Ozark Highlands Trail

Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT) is a long-distance hiking route in Arkansas that runs from Lake Fort Smith State Park to Woolum at the Buffalo National River, passing through the Ozark National Forest and into the Sylamore Ranger District.

The route is set up for thru-hiking and backcountry hiking, with a long central “Boston Mountains” stretch and a “Buffalo River” stretch that follows the Buffalo River corridor.

On the western end, Lake Fort Smith State Park is the start point; the first miles are managed by the state park, and the remainder is managed through a partnership that includes the Ozark Highlands Trail Association.

Trail route highlights called out along the way include Hurricane Creek Wilderness Area and several prominent mountain/scenic-name areas such as White Rock Mountain and Hare Mountain, plus the Marinoni Scenic Area.

The trail is signed with white blaze markers oriented vertically and attached near eye level, plus mile markers on small posts oriented toward oncoming hikers; there are trailhead registers at entry points so you can sign in/out.

The Ozark-St. Francis National Forest describes the trail as mostly foot travel only, year-round, and notes that water is available but generally not for drinking except at campgrounds along the route.

More information: Official website, Visitor information, Wikipedia