Ozark Trail: Highway 172 Trailhead
The Highway 172 trailhead provides access to the middle of the Wappapello Lake section of the Ozark Trail (OT). The trailhead offers substantial parking for multiple vehicles, including trucks with trailers.
More than half of the 35-mile long Wappapello Lake Section of the Ozark Trail is managed by the Mark Twain National Forest – the balance of it is managed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, State Parks and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Wappapello Lake was created in 1938 with the construction of a rolled earth fill dam to control flooding of the St. Francois River. The trail’s proximity to water lends itself to an abundance of waterfowl. A hike of any desired length is feasible on this section due to numerous trail access points, and connector trails.
There is also a 10 mile loop trail (the 172 Loop Trail) from this trailhead. From the 172 Loop Trail, hikers can connect to the Wappapello State Park (managed by Missouri Department of Natural Resources).
General Information
Dispersed Camping
Lake Wappapello State Park Campground and Sam A. Baker State Park Campground are located near the trail, and offer camping, cabins, showers, toilets, and water during the warm months. You may camp 100 feet out from the trail on USFS lands, or north of Hwy 67 on COE lands.
Camping is not permitted on US Army Corps of Engineers property except north of Highway 67.
You can dispersed camp along the Ozark Trail.
Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!
- Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles
- Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources.
- Treat any water found in the area before consuming it.
- Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered.
- Pack out all of your garbage.
January - December
Day use only: open 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
On the Trail
- No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail or past designated parking areas.
At the Trailhead
- No overnight camping in day use areas at any time of year.
- Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the day use area
- No trash containers in the parking lot; please pack out all your trash.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
No fees are required for this site
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.
- Leashes must be six feet, or shorter, when in developed recreation sites, including trails within the boundaries (36 CFR 261.16(j)) when they are not inside an enclosed vehicle or tent.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers, bicyclists and horses.
- Be sure to give your pup water breaks to keep them hydrated.
- Store their food in bear-resistant food containers.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
- Bring enough food and water for your canine companion.
Address: 1420 Maud St. Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Phone: 573-785-1475
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; District Offices closed 1 - 1:30 for lunch (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 36.940013
Longitude: -90.43776732
Directions
from Poplar Bluff: Leave town on Highway 67 going north for approximately 15 miles then turn right onto Highway 172. Continue on 172 for about 2 miles and the trailhead will be on the left.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Horseback Riding Info
The Wappapello Lake Section crosses multiple federal and state lands as well as private land, and is primarily oak/pine forest. There are links to more than 100 miles of trail open to hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use, including the F Highway Spur and the Highway 172 loop on the Mark Twain National Forest.
A connector trail permits access to Lake Wappapello State Park, where there are several trail loops offering a variety of routes to match your experience. Many portions of the trail are prone to flooding, making trail use during wet periods undesirable.
There is a gap between this section and the Victory Section – you must ride the road if you wish to continue on the trail.
Biking - Mountain Info
The Wappapello Lake Section crosses multiple federal and state lands as well as private land, and is primarily oak/pine forest. There are links to more than 100 miles of trail open to hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use, including the F Highway Spur and the Highway 172 loop on the Mark Twain National Forest.
A connector trail permits access to Lake Wappapello State Park, where there are several trail loops offering a variety of routes to match your experience. Many portions of the trail are prone to flooding, making trail use during wet periods undesirable.
There is a gap between this section and the Victory Section – you must ride the road if you wish to continue on the trail.
Backpacking Info
The Wappapello Lake Section crosses multiple federal and state lands as well as private land, and is primarily oak/pine forest. There are links to more than 100 miles of trail open to hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use, including the F Highway Spur and the Highway 172 loop on the Mark Twain National Forest.
A connector trail permits access to Lake Wappapello State Park, where there are several trail loops offering a variety of routes to match your experience. Many portions of the trail are prone to flooding, making trail use during wet periods undesirable.
There is a gap between this section and the Victory Section – you must ride the road if you wish to continue on the trail.
Day Hikes Info
The Wappapello Lake Section crosses multiple federal and state lands as well as private land, and is primarily oak/pine forest. There are links to more than 100 miles of trail open to hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use, including the F Highway Spur and the Highway 172 loop on the Mark Twain National Forest.
A connector trail permits access to Lake Wappapello State Park, where there are several trail loops offering a variety of routes to match your experience. Many portions of the trail are prone to flooding, making trail use during wet periods undesirable.
There is a gap between this section and the Victory Section – you must ride the road if you wish to continue on the trail.
Recreation Groups
