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Backpacker magazine's readers rated the Ozark Highlands National Scenic Trail as their number one trail in the September, 1993 issue. This trail extends 165 miles from its western terminus in Arkansas' Lake Fort Smith State Park to the Buffalo River, and is basically the result of the dedication and passion of one man -- Tim Ernst -- whose efforts created the OHT Association, which over the last decade and a half has recruited 3000 volunteers who have built, maintained, and extended the trail, volunteering over 300,000 hours in the process. Quite a grassroots feat! And plans are afoot to extend it into Missouri, eventually reaching St. Louis, a distance of nearly 1000 miles.
The one million acre Ozark National Forest, created by proclamation of President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908, is home to over 500 species of trees and woody plants. Hardwoods comprise the majority of the forest, with oak and hickory predominating. Five wilderness areas are included within the forest, totaling nearly 66,000 acres, but only the Hurricane Creek Wilderness is traversed by the OHT, although the trail does pass around the edge of a second wilderness, the Richland Creek Wilderness. Be careful during hunting seasons when the following species are fair game: white-tailed deer, black bear, gray squirrel, fox squirrel, cottontail rabbit, wild turkey, mourning dove, bobwhite quail, and waterfowl.
The trail guide for this trail is the BEST I've ever used, period! It is listed below long with the mailing address.
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E-mail Chuck at CMorHiker@aol.com