Ozark Highlands Trail
Sunday, November 29, 2026 -
Sunday, December 6, 2026 --
$1900
★★
Description
Join us for a weeklong backpacking adventure along the stunning Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT), a 218-mile path winding through the heart of the Ozark Mountains in northern Arkansas. This remote and rugged region is known for its dramatic forested hills, crystal-clear streams, and panoramic ridgelines—and in late fall, the trail offers solitude, vivid leafless vistas, and crisp hiking conditions.
Throughout the journey, we’ll explore some of the most scenic and remote sections of the trail. Expect to hike through dense oak-hickory forests, ascend and descend steep ridgelines, cross meandering streams, and camp in peaceful backcountry settings. The trail also passes several beautiful waterfalls, bluffs, and rock outcrops, offering ample opportunity for photography and reflection.
While the terrain can be rugged at times, this trip is designed for intermediate to experienced hikers ready for the challenge of long days on trail, carrying a full pack. Our route will include a mix of established backcountry campsites and one or two nights at a frontcountry campground at the start or end of the trip for added comfort and orientation.
The OHT is a lesser-known gem among America’s long-distance trails, offering a deep sense of wilderness and solitude without the crowds of more famous routes. This time of year provides cooler temperatures perfect for hiking, minimal bugs, and quiet trails. Wildlife sightings may include deer, foxes, wild turkeys, and a variety of birds common to the Ozarks.
Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or looking to push your skills into more remote terrain, this trip promises a rich and rewarding backcountry experience in one of the South’s most scenic landscapes.
Topographical Map of Proposed Route
See Topo map
Weather
Weather is always a critical consideration when planning a backpacking trip, and November is a transitional yet rewarding time to explore the Ozark Highlands Trail. Late fall brings cooler temperatures, reduced humidity, and a quieter backcountry experience as autumn gives way to early winter across northern Arkansas.
Daytime temperatures along the trail in November typically range from the upper 50s to mid-60s°F (14–18°C), making for comfortable hiking conditions without the intense heat of the southern summer months. The cooler weather also helps reduce insect activity and provides clearer views through the now mostly leafless hardwood forests.
However, hikers should be prepared for significant temperature fluctuations. Overnight lows often drop into the 30s°F (0–4°C), and it’s not uncommon to encounter frost, chilly mornings, or even a light dusting of snow at higher elevations or in shaded hollows. Rain is possible, though November is generally drier than the wetter spring months. Cold fronts can move through quickly, bringing brief but sharp drops in temperature and occasional wind.
Probable Trip Leaders
Beau Devlin
Any Other Guide(s) TBD
Cost
$1900
per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. With single room accommodations are available for purchase. 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. You may also be charged for any parking charges for leaving your car at the hotel all week if you drive.
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.
Important notes about this trip
Campsites along the Ozark Highlands Trail are available on a first-come, first-served basis. While we do not anticipate issues securing suitable sites throughout the trip, availability may be more limited on the final night due to the proximity to Fort Smith State Park, a popular area with easier access.
The Ozark Highlands Trail offers a deeply rewarding and scenic hiking experience, but participants should be prepared for a variety of trail conditions. The terrain can be rocky and uneven, with occasional muddy sections—especially following rain. Water crossings are also possible, depending on recent weather patterns, and may require extra caution.
Although the trail is generally well-marked, certain segments can feel remote and isolated. Hikers should be comfortable navigating less-developed areas and maintaining a steady pace across multiple days of moderate to strenuous hiking. Encounters with wildlife are possible, and appropriate precautions will be taken to minimize risk and impact.
Overall, this is a challenging yet approachable backpacking trip for those with prior backcountry experience. Proper footwear, layered clothing, and mental preparedness will go a long way toward ensuring a safe, successful, and memorable journey through the beautiful Ozark wilderness.
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