OHT Permit: Route
OHT permits are walk-up only in Ozark Highlands Trail. The route covers 290 miles.
This guide covers the Ozark Highlands Trail permit.
Free; no permit required.
Permit Cost
10-14 days for the 164-mile Boston Mountains section alone; longer end to end
Duration
290 miles
Distance
strenuous
Difficulty
About OHT
A long-distance trail across the Ozark Highlands of northern Arkansas, connecting Lake Fort Smith State Park through the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest to the Buffalo National River, with construction continuing toward the Missouri state line.
The OHT route
- Distance
- 290 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Trip length
- 10-14 days for the 164-mile Boston Mountains section alone; longer end to end
- Difficulty
- strenuous
Points along the route
- Lake Fort Smith State Park (Western Terminus)Mile 0, 981 ft
- White Rock MountainMile 17.4, 2,288 ft
- Cherry BendMile 35.3, 1,789 ft
- Lick BranchMile 55.1, 1,024 ft
- Arbaugh RoadMile 69.9, 2,069 ft
- Ozone CampgroundMile 84.7, 1,856 ft
- Fort Douglas (Big Piney Creek)Mile 103.8, 736 ft
- Fairview CampgroundMile 123.8, 2,184 ft
- Richland Creek CampgroundMile 143.2, 1,030 ft
- Richland Creek / Woolum ford (end of Boston Mountains section)Mile 164, 666 ft
- Dave Manes BluffMile 168, 876 ft
- Tyler Bend – Collier HomesteadMile 176.6, 891 ft
- Grinders Ferry – US-65Mile 178.6, 605 ft
- Zack Ridge RoadMile 184.7, 869 ft
- Red Bluff RoadMile 189.2, 843 ft
- South Maumee RoadMile 195.2, 980 ft
And 8 more named points along the route.
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This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for OHT?
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Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
When is the best time to visit OHT?
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October through early June, per the trail association; it's known as a good winter-hiking trail when routes farther north are snowed in.
How long is the OHT route?
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The route is 290 miles, as a point-to-point.
How difficult is the OHT route?
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This is a strenuous route, demanding and requires excellent fitness.
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