Most backpackers don’t think of Arkansas to be a prime spot for a long thru-hike. Guess again. The Ozark Highlands Trail is a 165 mile long trail, meticulously routed through scenic areas of the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas and maintained by a large group of volunteers. The trail is well-blazed and has mile markers. It crosses a great deal of streams and is hikeable year-round– with excellent thru-hiking opportunities.

The trail passes through some of the most remote and scenic portions of the Ozark Mountains, like the Hurricane Creek Wilderness Area. It also visits White Rock Mountain (best sunset in the Arkansas!), Hare Mountain, the Marinoni Scenic Area, and countless other breathtaking spots. And one of the nicest things about the OHT, is the fact that it is still relatively undiscovered – even on a prime spring weekend you will seldom see other hikers.

The OHT crosses more than 60 named creeks, streams and rivers, and passes hundreds of seasonal waterfalls, lots of sandstone bluffs, giant boulders and scenic vistas. Springtime, with flowering dogwoods, redbuds, and a profusion of wildflowers, makes for a photographers paradise. And the lush upland hardwood forests create one of the most wonderful splashes of fall color that you can find anywhere in the country. Winter too is great for hiking, with lots of ice formations and the best views of the year along the entire route. And there are plenty of unique swimming holes during the hot summer months.

The trail is great for dayhikes, weekend adventures and extended backpacking trips. It is accessible at more than 50 forest road and highway crossings, plus nine public campgrounds and numerous other trailheads. All that you have to do is decide how far you want to hike, and you will find many stretches between access points that will meet your needs. Camping is allowed anywhere along the trail. No permits or fees are required to hike the trail, build fires or camp (except in the campgrounds). It is open and is great hiking all year. Cabins are available at White Rock Mountain (479-369-4128) and Lake Ft. Smith State Park (479-369-2469).

Tim Ernst, founder and President of the Ozark Highlands Trail Association began volunteer work on the trail in the 1970s and has written the definitive guidebook for the trail, The Ozark Highlands Trail Guide. You can see some spectacular pictures of Arkansas by going to Cloudland.net Publishing

Scott Janz

Feel free to contact me at any time. Started Backpacking in 2003 and have never looked back. My all time favorite hike was last April when I hiked the Sycamore Wilderness Canyon. No trails, no signs, just wilderness and a 3,000 foot steep drop into the Canyon. I ran out of water my third day. Why? There was no water in the Canyon. You can check out my video on the “backpacker.tv” page. Thanks for dropping by.