The Ozark Trail - Blair Creek Section

Blair Creek Section

Introduction

This was one of the first new trail sections of the OT. It passes through the Roger Pryor Backcountry on its way to the Current River at Owls Bend.

Overview

The northern six mile of trail follow a major ridge line that divides Big Creek and Blair Creek. It then leaves the ridge and enters the watershed of Blair Creek. The trail follows Blair Creek southward as the creek carves a long, deepening valley in its descent to the Current River. Old home sites, springs, and reverting fields clad with wildflowers dot Blair Creek Valley. The trail slowly makes its way to the bluffs high above the Current River and to the most outstanding views of the river along the entire trail.

Current Trail Conditions

As of 11/07/2011, the condition is:
Open / A Few Trees Down / Seasonal Growth.

A few trees down here and there. Seasonal growth has really kicked in the CR-235 Trailhead area. Reports have said the trail is starting to grow in, so make sure you have a good map or compass or GPS until we can get out for maintenance.

Please send us a report if you know of any other issues. Keep a look out for trail signs.

Trail Statistics

Hiking

Distance:	26 miles
Difficulty:	Moderate
Camping:	Campground: Powder Mill at Owls Bend. Primitive camping is allowed in the Mark Twain forest (100' from trail)
Total Ascent:	1900' N-to-S; 2600' S-to-N (refers to total gain of all climbs on trail)
Topo Quads:	Bunker, Midridge, Powder Mill Ferry
Restrictions:	Northern 9 miles: Multi-use to USFS boundary. South of Midridge: Foot traffic only through Roger Pryor Backcountry

Trailheads and Directions

Highway 72 / P Trailhead

From Bixby, MO...
Head west on MO-32 for 2.4 mi.
Turn lest at MO-KK and follow for 15.0 mi.
Continue on MO-TT when road forks and follow for 3.7 mi.
Turn right at MO-72 and follow for 2.9 mi.
Turn left at MO-P the trailhead is 160 feet from MO-72 and MO-P intersection

From Caledonia, MO...
Head south on MO-21 for 4.1 mi.
Turn right at MO-32 and follow for 27.3 mi.
Turn left at MO-KK and follow for 15.0 mi.
Continue onto MO-TT and follow for 3.7 mi.
Turn right at MO-72 and follow for 2.9 mi
Turn left at MO-P, trailhead is 160 ft from MO-72 and MO-P intersection.

From Lesterville, MO...
Head west on MO-21 for 11.7 miles
Turn right at MO-72 and continue for 13.4 mi.
Turn left at MO-P the trailhead is 160 feet from MO-72 and MO-P intersection.

From Ironton, MO...
Head southeast on MO-21 for 10.8 mi.
Slight right at MO-21, continue to follow MO-21 for 21.2 mi
Turn right at MO-72 and follow for 13.4 mi.
Turn left at MO-P the trailhead is 160 feet from MO-72 and MO-P intersection.

Powder Mill Trailhead

From Ellingon, MO...
From the intersection of MO-21 and MO-106, Head west on MO-106 for 13.6 mi. If you cross the Current River bridge, you went too far.
Turn left into Powder Mill Recreation Area and Campground, and then right to parking by the Research Center.

From Eminence, MO...
From the intersection of MO-21 and MO-19, Head east on MO-106 for 13.4 mi.
Shortly after the Current River bridge, turn right into Powder Mill Recreation Area and Campground, and then right to parking by the Research Center.

Maps

Blair Creek
TT Miles 116 to 121