The Ozark Trail Customer Service captivates hikers with its challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery. With a little preparation, hikers can have a safe and enjoyable experience. It is important to carry the proper gear and follow the Leave No Trace principles to minimize impact on wildlife and the environment. It is also important to know the rules and regulations for camping along the trail to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
The first step in planning a trip to the Ozark Trail is to research the trail. This includes getting a copy of the trail guidebook and reading up on the features, creeks and rivers (where you may need to wade) and campsites. A map is also essential for navigating the trail. Make sure to bring hiking shoes or boots that fit well and are broken in, as well as a backpack filled with food, water, and first aid supplies. If you plan on camping, be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bag and camping stove.
During the initial phase of planning, the Ozark Trail Committee held meetings to discuss the trail. They worked to establish what would eventually become the national hiking path. The organization was founded on the principle of “joining together in homogeneous friendship the citizens of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, promoting the happiness and progress of the country through which its system of good roads passes. When a main traveled highway is selected, necessity and public spirit demands that it be improved, and gradually it becomes the best road.”
This guiding principle has been used to develop the Ozark Trail. It has been incorporated into the Backcountry Byways Program and is considered a high-quality trail. The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it accessible for hikers of all ages and skill levels.
The trail offers a wide variety of landscapes, including wooded ridge-tops with scenic overlooks, dark bottomland forested hollows, and igneous rock “shut-ins” channeling spring-fed crystal clear waters over massive boulders. It also features rocky streams, chert and dolomite glades, and bluff-side forests of white oak and pawpaw. The trail’s geographic diversity makes it one of the most unique hiking trails in the Midwest.
Whether you’re planning a short day hike or a multi-day backpacking expedition, the Ozark Trail is a great place to enjoy nature and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but it’s best to hike it during the spring and fall. The summer can be hot and humid with thunderstorms, while the winter has occasional blizzards and freezing temperatures.