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Introduction
The newest section of the Ozark Trail was completed in November of 2005. It connects with the Trace Creek section just northeast of Highway 32 and runs about 24 miles to the Karkaghne section at Highway J. |
This trail crosses many brooks and streams in the upper basin of the Middle Fork of the Black River: Neals Creek, Strother Creek, Henderson Creek, Little Creek, Brooks Creek, as well as the headwaters of the Middle Fork. The trail passes near fens, seeps, and small springs-- you won't run out of water here! In between the many water crossings the trail travels over and around the many fingered ridges found in this area of the Ozarks. You'll pass through oak and hickory hardwoods, short-leaf pine stands, and small savannahs. The northern trailhead is at Highway DD. A 200' gravel path connects to the main trail. The Middle Fork section continues 1.5 miles north before connecting with the Trace Creek section. If you're just planning a trip on the Middle Fork, you'll go south from the DD trailhead to the Highway J trailhead, a distance of about 23 miles.
Southeast of Bixby, Missouri on County Road 79 is a sensitive wetland known as Barton Fen. The endangered Hines Emerald dragonfly breeds and lives in Barton Fen, and special care was taken when building the trail through this area to insure our trail users don't pose any habitat threats.
A foot-only trail has been built on the southwest side of the fen. Bicycle and equestrian traffic bypass the fen area by taking County Road 79 for about a mile. Be sure to follow the marked signs to insure you're taking the correct route through this area.
As of 11/07/2011, the condition is:
Open for Hiking. Caution for Bikes and Horses.
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, due to major wind damage in 2009, this section of trail still has many deep holes in the tread left from the root balls of trees that blew over, and Ozark Trail markers have not been completely repaired yet. Mountain bikes and horses on this section should use 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.
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Trail Statistics
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Trailheads and Directions
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Maps
Middle Fork
TT Miles 63 to 74
Middle Fork
TT Miles 74 to 85
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Photos
Summer Flowers along the trail
Butterfly weed along the trail
Brook along the Middle Fork
Pool and riffles near Henderson Creek
Summer flowers along the trail
Barton Fen in summer
Neals Creek
Pleasant summertime trail
Dusting of snow on the Middle Fork
Wolfpen Hollow falls
Biking on the Middle Fork
Horse/bike bypass near Barton Fen
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Contacts
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