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Ozark Highlands Trail

Sunday, November 30, 2025 - Sunday, December 7, 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 Topo 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
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 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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Itinerary
Weather
Guides for this trip
Cost
Important Note
Difficulty (Please Read)
Map
 
 

Itinerary


Sunday, November 30, 2025

Fly or drive into Little Rock, AR (LIT) between 12PM and 2PM

Take a free hotel shuttle to our local hotel.

Check into the hotel and meet with guides.

We will do a pre-trail shakedown and determine if you are in need or any extra items. If necessary, make a stop at Ozark Outdoor Supply or Bass Pro Shop.

We will assemble at: Comfort Inn & Suites Little Rock Airport, 4301 East Roosevelt Rd., Little Rock, AR, 72206.

Make Your Own Trail mix bar from our selection of nuts, fruits and sweets (as well as jerky and trail bars)

Go to Ozark Outdoor Supply 5514 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, AR to pick up any equipment participants forgot or still need. Open until 6PM

We will place all your off-trail stuff in storage for the week. Please keep this to a small amount

Go out to welcome dinner at local restaurant. Cost of dinner not included in trip cost.

Stay in local hotel: Comfort Inn & Suites Little Rock Airport, 4301 East Roosevelt Rd., Little Rock, AR, 72206.


Monday, December 1, 2025

At around 7AM, shuttle to Cherry Bend Recreation area which will take approximately 2.5 hours and drop off gear

Guides will drive another 2.5hrs to stage a vehicle at Lake Fort Smith.

Begin hiking 4.9 miles on the Ozark Highlands Trail mile marker 35, elevation 1780' to Fane Creek mile marker 30.

Camp at Fane Creek campsite, elevation 800'

Miles today: 4.9. Total miles: 4.9

Possible bailout Hwy 23 or Fane Creek Rd.


Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Hike 6.8 miles on the Ozark Highlands Trail mile marker 30 to Spirits Creek mile marker 23.

Camp at Spirits Creek campsite, elevation 950'

Miles today: 6.8 Total Miles: 11.7

Possible bailout Fane Creek Rd. or Ragtown Rd.


Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Hike 4.8 miles on the Ozark Highlands trail to mile marker 19 to Shores Lake Loop trail, elevation 1035'

Hike 3.0 miles on the Shores Lake Loop trail to Salt Fork Creek campsite mile marker 10.

Camp at Salt Fork Creek campsite, elevation 830'

Miles today: 7.8. Total miles: 19.5

Possible Bailout White Rock Mountain Rd. or Bliss Ridge Rd.


Thursday, December 4, 2025

Hike 9.0 miles on the Shores Lake Loop trail to White Rock Mountain mile marker 6 or Ozark Highlands Trail mile marker 17.

Camp at White Rock Mountain Frontcountry campground, elevation 2315'. Site(s):TBD

Miles today: 9.0. Total miles: 28.5

Possible Bailout Bliss Ridge Rd. or White Rock Mountain Rd.


Friday, December 5, 2025

Hike 8.5 miles on the Ozark Highlands Trail mile marker 17 to Jack Creek mile marker 8.

Camp at Jack Creek campsite, elevation 1170'

Miles today: 8.5. Total miles: 37.0

Possible bailout: Hurricane Creek Rd.


Saturday, December 6, 2025

Hike 8.0 downhill miles on the Ozark Highlands Trail mile marker 8 to Lake Fort Smith State Park, elevation 1000’

End of hiking

Miles today: 8.0. Total miles: 45.0

Possible bailout: Old Locke Rd. or Shepard Spring Rd.

Guides will shuttle to pick-up the other vehicle which should take approximately 1.5 hours.

Shuttle back to local hotel: Comfort Inn & Suites Little Rock Airport, 4301 East Roosevelt Rd., Little Rock, AR, 72206.

Gather your off-trail items from storage

Farewell dinner at a local restaurant (Dinner cost not included in trip price)

Stay in our local hotel (included in trip cost)

Dinner and awards Ceremony (Dinner cost not included in trip price)

This is the official end of the trip. You are welcome to spend the night at the hotel, however if you drove and would like to get on the road or if you flew and would like to schedule a late flight (or a red-eye if this is a West Coast trip) you can definitely do so.


Sunday, December 7, 2025

Either take a free airport shuttle or we will drop you at the airport in the morning. If there is no free shuttle and your flight leaves later than mid-morning, you will probably have to get a cab / Uber at your own expense.


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