Trail Tips & Etiquette

Are you ready to hit the trail?  Before you go, here are a few reminders:

Trail Usage & Restrictions

The Ozark trail is a multi-use trail system, allowing hikers, bikers and equestrians on most sections. However , many sections do limit trail usage to certain user groups and no motorized vehicle traffic is allowed. Please be sure to check the printed OT flyers available from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources/ Ozark Trail Coordinator (1-800-334-6946).  We also list restrictions for each section in our online trail guide.

Trail Signs

The Ozark Trail travels over land owned by different organizations and government agencies and may be marked with different signs. There are three common markings that are widely used throughout the trail system: a silver diamond, a white and brown sign with a hiker symbol (used in state forests) and the most common is the white and green OT signs. You may encounter these signs posted at an angle, this marks a curve in the trail in the direction the sign is angled at.  Double-markers indicate a switchback.

Etiquette

• Keep groups small to limit your impact on the trail.

• Always pack out what you pack in.

• Travel on designated trails, do not cut switchbacks.

• Camp at least 100’ from the trail, water and scenic areas. Please leave your campsite so others won’t be able to tell that you had been there.

• Build a fire only if necessary, do not encircle fires with rocks and do not build fires on the edges of bluffs, on glades or in caves. Be sure to clear the area of combustible material and make sure you drown the fire out when finished with plenty of water before leaving the site.

• Bury all human waste at least 100 feet from the trail and any water. Dig a hole 6-8 inches deep, and cover, the top layer of soil is alive with biological decomposers, they will do the rest of the work.

• Hikers should yield to bikers and horses; bikers yield to horses.
   

Safety

The Ozark Trail traverses rugged adventurous lands, use caution when crossing streams and other natural trail obstacles. At times the stream crossings will be impassible due to high water. Hikers may also encounter poison ivy, chiggers and ticks. Wearing appropriate clothing and bug repellant may help with these. Missouri is home to 51 different snakes, most are harmless and all are protected by the Wildlife Code of Missouri. The best precaution is to avoid snake habitats such as rock piles, brush piles and sunny rock ledges. 

Trip Planning

Plan ahead, your outing actually begins before you ever lace up your boots or hop on the saddle.

Information: Gather information on the area you will be hiking, check out the internet and information and maps available from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the National Forest Service. Knowing where you are going and a bit of history of the area you will be traveling in makes for a more enjoyable trip. Be sure to check the weather forecast also, there are numerous river and creek crossings on the trail that are impassible during high water. Call ahead to the local land management group for trail conditions.

Food and Water: No matter how short of a hike you are planning it is always wise to take water and a snack. For longer outings plan your days menu before hitting the trail. Always take plenty of water, and treat any water you collect and use to cook with or drink along the trail. A good water purifier is an excellent addition for all hikers planning a long day hike or a multi day hike.

Comfort: It’s always beneficial to dress in layers. Today there are many technical fabrics designed to keep the active outdoors person dry and comfortable. A good underbase shirt design to keep moisture away from the skin is a good place to start. Then add appropriate layers for the season. Long pants are also recommended for protection from poison ivy, chiggers and ticks. It is always wise to take a rain jacket along, Missouri is known for its quickly changing weather. Keep your feet happy, an unwanted blister can make for a miserable day of hiking. Wear a pair of hiking shoes you know are comfortable, a common mistake is to wear that new pair of shoes for the first time out on the trail, resulting in painful blisters. It’s always a good idea to carry moleskin and a blister care kit, these items are available from the local drug store.

Essentials to take along: Food and Water, map and compass, rain jacket, extra clothing, first aid kit, matches, flashlight, shelter/tent, emergency blanket, whistle.