Ozark Trail: Middlefork Section

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

A couple mile long downhills on contoured bench-cut trail through Pines, oaks, hickory, sassafras, dogwood, spring-fed rock-bottom brooks, a small waterfall, and more. Wild hogs, black bear, and mountain lions have been documented along this section of trail.

Shuttle service can be arranged locally at the DD/32 BaitShop - please call 573-244-5292 to schedule. Main trailhead parking is located on Hwy DD 100 yards North of Hwy 32 in Iron County Mo.

The surface is mixed hardpack dirt to loose gravel, with wet weather creek crossings, rock gardens thrown in for good measure.

What will you see? Aside from endless miles of empty backcountry trail... Long winding switchback turns that climb up rolling Ozark mountains. Average climbing is about 100' per mile. On the flipside we have the flowy contoured bench cut trail that on occasion may roll downhill for up to a mile through Oak and Pine forests...we threw in a few cedar groves for good measure. Summertime in Missouri means vegetative growth time. The blackberry brambles on occasion reach out and grab ya.

We do have a summer mowing program to keep the trails clear in the bushy season. Most sections get at least one pass with the mowers and loppers. Our sawyer teams tackle the heavy stuff that blocks trail. When notified of deadfall or other related damage our sawyers receive an email blast every Thursday with any new reports. Some trees are cleaned up right away, others may lay for a few months until someone can get there.

What is hard? Sometimes all of it. The trail itself is a gem to ride, however the remoteness and rolling hills can take it's toll after climbing 3 or 4 ridgelines via switchback trails. The Middlefork trail has something like 30 switchbacks along it's 23 mile course....yet it's the favorite among mountain bikers.