A good trail and a good map go hand-in-hand, and we’ve mapped out each section of the Ozark Trail for you! Our topographical section maps include elevation profiles, trailheads, points of interest, traveler information and more. These high-quality maps are printed on waterproof and tear-resistant paper. Our thru-hiking map set includes Courtois, Trace Creek, Middle Fork, Karkaghne, Blair Creek, Current River, Between the Rivers, and Eleven Point section maps.

The Current River as viewed from above, as it is from several points along the Upper Current section, is among Missouri’s most beautiful and inspiring landscapes. This trail takes users through dark hollows and along towering bluffs, beneath richly diverse hardwood and pine forests, across open glades offering sweeping vistas of the river valley below, and passing by waterfalls and clear, cold spring-fed streams. These are the landscape attributes which define the exceptional region, and this trail will provide intimate access to their beauties and mysteries.

The Victory section is named after the one-room schoolhouse that stood near the trail. It wanders through oak forests with stands of pine and along sunny meadows, passing several creeks and streams. Popular with equestrians, Victory incorporates a portion of the Victory Horse Trail: access to the six-mile loop is at the eastern end, near the Wrangler trailhead. A three-mile gap and the Black River separate Victory from the Wappapello section to the east.

The Wappapello section begins at the southern entrance to Sam A. Baker State park and follows the St. Francois River south for 15 miles through woodlands and stream bottoms to Lake Wappapello and the Old Greenville National Historic site. Wappapello Dam, completed in 1941 created the lake, along with fishing, boating and camping opportunities but led residents of Greenville to move their town two miles north. Pause for the “Memory Lane” self-guided tour of the old townsite before heading 15 more miles south through rolling oak and pine forest to the beautiful Black River.

The Marble Creek section of the Ozark trail winds for 10 miles through the St. Francois Mountains. Named for the pink dolomite mined as “Taum Sauk Marble,” Marble Creek is a rushing stream at the northern terminus that powered a gristmill until 1935. The southern Marble Creek section terminates at Crane Lake, connecting to a loop trail around the lake and views of the dam, shut-ins and rock formations there.

As the southernmost section of the Ozark Trail, the North Fork may be unknown to many but it has a lot to offer: promontories with great views, quiet hollows and the best whitewater in Missouri on the North Fork River. This section is also a gateway to other scenic areas including the Devils Backbone Wilderness, Noblett Lake Recreational Area and the Blue Buck Knob National Scenic Byway. Consider planning trips on the connecting Devil’s Backbone and Hammonds Mill trails plus nearby Noblett Lake Loop. The Ridge Runner trail is also a connector and runs concurrently with the North Fork for approximately 7 ¼ miles. Check out Missouri’s “other” Blue Spring with a short trip from the trail to relax or camp in the pines. Visit the Missouri Children’s Forest, dedicated by the U.S. Forest Service to protecting old growth forests. The North Fork section of the Ozark Trail is remote but full of hidden treasures.

The Eleven Point section winds along rugged ridges and drainages with many changes in elevation and terrain. As it follows the Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River you find many great bluff views along with chances to see eagles during the winter months. This area is fantastic in fall with oak, hickory, maple, sassafras, persimmon and black gum. Stop at McCormack Lake to camp or rest at Greer Spring to witness its 220 million gallon daily output of water and dolomite cliffs. As a side trip, visit Turners Mill and see the remains of a giant 1890s water wheel. The Eleven Point section is a natural and historical slice of all the Ozarks has to offer.

The Between the Rivers section of the Ozark Trail wanders among various tributaries of the Current River with plenty of hollows and drainages to explore. It’s magnificent in the fall as the colors of white and scarlet oak burst out against the pines and you can see the countryside surrounding you. As the section closest to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, no trip on this part of the trail is complete without a visit to Big Spring, north America’s largest with an output of more than 280 million gallons a day. Big Spring State Park offers camping and a restaurant serving home-cooked food in season for a break from the trail. The Devils Run area offers a stream locally renowned for fishing largemouth bass and trout along with a deep pool and lichen-covered rock formations. For meandering through a classic Ozarks environment, Between the Rivers can’t be beat.

No trail encompasses the heart, soul, and history of the Ozarks like the Current River section of the Ozark Trail. Running from Owls Bend to Highway 60 just west of Van Buren, this 30-mile trail is a magnificent tour of springs, streams, glades, waterfalls and Missouri heritage. Among the springs that dot this area is deep-aqua Blue Spring just south of Owls Bend. Rocky Creek Conservation Area offers multiple falls and shut-ins. The Peck Ranch State Conservation area is home to elk, absent from Missouri since the 1860s, and reintroduced in 2011. Near Round Spring, a herd of wild horses roam and are occasionally visible from the trail. This area is a treasure trove in the heart of the Ozarks and the Current River section is one of the crown jewels.

This section of the Ozark Trail passes through the Roger Pryor Backcountry on its way to the Current River at Owls Bend. The northern six miles of trail follow a major ridge line that divides Big Creek and Blair Creek. It then leaves the ridge and enters the watershed of Blair Creek. The trail follows Blair Creek southward as the creek carves a long, deepening valley in its descent to the Current River. Old home sites, springs, and reverting fields clad with wildflowers dot Blair Creek Valley. The trail slowly makes its way to the bluffs high above the Current River and to the most outstanding views of the river along the entire trail.

The Karkaghne section includes scenic bluffs, reliable water sources and multiple stream crossings. These features make this section of the Ozark Trail one of the most popular for horseback riding. A network of private trails at Brushy Creek Lodge increases the options for riders. Beautiful valleys, hollows and a wonderful swimming hole on the Black River add to the Karkaghne’s appeal for hikers as well. Don’t miss Grasshopper Hollow, especially in the spring: it’s the largest fen complex in non-glaciated North America and home to diverse species. As for the name of this section; all other sections of the Ozark Trail were named after landmarks, previous trails or natural features of the area save for the Karkaghne. Legend has it that this section is named for a hairy, man-like creature, similar to Big Foot, who has been seen roaming these Ozark hills. So be on the look-out for mythical beasts as you travel the Karkaghne.