Wet weather is common to the Ozark climate, especially in late spring through summer, and fosters a breeding ground for bugs, mosquitos, and ticks. Consider bringing waterproof shoes and treating your clothes ahead of time with permethrin to repel insects. In the colder seasons insulating layers are a ozark trail backpack must, and a good rain shell for you and rain fly for your tent are necessary year-round. Exploring Missouri’s scenic Ozark backcountry is one of the best reasons to head out on the trail. The Ozark Trail Association marks and improves the trail and ensures backpacking campsites are well maintained.
Although this Jefferson County park is still fairly new to most of us, its rock formations are centuries old. Start on a paved trail leading to a picnic shelter before the path gets interesting, running along the ridge of a sandstone canyon above LaBarque Creek. It continues past caves, cliffs, and glades and through dry woodlands with twisted oaks. Spring scatters wildflowers, and its rain creates waterfalls (and mud, so make sure to wear boots with good traction). In the heart of Babler, Dogwood Trail climbs several inclines and winds down into a lush valley, so you’re spanning about 300 feet in its ups and downs. Start at the shelter on Guy Park Drive, and cross Equestrian Trail before reaching the Dogwood loop.
It’s as if a giant brought back souvenirs from France’s Pink Granite Coast, plopped them down in the St. Francois Mountains’ most scenic spot, and lined them up on parade. A curious sight, Elephant Rocks is among the state’s most famous natural landmarks for a reason. These massive rocks form a natural playground of sorts for all ages. The state’s first trail designed for people with visual and physical disabilities winds past landmarks with such fun names as Fat Man’s Squeeze and The Maze. A onetime railroad engine house also harks back to the land’s former life as a quarry, with that famous granite contributing to the Eads Bridge, our city’s streets, and the state capitol. Take Confluence Trail from the visitor center to the confluence overlook, then follow the recently reopened 2.5-mile River’s Edge section.
The front and hip straps make it very comfortable and takes alot of the pressure of your shoulders and back. Jamie Bone, a frequent backpacker for over 10 years and a HIC hike leader, said a major safety tip she has for those wanting to take part in backpacking in general is to go with other people. Since there are several options this year for the charity hike, Kuester said it is allowing first-time backpackers to try out the activity.
For a considerably longer hike, consider taking the 10-mile Green Rock Trail to Greensfelder County Park and Rockwoods Range, where you can explore even more trails. After Middle Fork, head into the 29-mile Karkaghne section, which mixes sweeping wetland prairies and ridge-lined valley views through the Sutton Bluff Recreation Area. Camp riverside on a natural gravel ozark trail chair beach along the West Fork of the slow-moving Black River, or set up a dispersed camp anywhere in the Mark Twain National Forest that’s at least 100 feet from the trail. Keep an eye out for a short spur trail between Sutton Bluff campground and Highway TT which leads to Grasshopper Hollow, the largest fen (peat-forming wetland) in non-glaciated North America.
Once you’ve passed the barn, stables, and erstwhile dog museum, you’re officially on the trail. Next come the clover and alfalfa fields, then “the edge,” its wild cherry and sassafras a habitat for birds and bunnies. When you reach Weidman Road, walk on the shoulder, then pick up the path again at the edge of the woods.
Shronn Schuelke, HIC director of shelter operations, said the first time she participated in backpacking and hiking was through the first charity hike Help In Crisis held. Laura Kuester, Help In Crisis executive director, said her organization is set to begin hikes for the Hike4HIC fundraiser during the first part of November. This will be the third year for the event, which will be looking a little different this time. For the past two years, the hike took place with a small group of women who attempted to travel 164 miles across the Ozark Highlands Trail.