Overall this section is in nice shape. There may be a tree down here and there and some seasonal growth.

The new trail east of Bass' River Resort is now open. You still have a 1 mile of road to walk from the entrance to Bass', but after you cross the the low-water bridge stay to the right side of the road and look for the trail entrance, also on the right.

The Berryman portion of the trail was showing its age (70+ years!) and improvements and a renovation project have been completed. The sourthern, middle, northern, and Brazil Creek reroutes were completed last year and getting some good use.  The east side of Berryman has also had recent maintenance and is mostly clear except for a few trees here and there.

Courtois Creek in the Huzzah Conservation Area can be subject to flooding. Consider calling Bass' River Resort, 800-392-3700 or Ozark Outdoors, 800-888-0023 for a river update. Portions of the trail in bottomlands or open areas can be weedy in the summer, especially near Harmon Spring.

The northern Trace Creek section of trail (north of 32) is in very good shape for a hike/ride. You can extend your hike or bike ride by connecting into the Council Bluff Loop at Telleck Branch.

South of Highway 32 to A -  A recent collapse of the hillside north of Hwy A and Ottery Creek has been cleared by the USFS, but will still require some long term work. This section is mostly tree free, and in pretty good shape. All the signage has been replaced and there are just a few root balls and holes to look out for. Expect some seasonal growth and a few trees down, but this section has some very dedicated adopters, so it should not be a problem.

There is a little illegal ATV activity in the Hazel Creek area, so watch for the OT signs.

Watch out for some recent forest fire damage between CR-72 and CR73 east of Bixby, but otherwise this section is in great shape. Mostly tree-free and seasonal growth, especially in areas that have been clear cut or had timber stand improvement a few years ago. This should be an excellent destination and you can extend your trip up through the Trace Creek section, over to Council Bluff Lake, or south to Brushy Creek Lodge.

South of Barton Fen to J - While the trail has been cleared of hundreds of downed trees and OT markers replaced, due to major wind damage in 2009, this section of trail still has some deep holes in the tread left from the root balls of trees that blew over. Mountain bikes and horses on this section should use some caution.

Use caution after periods of rain as the creek crossings can be hazardous. South of Strother's Creek there is a short section that can get very muddy.

Expect a tree down here and there. Storm damage repairs have been completed from the Sutton Bluff area through Hwy TT. There are still some large holes and erosion issues in a few places, especially south of Bee Fork. Hikers will be able to get through, but mountain bikes and horses on this section should use caution. You can by-pass this area using a road route: 1)CR-849 to CR-854 to CR-853 (left at the bottom of the hill), which puts you back on the trail right before Bee Fork (MILE 99) or 2)CR-849 to CR-854 to CR-862,which puts you back on the trail near MILE 105.5.

Expect some seasonal growth in low lands and near the creeks, but otherwise in good shape. Make sure to double check your map along roads and road crossings, as sometimes the OT markers disappear without notice.

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

The refuge area (fenced area) at Peck Ranch is closed until July 1, 2013 due to MDC’s elk-restoration program. Expect season closures around deer season.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Ozark National Scenic Riverways conducted prescribed burns earlier this year. The entire Stegall Mountain area was affected, including miles 148 to 153.5 of the Ozark Trail. Make sure you have a map and compass or gps through this area if you are not familiar with the OT through this section.

You will find a tree down here and there, but overall this section is in ok shape.  A prescribed burn was conducted that affects miles 143.5 through 145.5, approximately 4 miles south of Powder Mill. Make sure you have a good map and compass or GPS in this area, but it's pretty easy to follow.

Otherwise recent maintenance and sawing have left this section in pretty good shape.

There will be seasonal growth in the bottomland areas of the trail, but the corridor should be generally free of downfall. If you enjoy hiking/backpacking in the summer, this is a good destination. It has a lot of good swimming holes to cool down from the heat. Just remember that you'll encounter an occasional weedy patch with all the rain this area has received.

This section is in pretty good shape. Controlled burns have made some places hard to follow, so make sure you have a good map or GPS.

There is normally occurring deadfall on this section and seasonal growth. Adopt-A-Trail activity is high in select areas, but some of the bottomlands can quickly become overgrown. The Current River and Eleven Point sections may be better destinations if you enjoy summer trips on the Ozark Trail.

This section is in great shape, but expect some seasonal growth.

The trail from Hurricane Creek west to Greer Recreation Area along the "lower route" has heavy stinging nettle growth in the summer, so be prepared. This can be a beautiful area to travel in the summer, but summer growth combined with heat, humidity and insects can detract from its beauty. There are some tread issues on the lower route just east of Greer Recreation Area plus some erosion issues near Bockman Spring.

This trail can be a great adventure in the summer with swimming and fishing opportunities along the Eleven Point River, but it's not a "walk in the park."

Our dedicated adopters keep this section in great shape, but expect some seasonal growth. There is a lot of local maintenance and sawyer work performed on this section of trail. Bottomlands can get weedy in summer between maintenance outings.

The Russell Mtn Trailhead has moved a little farther up the road to the High Pointer Trailhead. The reroute has been completed.

Hwy 21 to Taum Sauk to JSI should be mostly clear, with a tree down hear and there. There is a recent burn area near Devil's Tollgate, but seasonal growth will likely hide this very quickly. Hwy A to Johnson's Shut-Ins Scour Area is reported as all clear. Otherwise expect early seasonal growth in the storm damaged and bottomland areas of the trail, but the corridor should be generally free of downfall.

Make sure you have a good map and compass or GPS if you are planning a through-hike on this section.  It is generally clear near Marble Creek Campground and around the Crane Lake loop, but has a lot of seaonal growth and some downed trees otherwise. There are still some large root balls from previous storms, so be careful and keep a look out for them.

Portions that were subject to logging may be difficult to follow at times. If you are unfamiliar with the trail, you should bring a topo map and compass or GPS.

Tornado damage between Hwy A and FR3551 has been cleared.

The rest of the trail, including the VHT was sawed, cleared, and signed last spring and is in good shape. 

Expect a tree down here and there, and some left over seasonal growth from last year.

From Sam A Baker to #53 parking area the trail is well used and easy to follow. 

Tornado damage from 5/25/2011 storms south of #53 parking area. The trail is NOT PASSABLE from 1 mi south of #53 parking to 3/4 mi north of #56 parking.  There are also some trees down between #56 and #60, but you can get through.

The loop between Hwy 67 and Hwy F was just sawed and cleared. Also reported clear from Hwy 67 north to Hwy FF.

Trees have been reported down 1/4 mile south of the loop and Hwy F parking.

Hwy O to 172 has also been reported mostly clear.

Send us a report if you have been out enjoying this great weather.

Popular with equestrians, Sam A Baker to Hwy 34 and the loop see the most activity. Seasonal growth can be expected. Some parts subject to flooding. If you have been on this section recently send us a report.