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 expert. 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.

National Recreation TrailOHT

Ozark Highlands Trail

Route only

Route markers3
Water & camping18

Legacy import — verify before navigating

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

About the route

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. The completed footpath runs about 218 miles from Lake Fort Smith east to the Buffalo National River; planned extensions (via the Ozark Trail network) would expand the system further.

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.
Imported route
Lake Fort Smith State Park (Western Terminus) · Trailhead
Western terminus at Lake Fort Smith State Park, AR.
Source ↗ From the official trail guide
Woolum Ford (Eastern Terminus) · Trailhead
Eastern terminus at Woolum Ford on the Buffalo National River.
Source ↗ From the official trail guide

Water & camping18

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

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.