Ozark Trail - Courtois Section

The Ozark Trail - Courtois Section is a rugged, point-to-point long-distance backpacking segment through Mark Twain National Forest, in the Potosi and Bourbon area of southeast Missouri. Public route references place it at about 46.7–48.8 miles total, and it is built around multiple creek/river crossings and rolling hills along forest corridors and ridgetops.

The route is long and sustained rather than a short loop: expect a multi-day push with a relatively quick pace for the distance, and an overall profile that can be steep in places. One useful planning target is ~19–21 hours of hiking time for the full section.

Water is a core part of the planning for this segment. It overlaps and crosses major drainages including Courtois, Huzzah, and Hazel Creeks, so you’ll typically have recurring refill opportunities—still treat/filter any water before drinking.

Trail character shifts between narrow, rocky creekside tread and broader doubletrack/forest-road travel. In Huzzah Conservation Area, access is foot-focused—bicycles and horses are not allowed there to help protect wildlife—so expect different sharing rules than adjacent stretches.

A practical way to think about trip options: many hikers pair the Courtois Section with additional Ozark Trail mileage via nearby connectors or loops, and some combine hiking with a separate float-down outing on Courtois Creek. This segment also overlaps parts of the Berryman Trail loop system, which can be used to shape day breaks and camp choices.

Camping is primitive backcountry camping across the Mark Twain National Forest without fees or permits, with popular overnight areas concentrating near creek corridors and the Huzzah State Wildlife Management Area.

More information: Ozark Trail: Courtois Section | Day 17, Berryman and Ozark Trail - Courtois Section Loop