The Marble Creek trail is the little orphan of the Ozark Trail, laying half-way between the Taum Sauk and Wappapello sections, waiting to be connected. Private land blocks the path in both directions, so until easements or purchases are negotiated, the final route between the two is uncertain. While the trail is point-to-point from Marble Creek Campground to the Crane Lake trailhead, it features a loop around Crane Lake. The southern-half of the loop is considered more scenic, as it passes by the shut-ins below the dam and features great rock formations.

As of 07/14/2012, the condition is:
Open. Seasonal Growth.

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.

Trail Statistics Hiking Biking Equestrian Distance: 9 miles Difficulty: Moderate Camping: Campground: Marble Creek. Primitive camping is allowed in the Mark Twain forest (100' from trail) Total Ascent: 900' E-to-W; 700' W-to-E (refers to total gain of all climbs on trail) Topo Quads: Des Arc NE Restrictions: No camping at Crane Lake

Trailheads and Directions Marble Creek Trailhead From Fredericktown, MO... Head south on US-67 for 3 mi. Turn right on Hwy E and follow for 15.5 mi. Trailhead access, parking and campground are on the right. From Ironton, MO... Head south on MO-21 for 2 mi. Turn left on Hwy E and follow for 12.5 mi. Trailhead access, parking and campground are on the left. Crane Lake Trailhead From Fredericktown, MO... Head south on US-67 for 3 mi. Turn right on Hwy E and follow for 24.7 mi. Turn left on CR-131 / Crane Pond Rd. and follow for 7.5 mi. Trailhead access and parking is near the north end of the lake. From Ironton, MO... Head south on MO-21 for 2 mi. Turn left on Hwy E and follow for 3.4 mi. Turn right on CR-131 / Crane Pond Rd. and follow for 7.5 mi. Trailhead access and parking is near the north end of the lake.