Not the gear brand: this is Missouri's Ozark Trail, a 230-mile contiguous corridor of 13 sections on the Mark Twain National Forest, part of a wider 430-mile statewide system. No permit or fee to hike it.
“Traverse Ozark Trail, Missouri on the Ozark Trail (MO).”
Plan your Ozark Trail, Missouri trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Ozark Trail (MO)
Ozark Trail (MO) is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
More about Ozark Trail, MissouriPlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
Ozark Trail (MO) permit season
- route distance, point to point
- 430mi
How to get an Ozark Trail (MO) permit
As of September 2026, Ozark Trail (MO) in Ozark Trail, Missouri, Missouri requires a permit issued via walk-up. Ozark Trail (MO) rates 4/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The Ozark Trail (MO) route covers 430 miles, rated moderate.
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- MO
How this permit is issued
Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.
Step 1: Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued (and any fee) at the managing agency's website before your trip.
Step 2: Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served. Where the agency sets a daily quota, popular trailheads can run out on weekends and holidays.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Popular trailheads fill fast. Know alternate routes or dates.
More on Ozark Trail (MO): Live availability activity
The Ozark Trail (MO) hike
- Distance
- 430 miles
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Duration
- 3-5 weeks for the full trail; most thru-hikers do the 230-mile Mark Twain National Forest backbone in 2-3 weeks
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Ozark Trail (MO) landmarks
- 1Onondaga Cave State Park
Eastern end of the Mark Twain National Forest's contiguous Ozark Trail corridor, per the U.S. Forest Service.
- 2Courtois Section
First named section of the Mark Twain National Forest corridor, rated moderate, 48 miles, per the Forest Service.
- 3Trace Creek Section
26-mile moderate section of the Ozark Trail, per the Forest Service.
- 4Middle Fork Section
24-mile easy-rated section of the Ozark Trail, per the Forest Service.
- 5Karkaghne Section
29-mile moderate section of the Ozark Trail, per the Forest Service.
- 6Devils Tollgate
A narrow rock passage along the Ozark Trail, a well-known trail landmark.
- 7Blair Creek Section
27-mile moderate section of the Ozark Trail, per the Forest Service.
- 8Current River Section / Stegall Mountain
30-mile section along the Current River; Stegall Mountain is described by the Forest Service as the highest point in this section.
- 9Big Spring, Ozark National Scenic Riverways
One of the largest springs in the United States, inside the National Park Service unit the Ozark Trail crosses near the Current River.
- 10Between the Rivers Section
29-mile moderate section between the Current and Eleven Point Rivers, per the Forest Service.
- 11Eleven Point Section / Eleven Point River
29-mile section following the Eleven Point National Scenic River, per the Forest Service.
- 12Marble Creek Section
9-mile moderate section, the shortest named section on the Mark Twain National Forest corridor.
- 13Taum Sauk Section / Taum Sauk Mountain
35-mile section that reaches Taum Sauk Mountain, Missouri's highest point, per the Forest Service section listing.
- 14North Fork Section
27-mile moderate section of the Ozark Trail, per the Forest Service.
- 15Victory Section
19-mile moderate section of the Ozark Trail, per the Forest Service.
- 16Wappapello Section (western edge of Mark Twain National Forest)
35-mile section marking the western edge of the contiguous Mark Twain National Forest corridor, per the Forest Service.
How hard the Ozark Trail (MO) hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
When to hike Ozark Trail (MO)
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
80°
62°
Mon
78°
61°
Tue
88°
59°
Wed
90°
69°
Thu
77°
67°
58%
Fri
64°
52°
48%
Sat
61°
53°
39%
Ozark Trail (MO) rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Ozark Trail (MO).
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Ozark Trail (MO) · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Ozark Trail (MO) FAQ
Do I need a permit to hike the Ozark Trail?
No single permit covers it. Missouri State Parks sections need free registration; the National Forest and Riverways sections allow free dispersed camping under their own distance rules.
How long is the Ozark Trail?
Over 430 miles statewide per the Ozark Trail Association; its contiguous Mark Twain National Forest backbone is about 230 miles.
Does the Ozark Trail go through any towns?
No, the Forest Service says the trail passes through no towns, so plan resupply off-route.
Is water available on the Ozark Trail?
Most trailheads have no potable water, per the Forest Service, so filter as you go.
How many nights can I camp at one spot on the Ozark Trail?
Two consecutive nights maximum inside Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
Is the Ozark Trail the same as the Walmart Ozark Trail gear brand?
No, they share a name only; the trail is a real Missouri hiking trail unrelated to the retail brand.
What is the highest point on the Ozark Trail?
Stegall Mountain, in the Current River Section, per the Forest Service.
Ozark Trail (MO) trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to an Ozark Trail (MO) permit
Where to stay near Ozark Trail (MO)
- Onondaga Cave State Park CampgroundOnondaga Cave State Park
- Onondaga Cave State Park Special Use Camping AreaOnondaga Cave State Park
- Meramec State Park Group Tenting campgroundMeramec State Park
- All Missouri campgrounds
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