Ozark Trail: Middlefork / John Roth Memorial Section

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Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This trail crosses a number of brooks and streams in the upper basin of the Middle Fork of the Black River. To name a few: Neals Creek, Strother Creek, Henderson Creek, Little Creek, Brooks Creek, as well as the headwaters of the Middle Fork.

The trail heads by fens, seeps, and small springs -- you won't run out of water here! In between the many water crossings, the trail continues over and around the numerous fingered ridges found in this area of the Ozarks. You'll pass through oak and hickory hardwoods, short-leaf pine stands, and small savannahs.

The northern trailhead is at Highway DD and a 200-foot gravel path connects to the main trail. The Middle Fork section continues 1.5 miles north before connecting with the Ozark Trail: Trace Creek Section. If you're just planning a trip on the Middle Fork, you'll go south from the DD trailhead to the Highway J trailhead, a distance of about 23 miles.