With 350 miles of
trail and trees dropping at random times, we can't always have the
best info on downfall, so if you encountered any problems
on your trip, please drop us a line.
General trail conditions summarized below (last updated April 2007):
| Section Name |
Notes |
| Courtois |
Generally good. There may be some flood debris along the Courtois Creek in the Huzzah Conservation Area. The Berryman portion of the trail is showing its age (70+ years!) and is the subject of a renovation project. NOTE: if you decide to travel the gravel road between "The Narrows" and the Berryman Trail, make sure you take the correct turns! Going west-to-east make the FIRST right past the low-water bridge or you're end for a long walk to nowhere. |
| Trace Creek |
This section is in pretty good shape. There is a little illegal ATV activity around Hazel Creek, so watch for the OT signs. There may be a few trees down here and there. If you have a downfall update, please contact our Saw Boss, Matt Atnip. |
| Taum Sauk |
Due to a reservoir collapse in December 2005,
Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is closed and may remain closed through 2008. You can
hike from Highway 21 to Devil's Tollgate, but then you need to turn back. The western portion of the trail is open from Highway N to Highway A and is in excellent shape. Since there is no trailhead at Highway N you will need to have someone drop you off, or better yet, use the OTA shuttle service. |
| Marble Creek |
The trail around Crane Lake is in generally good shape as it was sawed and signed in March. We do not have current status for the trail from the shut-ins to Marble Creek Campground. Please send us a report if you have more information. |
| Wappapello |
Generally good shape north of 172, and not-so-good from 172 south to Hendrickson (where the southern trailhead seems to have disappeared). With spring flooding and spring/summer grass growth, you might want to check with the Lake Wappapello Corps of Engineers office before heading out. |
| Victory |
Spotty. Portions of the trail are
well-traveled and clear, while others need deadfall removal,
lopping, and signage. The Eleven Point District of the US Forest
Service is working on this. |
| Middle Fork |
Good. There has been a lot of maintenance on this section this year. There is spot south of Strother Creek that needs rerouting or rock armoring as it goes through a very mucky area. Open spots on this trail get grassy/weedy in the heart of summer. |
| Karkaghne |
Generally pretty good... we've had a lot of adopters on this section. There was some reported deadfall on the Between Sutton Bluff and Highway J, but April crews are scheduled to clear this. Recent floods have changed the channel at the Bee Fork crossing, so keep an eye out here (we'll change signage and move the trail as necessary once spring is over). NOTE: The southern
portion of Karkaghne has lots of illegal ATV traffic.
Please report any violations to the Salem District of the US
Forest Service (see "Contact" Page) |
| Blair Creek |
March maintenance has this section looking pretty darn good. Spring hiking should be great. The open field areas get tremendous growth in the summer, and volunteers try to mow as they can. Check the forum trail conditions if traveling in summer for any overgrowth updates. |
| Current River |
Lots and lots of maintenance on this entire section this winter and spring, so you should have a great trip. Any new spring flooding may bring new debris. Watch for signs along Indian Creek as it has frequent washouts and the crossing can be confusing (take a good map and keep a sharp eye out for signs). The footbridges along the northern two miles of the section were washed away in March floods. |
| Between the Rivers |
Pretty good shape, although there are a few areas that could use some tread work. This section doesn't get a lot of traffic and can get a little weedy in summer. |
| Eleven Point |
Huge flooding in March has washed logs, debris, sand and gravel onto the trail in almost all low areas and especially around Greer Recreation Area and Hurricane Creek. We have an early May outing to clear this section (volunteer here). A good deal of adopt-a-trail work has been done on the section, so once the flooding mess has been cleared this portion of the trail should be fine. The area west of Bockman Spring has some erosion issues but is quite passable. |
| North Fork |
NEWLY OPENED and in good shape. A complete report will be posted soon. |
