Courtois Hike-and-Float
| Trip Mile | Description |
|---|---|
| 0.0 |
Start at Bass River Resort Trailhead.
Directions to trailhead
You MUST check-in with Bass River Resort if you plan on using this lot for trail access. |
| Bass River Resort Trailhead to Lower Narrows Rd Crossing — 1.3 miles | |
| 0.0 | Bass River Resort. Canoe outfitter with campground, cabins, store, parking. |
| 1.2 | Road crossing - Lower Narrows Rd |
| Lower Narrows Rd Crossing to Lower Narrows Trailhead — 3.6 miles | |
| 1.6 | Pool of water below riffles. Fairly reliable water source. |
| 1.8 | Small wet-season waterfall with many mossy rocks |
| 2.2 | Pipeline road |
| 3.1 | Road crossing - Barn Rd |
| 4.4 | Great bluff top overlooking the Huzzah valley |
| 4.9 | Look for the Trailhead kiosk on your left, then then take the road down towards Courtois Creek. |
| Lower Narrows Trailhead to Little St Louis Campground — 2.7 miles | |
| 5.3 | End of multi-use trail. Bike and horse travel not allowed on trail in Huzzah C.A. (this is an MDC directive and has nothing to do with the OTA) |
| 6.0 | Sharp turn to the left from double-track road to trail. |
| 7.2 | Large opening at the gated Bat Cave. There was a shooting here in the 1870s over a disagreement at a poker game. |
| 7.3 | Courtois Creek crossing. This is a 'wet crossing' with water depth normally 6 inches to 2 feet deep. This area is prone to flash flooding. During spring rains the creek may not be passable for days. |
| 7.5 | As you enter the campground, take the road to the right. Continue past the kiosk toward the creek, and pick up the trail again between the creek and the bluffs. |
| Little St Louis Campground to Onondaga Trailhead — 5 miles | |
| 7.8 | The trail passes at the bottom of limestone bluffs and next to the crystal-clear Courtois Creek. Lots of nooks to explore, too. |
| 9.2 | Going South to North, watch for this sharp turn off double-track to single track. Easy to miss |
| 9.9 | Social trail turn-off the Ozark Trail to the southwest for visiting the ruins of the old Scotia Ironworks smelter, built in 1870. Smelter is 500' or so south of trail. |
| 10.8 | Road crossing - Scotia Ranch Rd |
| 11.9 | Road crossing - Cave Rd. |
| 12.6 |
End at Onondaga Trailhead.
Directions to trailhead
The Onondaga trailhead has room for 1-2 vehicles. An alternate trailhead is at Ozark Outdoors; please register at the office to see if parking is available. |