Horton Trailhead
This small trailhead is one of five trailheads for the Ridge Runner Trail.
Located off of County Road 4820, if visitors head north they will encounter one of the six-mile loops and Noblett Lake Recreation Area.
Heading south will take you along the 21-mile straight stretch of trail and to the Highway AP (Blue Hole) Trailhead. At this juncture the trail runs conjointly with the North Fork section of the Ozark Trail for over 7 miles.
Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail Details
Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail is a 33-mile long trail, with two six-mile loops at either end and a 21-mile section between them. The landscape varies from gently rolling to very steep terrain with rock outcrops and bluffs. There are a few creek crossings along the trail, no crossings have bridges so you may get your feet wet.
- Rating Moderate
- Length 33-miles
- Best Seasons Spring and Fall
- Surface Type unsurfaced, native material
- Average Trail Grade 8-20%
- Trail Markers there is limited trail marking
Ozark Trail - North Fork Section Details
For over 7 miles, from the Highway AP Trailhead (Blue Hole Trailhead) to CC Wrangler Trailhead, the trail is both Ozark Trail and Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail.
- Section Length: 27 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trail Surface: Unsurfaced, native material
- Average Trail Grade: 10-12%
- Best Seasons: Spring, Fall
- Going North/East: Eleven Point Section (not connected)
Miles from Trailhead to Trailhead
- Noblett Lake to Horton - 3.3 miles
- Horton to Blue Hole - 5 miles
General Information
Campground Camping
Trailer and tent camping at North Fork Recreation Area. All sites are first come, first served.
Dispersed Camping
- Hay Hollow Trailhead
- CC Wrangler Trailhead
- Noblett Lake Trailhead
- Noblett Trailhead
There is dispersed camping along the trail, please make camp at least 100 feet off of the trail. Dispersed camping is allowed at the old campground loop on the hill across from the Noblett Trailhead. There is also dispersed camping at CC Wrangler Camp.
Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. There are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates.
Safety:
- No drinking water is available at parking areas or along the trail; bring what you will need, or be prepared to sterilize water you find.
- During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures.
- Be aware of hunting seasons.
The Ozark climate is mild enough to make visits feasible throughout the year, as long as visitors bring proper gear. When possible, take advantage of this opportunity and plan your visit outside the peak spring and fall use seasons.
For more safety tips visit the Safety section of the website.
Available Maps:
Visit Visitor Maps and Guides for information on available Forest Visitor Maps, Topographic Maps, and Mobile App/Interactive Maps.
January - December
Day Use Hours:
- 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
On the Trail
- Foot traffic, horse use and mountain bicycle use only.
- No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail or past designated parking areas.
- Camping is allowed along the trail.
- Camp 100 feet away from trails, other camps, bluffs, caves, and water sources.
- Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered.
- Pack out all of your garbage, including cans, bottles, and other non-burnable items.
- Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, please ensure they are under control.
- Leashing is encouraged.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers, horses, or bikers.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
Trailheads
- 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; please pack out all your trash.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail
- No permits are required for the Ridge Runner Trail.
Trail Use
Dogs are allowed on hiking trails. Please leash your dog, 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 and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
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.
- Do not leave your dog in the vehicle on a hot day.
- Keep your dog in your tent or vehicle at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Wildlife
- Do not allow them to interact with wildlife
Address: 1006 S. Jefferson Ava, MO 65608
Phone: 417-683-4428
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: 36.869697
Longitude: -92.085524
Directions
From Pomona
- On State Route P go 7.7 miles
- When State Route P becomes County Road 4820, continue onto County Road 4820 for 2 miles
- Turn left onto County Road 5120 and drive 400 feet to the trailhead.
Parking
Parking at this trailhead can fit about four cars.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Drinking water is not available along the Ridge Runner Trail, Ozark Trail, or in Devils Backbone Wilderness.
- Open water sources along the trail/within the wilderness are not recommended for drinking.
- Bring your own drinking water or be prepared to boil or treat water chemically.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Horses
- may not be tied directly to trees.
- No horses allowed in the day use areas at Noblett and North Fork or on the children’s trail portion near Blue Springs.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Day Hikes Info
Noblett Lake Recreation Area
The loop trail around Noblett Lake on the north end of the Ridge Runner is especially good for day hiking.
Ridge Runner Trail
The Ridge Runner Trail, a National Recreation Trail, consists of a 6 mile loop at Noblett Lake, a 6 mile loop near the North Fork Recreation Area, and a 21 mile long segment in between that extends from Noblett Lake in the north to the North Fork Recreation Area in the south.
Backpacking Info
Noblett Lake Recreation Area
The loop trail around Noblett Lake on the north end of the Ridge Runner is especially good for day hiking.
Ridge Runner Trail
The Ridge Runner Trail, a National Recreation Trail, consists of a 6 mile loop at Noblett Lake, a 6 mile loop near the North Fork Recreation Area, and a 21 mile long segment in between that extends from Noblett Lake in the north to the North Fork Recreation Area in the south.
Horseback Riding Info
Noblett Lake Recreation Area
The loop trail around Noblett Lake on the north end of the Ridge Runner is especially good for day hiking.
Ridge Runner Trail
The Ridge Runner Trail, a National Recreation Trail, consists of a 6 mile loop at Noblett Lake, a 6 mile loop near the North Fork Recreation Area, and a 21 mile long segment in between that extends from Noblett Lake in the north to the North Fork Recreation Area in the south.
Biking - Mountain Info
This trail provides a variety of scenic and challenging opportunities for mountain biking. Riders may choose from a 6-mile loop trail on either end, or one or more of the point-to-point segments along the middle of the trail, or may wish to ride the full trail of over 30 miles.
Yield to hikers and horse riders. Announce your presence with a friendly greeting. Please use a helmet and gloves. Ride at a safe and controlled speed.
Recreation Groups
Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail is a 33-mile long trail, with two six-mile loops at either end and a 21-mile section between them.