Ozark Trail - North Fork Section
Thirteen miles of maintained trails wind along ridgetops and hollows among mixed oak hardwoods and southern pine.
Starting at the Highway P Trailhead hikers will travel for several miles to the Highway AP Trailhead. Shortly after the Highway AP Trailhead you can get on the Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail.
Continuing down the North Fork Section, travelers can branch off onto the Hammonds Mill Trail, which connects back to North Fork in two locations, one north of Highway CC Trailhead and the other south of McGarr Ridge Trailhead.
Between McGarr Ridge Trailhead and Collins Ridge Trailhead travelers can also loop around the Devils Backbone Wilderness trail.
Trail Section Details
- 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)
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.
Visit Visitor Maps and Guides for information on available Forest Visitor Maps, Topographic Maps, and Mobile App/Interactive Maps.
No trailheads for this section of the Ozark Trail have fees.
Drinking water is not available along the Ozark Trail, open water sources within the wilderness are not recommended for drinking. Bring your own drinking water or be prepared to boil or treat water chemically.
The Blue Spring Trailhead at North Fork Recreation Area for the Devils Backbone Wilderness and Blue Spring Trail has water. No trailheads for the Ozark Trail - North River Section or Ridge Runner Trail have potable water.
Along the Trail
- 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, and water sources.
- Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered.
- Pack out all of your garbage.
- Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, please ensure they are under control.
- Leashing is encouraged. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to other pets, the natural resources of the area, wildlife, and other forest visitors.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
- Stock: never tie stock directly to trees.
- Limit your party size to 10 persons
- Practice Leave No Trace outdoor ethics;
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.
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
Parking
There are several trailheads to access this section.
Ozark Trail Trailheads - provides direct access
- Highway P (Pomona) Trailhead (FS)
- Highway AP(Blue Hole) Trailhead (FS)
- Highway CC Trailhead (NonFS)
Ridge Runner Trail Trailheads - does not provide direct access
- Noblett Lake
Devils Backbone Wilderness Area Trail Trailheads - does not provide direct access
- McGarr Ridge
- Collins Ridge
Directions
From Pomona
Highway P/Pomona Trailhead
The Pomona Trail Trailhead is located 1 mile west of Pomona, MO on the south side of P Highway.
Highway AP/Blue Hole Trailhead
The Blue Hole Trailhead is located 9 miles west of Pomona, Mo on P Highway, then turn left on AP Highway, go approximately 3 miles and the trailhead will be on the right side of road.
Additional Information
Operated By
USDA Forest Service
Nearby Recreation Sites
- Blue Hole Trailhead
- Collins Ridge Trailhead
- Devils Backbone Wilderness
- McGarr Ridge Trailhead
- Ozark Trail: Highway P Trailhead
- Pomona Trailhead
Recreation Opportunities
Recreation Groups
Visit the land where a steep, narrow, ridge drops away, plunging into deep hollows. Welcome to Devils Backbone Wilderness Area.
