Route: Ozark Trail: North Fork Section (MO)

The North Fork section is one of 14 individual sections that make up the Ozark Trail (OT) within the Missouri Ozarks. Britannica says, "The Ozarks and the adjacent Quachita Mountains represent the only large area of rugged topography between the Appalachians and the Rockies." The Collins Ridge Trailhead of the North Fork section is located at the southern most point of the OT. When starting at this trailhead, the OT shares trail with Devil's Backbone Wilderness area before branching off on its own about 5 1/2 miles in. This section of the OT shares its name with the North Fork river. The trail passes near two homestead sites. Native shortleaf pines and mixed oak hardwoods are found throughout the trail as it rides ridges and drops into hollows. Lover's Leap is a notable scenic overlook found approximately 17 miles in. There are designated water sources throughout the trail. Expect rocky, rugged woodlands from beginning to end.