up this
phase of the new trail if we get a good turnout.
Tools and safety equipment will be provided as well as cold drinks and all equipment and safety gear.
We’ll have folks at the main “Y” parking lot who can direct you over to the work area just across from the parking area.

Nov 7 - OTSHAB Scavenger Hunt
2026-11-07
The Ozark Trail Section Hikers and Backpackers group is organizing a scavenger hunt competition as a fundraiser for the Ozark Trail Association.
Save this date, and stay tuned for more details.

Dec 5, 2026 - Adopt-A-Trail Fall Meetup
2026-12-04 15:00 - 2026-12-06 15:00
December 5, 2026 – 8:00am
This event is focused on connecting new and veteran trail adopters. Come out and meet your fellow adopters for a day of trail work. Optional free camping will be available Friday and Saturday. There will be a simple dinner spread on Saturday evening.
Any and all are welcome! You do not need to be an adopter or current OTA member to attend. This is a great opportunity to get out and learn more about the Ozark Trail and the Adopt-A-Trail program.
Location TBD. Save the date and stay tuned for details.
