Are dogs allowed on Ozark Highlands Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Ozark Highlands Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Ozark Highlands Trail?

No, Ozark Highlands Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Ozark Highlands Trail?

Ozark Highlands Trail is rated difficult. It is 270.0 miles long with 33,599 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Ozark Highlands Trail?

Ozark Highlands Trail is best hiked in spring, fall, and winter. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

Is Ozark Highlands Trail suitable for kids?

Yes, Ozark Highlands Trail is considered kid-friendly. As always with children, bring water and snacks, pace yourself, and watch for weather changes and wildlife.

National Recreation TrailOHT

Ozark Highlands Trail

The Ozark Highlands Trail is a long-distance hiking route through the remote Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas, traversing the Ozark National Forest and wilderness areas such as Hurricane Creek. Wh...

Route only

Route markers3
Water & camping18

Length: 270 mi
Thru-hike: —
Elev. gain: —
States: 1

About the route

Termini

Terminus A

Lake Fort Smith State Park (western terminus)

35.7228, -93.5081

Terminus B

Woolum Ford, Buffalo National River (eastern terminus)

35.9719, -92.8862

Verified waypoints

21 total · filter on the map above

Categories you've hidden on the map are collapsed here too.

Route markers3

Buffalo National River · Trailhead
Park visitor area on or near the route.
park:mapmate_legacy
Lake Fort Smith State Park (Western Terminus) · Trailhead
Western terminus at Lake Fort Smith State Park, AR.
Source ↗adventures_seed
Woolum Ford (Eastern Terminus) · Trailhead
Eastern terminus at Woolum Ford on the Buffalo National River.
Source ↗adventures_seed

Water & camping18

Ozark National Forest Fairview Recreation Area · Campsite
Verified campground near the route.
campground:mapmate_legacy
Haw Creek Falls Camping · Campsite
Verified campground near the route.
campground:mapmate_legacy
Wolf Pen Recreation Area Campground · Campsite
Verified campground near the route.
campground:mapmate_legacy
Twin Creeks RV Park · Campsite
Verified campground near the route.
campground:mapmate_legacy
Byrd's Adventure Center · Campsite
Verified campground near the route.
campground:mapmate_legacy
Shores Lake · Campsite
Verified campground near the route.
campground:mapmate_legacy
Serenity Campground · Campsite
Verified campground near the route.
campground:mapmate_legacy
Ozone Recreation Area Camping · Campsite
Verified campground near the route.
campground:mapmate_legacy
Woolum Dispersed Campground · Campsite
Verified campground near the route.
campground:mapmate_legacy
OHT Primitive Site · Campsite
Verified campground near the route.
campground:mapmate_legacy
Turner Bend Outfitter · Campsite
Verified campground near the route.
campground:mapmate_legacy
Redding Campground · Campsite
Verified campground near the route.
campground:mapmate_legacy
Buffalo National River Woolum · Campsite
Verified campground near the route.
campground:mapmate_legacy
Mt Hersey Camping - Buffalo National River · Campsite
Verified campground near the route.
campground:mapmate_legacy
Mulberry Mountain Lodging & Events · Campsite
Verified campground near the route.
campground:mapmate_legacy
OHT Backcountry Primitive Site · Campsite
Verified campground near the route.
campground:mapmate_legacy
Wolf Pen Recreation Area · Campsite
Verified campground near the route.
campground:mapmate_legacy
White Rock Mountain Recreation Area · Campsite
Verified campground near the route.
campground:mapmate_legacy

What we don't yet have

We deliberately do not display water sources, resupply towns, shuttle services, or trail-side businesses on this page. Those change every season and an out-of-date pin can be a safety issue, especially on the high-desert and alpine sections of long trails. Use the trail association's published guide, FarOut, or Guthook for that level of detail; verify with rangers before relying on any cached source.

Official sources

Last verified by us: 2026-05-14

Outdoors is not the permitting authority. Reconfirm alerts, permits, and closures with the agency before you go.

Best seasons

springfallwinter

States traversed

Editor's note

Currently walkable 270 mi; planned full build-out 320 mi. OSM parent relation not available.