The concept for an interconnected Ozark Trail system in Missouri and Arkansas arose in 1977 [Ref. 1, p 99]. Several state, federal and private groups shared the initial vision to create a 700 mile continuous trail system in both states. Twenty years later approximately 500 miles of the trail system are open. The 500 mile (~300 completed) Missouri portion has been named the Ozark Trail (OZT-MO). The Arkansas portion (~200 completed) is named the Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT-ARK). All segments are available to hikers and many sections accomodate mountain bikers and equestrian use. Trail use for motorized all terrain vehicles (ATVs) is legal in certain sections.
The Ozark Trail in Missouri website chronicles efforts to link the Missouri and Arkansas Ozark trails systems.
Steve Henry reports the OZT effort was the result of a 1977 seminal meeting between land managers, land owners, and trail users. The trail system has been completed in sections and designated as official Ozark Trail sections. Agencies involved include Missouri Departments of Natural Resources (DNR-MO) and Conservation (MO-CONSERV), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture through the Forest Service (USDA-FS) which maintains a network of Ranger Districts and headquarters facilities, and the National Park Service (NPS), which is responsible for the National Scenic Waterways portions of OZT-MO. There is an Ozark Trails Club that has adopted the Victory Section of OZT-MO, southern segment. The Ozark Trails Council became the coordinating body for land acquisition and trail planning and development. OTC meets twice a year; the next meeting will take place Oct. 25, 1997 at Meramec State Park (contact Debbie Schnack, MO DNR OZT coordinator, one week in advance to attend the meeting, or for additional information about council activities, at 314-nnn-nnnn in Jefferson City).
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Missouri - A document on the ONSR titled "roads and trails study and environmental assessment" prepared by the U.S. Dept. of the Interior/National Park Service, approval dated 5/91, includes interesting information about 13.45 miles of OZT. The pertinent maps are 14 (Owl's Bend area of Current River),15 (Rocky Creek Spur Trail), and 16 (Rocky Falls Spur Trail) of the Blair Creek Section. Two ONSR sections maps show 34 sections in three main segments (Upper Current 1-11; Lower Current 12-28, and Jacks Fork 29-34 Districts). This report notes there are 318 miles of roads and traces, 14.27 miles of horse trals, and 48.24 miles of foot trails within the boundaries of OSR; part of this is the OZT Blair Creek and Current River Sections.
Tim Ernst in his book "Ozark Highlands Trail Guide" chronicles the parallel development of the Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT) which stretches across 165 miles of northcentral and northwestern Arkansas. The U.S. Forest Service first funded the OHT from 1977-1981. Funding ran out with only a third of the trail being completed, primarily by youth Conservation Corps members. Tim Ernst and the Arkansas Trails Council sponsored the formation of the Ozark Highlands Trail Association (OHTA) in 1981 (P.O. Box 1074, Fayetteville, AR 72702, phone (501) 442-2799; membership is $20). This group of 3,000 plus volunteers dedicated to "Build, Maintain, and Enjoy the OHT" is primarily responsible for today's OHT in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service (there are 4 Ranger Districts and a Supervisor's Office). OHTA forged a protected corridor, with no timber management allowed, of 200 feet along the entire route of OHT.
OZT.MO_OHT.ARK_history.html