F Highway Trailhead (OT)
The F Highway trailhead on the Poplar Bluff Ranger District provides access to the Wappapello Lake Section of the Ozark Trail. It is also the northernmost OT trailhead on the Poplar Bluff Ranger District of Mark Twain National Forest.
More than half of the 35-mile long Wappapello Lake Section of the Ozark Trail is managed by the Mark Twain National Forest – the rest 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.
General Information
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.
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.
6 a.m. to 10 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.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Keep your dog in your tent at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Trail Use
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.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
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: 37.057127
Longitude: -90.46590343
Directions
From Poplar Bluff, Mo.:
Head out of town north on Highway 67 for about 23 miles then turn right onto F Highway (in Wayne County). Continue on F Highway for about 3 miles and the trailhead will be on the right side of the road.
From Greenville, Mo:
Head south from town on Highway 67 for about seven miles then turn left on F Highway. Continue on F Highway for about 3 miles and the trailhead will be on the right side of the road.
Parking
This trailhead has a large parking area and can fit multiple vehicles, including trucks with trailers.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recreation Groups
