Ozark Trail - Victory Section
Named after the one-room schoolhouse that formerly stood near the trailhead, this isolated section of the Ozark Trail is separated from the Wappapello Lake Section’s southern terminus by the Black River and three miles of rugged terrain.
The trail follows through heavy oak forests, with small meadows and streams providing variety in the landscape. The primary trailhead for this section of Ozark Trail is at this location.
The Victory Section of the Ozark Trail is a 19.4-mile point-to-point with a six-mile loop on its eastern end called the Victory Horse Trail. It is located in Wayne, Butler, and Carter Counties, near the communities of Ellsinore and Hendrickson. Access to the adjoining Victory Horse Trail is located near the Wrangler Trailhead.
Section Length: 19 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Going East: Wappapello Section
Going West: Between the Rivers Section
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
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.
Water for horses is available near all trailheads except Wrangler.
- 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
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
Trailhead/Starting Points
Four trailheads offer access to the western section of the completed trail: Wrangler to the east, Upalika Pond near the center, Brush Arbor also in the middle of the section, and Brushy Creek, on the northwest end of this trail section.
Parking
The Victory trailhead has a very large parking area that can accommodate trucks with trailers and cars.
Trailheads (north to south)
- Brushy Creek Trailhead
- Brush Arbor Trailhead
- Upalika Pond Trailhead
- Wrangler Trailhead
- Victory School House Trailhead
Directions
From Poplar Bluff, MO: Take Highway 67 north from town for six miles. Take Highway 60 exit West and continue for about 2 miles, then make a right turn on Butler County Rd. 410. Stay on 410 for about a mile then take a right turn onto Forest Road 3117 and trailhead will be on your right.
Additional Information
Operated By
USDA Forest Service
Nearby Recreation Sites
- Ozark Trail: Brush Arbor Trailhead
- Ozark Trail: Brushy Creek Trailhead
- Ozark Trail: Upalika Trailhead
- Ozark Trail: Wrangler Trailhead
Recreation Opportunities
Recreation Groups
