Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway
Ozark Highlands Trail, AR

Ozark Highlands Trail is a 165-mile hiking trail that crosses the Ozark National Forest and is recognized as one of the most scenic trails in the United States. Starting at Lake Fort Smith State Park on Arkansas 71, the trail crosses the forest to Woolum near the Buffalo National River. Trailhead parking is available at several locations along the trail.

The trail travels through a wide variety of forest landscapes ranging from lower stream side elevations to high ridges. Scenic bluff and rock formations along the high vistas are evident along most sections of the trail. Forest cover varies from newly established stands of pine and hardwood trees to older, mature stands.

Most of the trail is on National Forest lands, but some portions of the trail cross privately owned land. Please respect the landowners by staying on the trail and not trespassing on their private property. The western 6.2 miles are on Arkansas State Park lands and the eastern 8.4 miles are on Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and National Park Service lands. Please be careful crossing these areas and respect their regulations and guidelines. Remember, saddle or pack animals are not allowed on any part of the Ozark Highlands Trail.

The trail is divided into three sections, west, middle, and east. The Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway crosses the middle section of the trail. If you hike the entire section, you will cover 49.2 miles. The trail can be accessed from both Haw Creek Falls and Ozone Recreation Area.

Highlights of the Middle Section

Little Mulberry Creek - (Mile 58.0) This typical Ozark Mountain stream features a rocky bottom and short stretches of whitewater with long pools of deep, quiet water.

Rattlesnake Rock Overlook - (Mile 61.8) This point offers a clear and spectacular view of the Little Mulberry River Valley.

Ozone Recreation Area - (Mile 85.8) This Forest Service recreation area was originally the site of the Ozone Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in the 1930's. This area features camping, water, chemical toilets and trailhead parking north of the campground on the left (west) side of Highway 21. From Ozark, take Arkansas 21 (paved) north for 18 miles.

Cedar Creek - (Mile 98.4) A small, picturesque mountain stream with cascading falls and a large pool of water.

Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area - (Mile 104.0) The Forest Service campground is next to the waterfalls of Haw Creek. The area features camping, water, and chemical toilets. Parking is nearby (1.5 miles) at the Big Piney Creek Trailhead - From Hagarville, take Arkansas 123 (paved) northeast for 14 miles. From Russellville, take Arkansas 7 north to Pelsor; then left (southwest) on Highway 123 (paved) for 12 miles. Trailhead parking is on the south side of Highway 123.