Ozark Highlands Trail
Sunday, March 23, 2025 -
Sunday, March 30, 2025 --
$1900
★★
Description
The Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT) is a scenic 218-mile hiking trail
that stretches through the beautiful Ozark Mountains in northern
Arkansas. Known for its breathtaking views, diverse ecosystems,
and rich wildlife, the trail offers an immersive outdoor experience.
The OHT traverses through dense forests, across clear streams,
and up steep ridges, providing hikers with stunning vistas of the
surrounding valleys and hills. The trail is also home to several
waterfalls, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
The trail ranges in difficulty, with some sections being more
challenging due to the rugged terrain, but overall it is
accessible for hikers of various skill levels. As one of Arkansas’
premier long-distance trails, the OHT is not only a haven for
outdoor adventurers but also a sanctuary for those seeking
tranquility in the heart of nature
Topographical Map of Proposed Route
See CalTopo map
Weather
In late March, the trail begins to show signs of spring,
although the weather can still be a bit unpredictable.
Temperatures generally range from the upper 30s to low 60s°F
(around 3-16°C), though it can still dip below freezing at night,
especially in higher elevations. Daytime temperatures are more
comfortable for hiking, but mornings and evenings can still feel
chilly, so layering is key. Late March we might experience occasional
thunderstorms, so having waterproof gear and sturdy hiking boots is
important. Despite the rain, the trail’s scenery begins to transform
with early spring blooms, such as wildflowers, and trees starting
to bud, adding color to the landscape.
It’s essential to pack for a range of conditions, including
layers for warmth, waterproof gear, and sturdy footwear.
View weather averages
for this area in March.
Probable Trip Leaders
Beau Devlin
Michael DeWitt
Any Other Guide(s) TBD
Difficulty
The Ozark Highlands Trail offers a rewarding hiking experience, but it can
be challenging at times with its rocky terrain, occasional muddy paths,
and varying weather conditions. While it’s generally well-marked, some
sections can feel remote, and hikers should be prepared for water crossings and
wildlife, making it important to plan ahead and pace yourself.
Cost
$1900
per person pre-trip single occupancy, post trip double occupancy. Here, double occupancy
means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. You will also be
responsible for transportation to and from Little Rock (LIT) as well as personal equipment,
restaurant meals (typically 2 dinners) and any gratuities for guides.
Covered expenses include 2 hotel nights, storage fees, 6 days of
trail meals, airport transfers, ground transportation to/from/within
the National Forest, park permits, park entrance fees and awesome
guides.
Tipping: In order to keep our prices competitive with (and hopefully favorable to)
other outfitters, we shamefully can’t pay our guides as much as we think they deserve. Like
most other guiding services, we rely on the generosity of our participants to make up this
shortfall by tipping the guides. Gratuity can comprise a significant and important part of
a guide’s compensation. The industry recommended gratuity amount is 10-20% of the trip cost.
Gratuities are always optional and based on level of satisfaction but generally account for
30-60% of a their income through gratuities. Fitpacking supports tipping to the greatest
extent possible while remaining tactful and professional. Guides are not permitted to solicit
tips in any way other than doing an exceptional job supporting and providing exceptional
customer service to our participants. If your guides have served you well, please support
them with gratuities so they can continue living their extravagant lifestyles of eating
powdered meals, sleeping in the dirt and pooping in smelly outhouses and small holes
they've dug.
Notes
Trail campsites are first come, first served. We don't expect this
to be an issue with the possible exception of the last night because
it's so close to Ft. Smith State Park.
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