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 repellent 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.
Plan ahead, your outing actually begins before you ever lace up your boots or hop on the saddle. Tell someone where you will be going and when you expect to be back. For longer trips, consider leaving an itinerary that shows when you will be in each area. When you return from your trip, check in with that person so they know you are back safely. If you don't return on time, your contact will know to seek help.
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 trip you are
planning, it is always wise to take water and a snack. For longer
outings plan your 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, since an unwanted
blister can make for a miserable day of hiking. Wear a pair of hiking
shoes you know are comfortable. Don't make the common mistake of wearing
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.
Emergency Services - Ambulance |
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Air Evac Lifeteam, Farmington |
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Air Evac Lifeteam, Salem |
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Air Evac Lifeteam, West Plains |
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Arcadia Valley Ambulance Service |
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MO DHSS - Emergency Medical Services |
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Reynolds County Ambulance |
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Salem Memorial Ambulance |
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South Iron Ambulance Service |
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Washington County Ambulance |
Emergency Services - Fire |
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Arcadia Fire Department |
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Caledonia Fire Department |
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Centerville Fire Department |
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Ellington Fire Department |
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Ironton Fire Department |
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MO DFS - Fire Departments |
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Pilot Knob Fire Department |
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Potosi Fire Department |
Emergency Services - Medical |
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Iron County Hospital |
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MHA - MO hospitals |
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Reynolds County Memorial Hospital |
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Salem Memorial District Hospital |
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Washington County Memorial Hospital |
Emergency Services - Police |
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Annapolis Police |
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Arcadia Police |
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Ellington Police |
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Iron County Sheriff |
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Ironton Police |
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MO Police and Sheriff Departments |
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Pilot Knob Police |
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Reynolds County Sheriff |
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Washington County Sheriff |