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Trace Creek Section

Sometimes simple things are the best!  While this section may not feature stunning vistas, waterfalls, fens or glades, it's still a pleasant walk in the woods, and simply delightful after a spring rain.


For a larger image, click here (170KB file)

Overview

This section is located in Washington and Iron counties and lies southwest of Potosi.  The northern 18 miles of trail was constructed in 1968, with the last six miles added in 1983.  To the north it connects with the Courtois section, to the south the Taum Sauk section, and in-between a new section of the Karkaghne is being built.  It's open to foot, bike and equestrian traffic.  A spur trail can be found near the section's midpoint that leads to the 12-mile Council Bluff loop trail.

Description from the Ozark Trail Council Brochure

The trail's northern entry point is located at Hazel Creek Campground.  From that point, it proceeds south following a continually changing landscape that leads users through dense oak, hickory, and pine forests, into shaded hollows, and across windswept ridgetops.  It crosses several small tributaries and Hazel Creek, which is a major permanently flowing creek.  It also crosses several state highways including C, DD, and 32 before ending at Highway A.  trail users should exercise caution at these streams and highway crossings.

Directions

There are two official trailheads on this section.  You can also access the trail via a roadside pull-off on Highway DD as well as Council Bluff Lake (using a portion of the Council Bluff Trail and a connector to the OT).

  • Hazel Creek Trailhead- From the intersection of Highways 8 & Y (about 14-15 miles east of Steelville): go south on Y for 7-8 miles then make a left on CR 657. Go about five miles down this gravel road and make a right into Hazel Creek Campground.  There is a parking area a few hundred yards on the right.  You have to walk a 100' back up the road to find the trail.
  • Highway A Trailhead- From the intersection of Highways 21 & 32 (south of Potosi, between Caledonia & Belleview): go west on 32 about 7 miles to Highway A.  Go south on A about 5 miles to parking lot on right. 

Further Information

Take a detailed tour of this section here.  Warning:  some of the maps are big!
Danny's Missouri Backpacking & Hiking Trails Reviews


Trail Stats

Length: 24 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailheads: Hazel Creek Campground & Highway A  (both have limited parking)
Camping: Yes; 100' from trail
Campground: Hazel Creek
Total Ascent: 1027' N-to-S; 1081' S-to-N (refers to total gain of all climbs on trail)
Topo Quads: Courtois, Palmer & Johnson Mountain

    




Land Steward

US Forest Service - Potosi District
Highway 8 West
Potosi, MO 63664
(573) 468-5427
Current Contact: Paul Nazarenko