Located in the northwestern area of the state, this portion of the trail on the west side of the district from Hwy. 23 (Cherry Bend) which goes east to Forest Service Rd. 1003 is on the Pleasant Hill District.

The Ozark Highlands Trail is a 178 mile hiking trail that crosses the Ozark National Forest and is recognized as one of the most scenic trails in the United States. The trail travels through a wide variety of forest landscapes ranging from lower streamside elevations to high ridges. Scenic bluff and rock formations along with high vistas are evident along most sections of the trail. Forest cover varies from newly established stands of pine and hardwood trees to older, mature stands.

Cherry Bend Trailhead is located about midway between Cass and Brashears. It goes over Hare Mt., the highest point on the trail. There is a trailhead east of Hare Mt. on Forest Service Rd. 1504 called Morgan Field. There is a spur trail leading into the Redding Loop trail, which takes you to spy rock, a very scenic area, or Redding campground, on the Mulberry River. Then through Indian creek and Marinoni Scenic Area. During the dry season there will probably not be any water available until Herrods Creek. Traveling east from Herrods Creek is the Lick Branch trailhead (parking available). Ozone trailhead is Arbaugh, which is north of Ozark on County Rd. 34. Ozone Trailhead is across from Ozone Campground on Hwy. 21, north of Clarksville approximately 20 miles. Continuing east on the trail brings you to Big Piney Creek Trailhead which is on Hwy. 123 on the Bayou District. The trail is for foot traffic only.

The Ozark Highlands Trail (OHT) has been rated as one of the most scenic trails in the United States. It begins at Lake Fort Smith State Park in western Arkansas, travels east across the entire Ozark National Forest, turns north to cross the Gene Rush/Buffalo River Wildlife Management Area, and eventually ends up on the Buffalo National River in the Richland Valley across from Woolum Campground. At this point, the OHT joins a portion of the Buffalo River Trail which heads on downstream another 13 miles to the Tyler Bend Campground.

The OHT is one of the most spectacular trails in the southeastern United States. It passes through some of the most remote areas of the Ozark National Forest and is noted for its mountainous terrain, scenic views, lush upland hardwood forests,unique rock outcroppings and clear mountain streams. Different forest vegetation abounds, with the predominant overstory trees being oak/hickory.

The OHT is great for day hikes, weekend adventures, and extended backpacking. It is accessible at many forest road and highway crossings. The major National Forest Recreation Areas which provide access are Shores Lake, White Rock Mountain, Ozone, Haw Creek Falls, Fairview and Richland Creek. Parking for extended periods is available at these locations. Secured parking is available at Lake Fort Smith State Park. Although a permit is not required for hiking, please fill out a questionnaire at Lake Fort Smith State Park and/or sign in at all trail registers you encounter. This is valuable in an emergency situation, but the data received from the registration boxes is extremely important to the continued support and management of the trail.

Once you are past the first, westernmost six miles of the trail, camping is allowed anywhere outside of the recreation areas; although trail etiquette encourages camping at least 200 feet away from the trail and water sources, and preferably out of sight of the trail. If a previous campsite is available, please make camp there in order to lessen expanding impact.

The trail has had a variety of markings in the past; however, white rectangular paint blazes have been adopted as the official marker. All spur and side trails will be marked with blue rectangular paint blazes.

For those persons interested in experiencing the beauty and spirit of the Ozark Mountains much the same as our forefathers found them, this trail offers unmatched scenery. A camera is a must!

Directions from Lake Fort Smith State Park: Travel 1/4 mile east off U.S. 71 north of Mountainburg; watch for highway sign on U.S. 71 for turnoff to park entrance. Eastern terminus: Tyler Bend Campground on the Buffalo National River; U.S. 65 at Silver Hill

Seasonal Information:
Normally Open: Year-round (NOTE: The trail is for foot traffic only.) .

Haw Creek Falls Campground - Situated just south of the Hurricane Creek Wilderness Area on the western side of the state, this campground is located next to a small mountain stream with picturesque falls, rocks, and bluffs.

Little Piney Creek - Little Piney Creek is 10 miles in length and hosts a variety of fish including: Smallmouth Bass, Shadow Bass and Green Sunfish.

Mulberry River (Pleasant Hill Ranger District sect - This river is classified as a Wild and Scenic River, is canoe accessible and offers some good fishing.

Ozone Campground - The Ozone Campground is located in the northwestern portion of the state inside a forest of tall pine timber, once the site of the old Ozone Civilian Conservation Corps Camp.

Shores Lake Campground - This beautiful lake sits in a wooded area in the northwestern portion of Arkansas, close to White Rock and Grey's Spring. This 82-acre lake in a mountain setting offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities.

White Rock Campground - With rugged mountain scenery as a backdrop, this area, located in the Northwestern portion of the state, has spectacular bluffs which encircle the mountain rim trails and offer panoramic views. This area also provides access to the Ozark Highlands Trail.