Painter Ridge Trail - South Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a multi-use trail so you'll likely encounter mountain bikers. Backpackers must register. Saws and hatchets aren't permitted on trail.

The trailhead is located near the Blufftop Pavilion and Bluff Overlook. The South Loop is blazed red and accesses two white-blazed connector trails and some features built for mountain bikers to play on.

The loop mostly follows the side of the ridge weaving up and down and around the terrain. Like most trails in the Ozarks, the surface varies between rocks, stones, and gravel. At the northern end, the South Loop connects with Painter Ridge Trail - North Loop. To the south is the Painter Ridge Trail - South Loop Extension that takes runners down the ridge on switchback to Sinking Creek.

Runners will see chipmunks and songbirds in the hardwood forest. There area a few small glade openings and the Ozark horses were spending a lot of time throughout the park.