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Recreation Region: Ozark Trail

Ozark Trail - Between the Rivers Section

The Between the Rivers Section of the Ozark Trail provides the necessary connection between the Current and Eleven Point Rivers. In addition to traversing impressive stands of white oak, shortleaf pine, and scarlet oak, the trail offers pleasant views of the surrounding countryside. Look into the past when nearing Bristol Cemetery or explore the lichen covered boulder field at Devil's Run.

From Highway 60, the trail leads generally south for the first 13 miles winding through numerous small tributaries that feed the Current River, including Wildhorse Hollow, Chilton Creek, Devil's Run, and Big Barren Creek. From Big Barren Creek, the trail heads west along the north prong of Cedar Bluff Creek. The trail climbs gently out of Cedar Bluff Creek drainage and crosses a major ridge that divides the Current River watershed and the Eleven Point River watershed.

The last eight and one-half mile of trail proceed generally southwest following Gold Mine Hollow, the ridge above Kelly Hollow, and Fox Hollow before ending on Forest Service Road 3152 above Hurricane Creek.

Section Length: 29 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Going North: Current River Section

Going South: Eleven Point Section

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

266160

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

Camping

Dispersed camping is allowed along the trail. There are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates available.

Trail Conditions

For additional information on the Ozark Trail, including trail conditions and detailed maps, visit the Ozark Trail Association.

No fees at trailheads

None

  • Hiking, Biking and Horseback riding is permitted.
  • No motorized vehicles are permitted on any section of the Ozark Trail.
  • Camp at least 100 feet from the trail, treat all water used, bury human waste and pack out all trash

USDA Forest Service Logo

Address: #66 Confederate Ridge Road Doniphan, MO 63935
Phone: 573-996-2153
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

Trailhead/Starting Points

There are three trailheads on this section. 

Highway 60 - approximately 3.5 miles west of Van Buren. From that point, the trail leads southwest to Forest Service Road #3152 near Hurricane Creek in Oregon County. 

Trail head parking is provided at Hwy 60 and at Sinking Creek Lookout Tower approximately 1 mile west of Hwy J. Limited roadside parking is possible at the southern end of the trail on FS #3152.

Parking

Highway 160 Trailhead

This is a small circular parking area that can fit a couple trucks and trailers or about five cars.

Katy Trailhead

There is room for small horse trailers to pull in and unload and for some overnight parking at the trailhead.  

Sinking Creek Trailhead

Visitors usually are able to find parking easily at this trailhead.  

Directions

Between the Rivers section and parking area are on Highway 60 about a mile east of Highway C. Near Sinking Creek Lookout Tower (which is not available to the public) and Forest Service Road 3152.

Additional Information

Operated By

USDA Forest Service

Nearby Recreation Sites

Recreation Opportunities

Horseback Riding Info

Corrals

None

Loading Ramp

None

Hitching Rails

None

Recreation Groups

A group of people hiking
The Ozark Trail is 230-miles between Onondaga Cave State Park and the western edge of the Mark Twain National Forest. The trail is multi-use for hiking/backpacking, biking and equestrians in 13 sections, all of which are on the Mark Twain National Forest.

Last updated July 21st, 2025