Eleven Point Section

Great vistas and a visit to the cool Eleven Point make this a favorite section.

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Current Trail Conditions

Description from the Ozark Trail Council Brochure

The trail leaves the 3152 trailhead, winding along the side slopes to Hurricane Creek.  The crossing may be unsafe to use during high water periods.  The first 10 miles pass through very rugged slopes and flowages associated with the Eleven Point National Scenic River.  Several fine views of the Eleven Point valley are present.  From the Greer Recreation area, at mile 10, the trail parallels the Eleven Point River on its way to McCormack Lake.  There is a fine picture opportunity at the mouth of Greer Spring and an excellent bluff view of the river near mile 12.  A spur leads to McCormack Lake at mile 13.  Continuing west, the trail winds through the rugged Eleven Point terrain and offers two more contacts with the river.  Near mile 20, the trail passes next to Bockman Spring, which is part of the Spring Creek flowage.  All spring water should be treated before use. The westernmost 10 miles of the trail are in the Spring Creek flowage and offer occasional views of the creek and bottom fields.

Route Notes

Our map and GPS file are from the original US Forest Service route, which has had a few additions since its first publication.  This winter we will be using GPS receivers to create a new and accurate map of the trail.  Until then, a few notes:

• Hurricane Creek to Graveyard Hollow- The trail splits between these points.  There is the "high trail" and the "river trail."  The high trail is longer and more difficult, but has a great view at the top of the Hurricane Creek switchbacks.  The lower trail follows the river bottom and passes by Mary Deckard Shoals.  Both trails are officially part of the Ozark Trail.
• McCormack Greer Trail- This trail and the Ozark trail share the same route for 1.5 miles just west of Highway 19.  The McCormack Greer trail leaves the Greer Recreation Area parking lot, heads uphill, crosses 19 then follows a high route before connecting with the Ozark Trail.  1.5 miles later, the trail branches north to McCormack Lake, while the Ozark Trail continues west.  While some people may find this route more to their liking, the official OT trail runs through the Greek Recreation Area campground, then follows the river bottom before connecting to the McCormack Greer Trail (note: our map currently shows the wrong route, and will be updated soon).

Directions

There are four trailheads on this section. 

• FS 3152- From Winona, take Highway 19 south to FS 3152.  Go east about six miles to the trailhead. 
• Greer Recreation Area- From Winona, take Highway 19 south to the Eleven Point River.
• McCormack Lake- From Winona, go south on Highway 19 12-13 miles, then take a right into the McCormack Lake road.  The trail begins near the dam.
• FS 4155- From Thomasville, go north on Highway 99 about 3 miles to FS 3173.  Go east 1.5 miles, then north on FS 4155 for about a mile to the trailhead.

Further Information

Danny McMurphy's narrative