Ozark Trail - Onondaga to Courtois Creek

Pond along the Ozark Trail

My first hike on the Ozark Trail. I was by myself for this hike and the day was overcast with a temperature in the low 40’s.  For reference the Ozark Trail is 230 miles in length and links eight continuous trail sections: the Courtois Creek, Trace Creek, Middle Fork, Karkaghne, Blair Creek, Current River, Between the Rivers, and Eleven Point sections. Most thru-hikers travel north to south, but the route works in either direction. From Onondaga Trailhead, hikers embark on the first 48-mile section full of white oak, pawpaw trees, and seasonal wildflowers. Duck into caves carved into the bluffs along Courtois Creek and spot wildlife within Huzzah Conservation Area, known for cerulean warbler, wild turkey, and North American river otter sightings. Popular campsites on this section include Berryman Campground around mile 22 or dispersed creek-side spots under red bluff walls on Huzzah Creek past mile 32.

Since I do not have the luxury of time to thru-hike this trail, I will section hike it over time. This first section hike was from the Onondaga trail head to the Courtois Creek, turning around and going back to my starting point after reaching the Little St. Louis Parking Lot at the Courtois Creek. This part of the trail runs through the Huzzah Conservation Area managed by the Missouri Conservation Department. The total out and back distance was around 11 miles, but I did a fair amount of scrambling to various caves near the Courtois Creek area. According to my Apple watch there was 1,443 of elevation gain and the total time including a break for lunch took 4 hours and 53 minutes.

You will not be disappointed with this hike, as it provides great Missouri backwoods’ views, climbs and descents. Since the hike took place in December the view was not obstructed by leaves and really opened up the totality of the landscape. The trail was dirt and some gravel, but overall, not hard to traverse. Nearing the Courtois Creek, the trail takes you along a bluff section with a number of caves. As I scrambled up to one of the caves you could hear noises and see droppings all throughout the mouth of the cave. Quite sure those noises and dropping were from the many bats that live in the section of caves along the bluffs. I did not see any bats, but if you waited until sundown, my guess is you would be in for a treat if you like to see packs of bats fly out of the cave for dinner time. The Courtois Creek was an awesome sight and I took a number of pictures including a selfie. The water is so clear and peaceful as it just flows along.

During the hike I only saw one other person. If you are looking for solitude this is the place to find it. The Ozark Trail is a true Missouri treasure. I plan to learn more about the trail and experience the hiking it has to offer.