Ozark Trail - Middle Fork Section
The Middle Fork Section crosses many brooks and streams in the upper basin of the Middle Fork of the Black River: Neals Creek, Strother Creek, Henderson Creek, Little Creek, Brooks Creek, as well as the headwaters of the Middle Fork.
The trail passes near Barton fen, seeps, and small springs and through oak and hickory hardwoods, short-leaf pine stands, and small savannahs.
The first section constructed by the Ozark Trail Association, it is also known as the John Roth Memorial Section, in memory of Ozark Trail Associations dedicated founder. Be sure to stop and read the signs that honor him.
This 25-mile long section connects to the Trace Creek Section on the north (but easiest access is the Highway DD trailhead) and runs southwest to Highway J and the Karkaghne Section. It is part of the over 200 mile continuous through-trail. Use caution after periods of rain as the creek crossings can be hazardous.
Section Length: 24 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Going North: Trace Creek Section
Going South: Karkaghne 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.
- 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: 10019 W. State Hwy. 8 Potosi, MO 63664
Phone: 573-438-5427
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
Directions
Highway DD Trailhead- This is just south of the Council Bluff Recreational Area, on the east side of Highway DD just north of Highway 32. From Potosi, MO, go south 13 miles on Hwy P. Turn right on Hwy C, go 1/4 mile; turn left on Hwy DD. It's about 10 miles to the trailhead. From Highway 32 & 21, take Highway 32 west for about 15 miles, then go north on Highway DD for 100-200 yards to the trailhead.
Highway J Trailhead- From Bixby, MO, drive west on Highway 32 for 2.25 miles; turn left and travel south on Highway KK for 7-8 miles to Highway J. Turn left, traveling east on Highway J about 3 3/4 miles to the trailhead access (about 3/4 of a mile past County Road 836 at Oates). Turn south on the gravel road at the "Ozark Trail Parking" sign, continue to a small bend in the gravel road, then pull straight ahead next to the red gate. This is a small 2-3 vehicle parking area on a private-property easement, please don't block the gate.
Barton Fen (unofficial)- From Highway 32 at Bixby, take County Road 79 (across from Bixby store) south to CR-78 and make a right. There is parking on the right side of the road just before the low-water bridge. The trail can be found about 100' on the other side of the low-water bridge.
Additional Information
Operated By
USDA Forest Service
Recreation Opportunities
Recreation Groups
