Highway 21 to Highway A
| Trip Mile | Description |
|---|---|
| 0.0 |
Start at Highway A Trailhead.
Directions to trailhead
Highway A Trailhead. Located across from the Bell Mountain Wilderness sign. |
| Highway A Trailhead to Highway A Trailhead Connector — 0.1 miles | |
| 0.1 | Follow a short connector trail north from the parking lot then make a right, crossing Highway A at the sign to the Bell Mountain Wildnerness. |
| Highway A Trailhead Connector to Bell Mountain Trail Turn-Off — 2.1 miles | |
| 0.6 | This low glade is found at a switchback on the trail. If you have some time you can explore to the south for excellent views of Ottery Creek valley. |
| 0.7 | Nice valley view, especially a bit off-trail to the south |
| 1.5 | There is a small trickle of water here for most of the year that feeds a diverse growth of flowers and grasses. A good resting spot with scenic views of the valley. |
| 1.6 | Occasional water. Dry much of the year. |
| 2.1 | Bell Mountain turn-off sign. Do not take-- continue straight on Taum Sauk trail. |
| Bell Mountain Trail Turn-Off to Goggins Mountain Connector (west) — 7 miles | |
| 3.6 | Beautiful view west from the glades along the southern tip of Bell Mountain. A nice spot for sunsets or to watch the morning mist rise from Ottery Creek and the Middle Fork headwaters. |
| 5.6 | Dramatic view south across Padfield Branch valley to Goggins Mountain. A great spot for a break in this large glade complex. |
| 6.1 | Padfield Branch crossing area. On the southeast side of the creek you'll find the remants of an old house and shed. If you wander past the shed you'll come to a nice spring. A lot of people camp in this area, so practive Leave No Trace. |
| 6.5 | Turnoff from road. If traveling to the northeast along the double-track road, watch for signs! Easy to miss. Watch for markers as the trail takes a right turn off the old jeep road and up Goggins. (TS7) |
| 7.0 | 2006 tornado damage. This area has been cleared but will prone to weediness for a few years until the canopy can regrow. |
| 8.2 | The trail drops down through a steep boulder-strewn area that produces mini-waterfalls after a good rain. You can sometimes find pools of water for filtration, but it's not a reliable spot. |
| 9.1 | Pass Goggins Mtn Trail turn-off. Continue straight on Taum Sauk trail. |
| Goggins Mountain Connector (west) to Highway N Crossing — 4.2 miles | |
| 9.2 | One of many fine glades on Goggins. |
| 10.1 | Nice glade with a west-facing view. |
| 10.5 | Open glades with a southwest view. On a clear day you can see Stegall Mountain in the distance, which is on the Current River section. |
| 10.8 | Another glade but this one has a great view to the southwest. Can you see Stegall Mountain from here? |
| 10.9 | Illegal ATV activity abounds in this area. One of several ATV roads you'll cross on south Goggins |
| 11.6 | Walker Branch. Rarely has water, but some people have had luck further to the southeast by the power line crossing of Walker Branch |
| 11.8 | Power line crossing. Can be brushy in summer. Trail continues on opposite side of clearing. |
| 13.2 | Highway N crossing. Watch for traffic. |
| Highway N Crossing to Black River Crossing — 2.3 miles | |
| 15.3 | Trail to the east and southwest is the OT. Check your map if needed. If coming from Highway A, go right. Trail heading north goes to Johnson's Shutins. |
| 15.6 | As you approach the Black River follow the OT signs to the right. Watch your step-- it's rocky here. Subject to flooding. If the water is too fast or too deep, head north into Johnson's Shutins and pick up the trail again at the Scour or Highway N TH. |
| Black River Crossing to Scour Connector (north side) — 2.3 miles | |
| 15.8 | Delightful bluff overlooking the Black River just north of the switchback. |
| 17.0 | The trail weaves its way through numerous rock outcroppings |
| 17.8 | Southwest side of scour crossing. The trail runs perpendicular to the scour. Look for signs and rock cairns to navigate. Watch your step through this rocky area. |
| 17.8 | Good water source running through scour valley |
| 17.9 | Limestone rock overlooking the scour valley with a view of the reservoir. The trail through this rocky area may require a little scrambling, so watch your step. |
| 17.8 | Cross the scour and make a right, heading up the hill towards Proffit Mtn. |
| Scour Connector (north side) to Proffit Mountain Power Lines — 4.9 miles | |
| 22.7 | Powerline area. Subject to seasonal growth. Continue across to trail on the other side. |
| Proffit Mountain Power Lines to Devils Tollgate — 4.7 miles | |
| 26.4 | Taum Sauk Creek. Fairly reliable except perhaps in drought conditions. |
| Devils Tollgate to Mina Sauk Falls — 1 miles | |
| 27.4 | Devils Tollgate rock formation |
| 28.3 | Mina Sauk Falls. Spectacular, especially after heavy rains. Intersection with Mina Sauk lower loop to the southwest. Consult a map to insure you're on the correct trail. |
| 28.4 | At the top of Mina Sauk falls make a left to take the western loop to the top of Taum Sauk. |
| Mina Sauk Falls to Taum Sauk Mountain Trailhead Connector — 1.2 miles | |
| 28.9 | Several glades in this area with great views of Taum Sauk Creek valley |
| 29.6 | Taum Sauk Mountain trailhead is located 1/4 mile northeast of main trail. Stay to the right, heading towards Highway 21 on the main Ozark Trail. |
| Taum Sauk Mountain Trailhead Connector to Mina Sauk Loop Connector (east) — 0.3 miles | |
| 29.8 | Mina Sauk lower loop trail is on your right. Continue straight towards Highway 21. |
| Mina Sauk Loop Connector (east) to Russell Mountain Trailhead Connector — 2.5 miles | |
| Russell Mountain Trailhead Connector to Highway 21 Trailhead — 3.3 miles | |
| 32.3 | Russell Mountain trailhead spur to the north. Consult a map to insure you're on the correct trail |
| 34.3 | Eastern-most glades on Taum Sauk section. |
| 34.6 | Sharp turn, but well-marked. Just keep an eye out for signs. |
| 35.6 |
End at Highway 21 Trailhead.
Directions to trailhead
Highway 21 Trailhead. Has Department of Conservation signage as Claybaugh Branch. |