Ozark Trail Trip Planning

[HangTenn]

My wife's family is near Boonville, MO and the two of us are wanting to spend 3-4 days of our Thanksgiving break (university employees) backpacking the Ozark Trail prior to staying with THE IN-LAWS. We are looking for ~30 mile loop or point-to-point. Shuttle is fine if P2P route chosen.

Are there any of you who have experience backpacking (w/ hammock camping or tent camping) in the OT?

If so...
Trail recommendations?
Places to hang
Other tips

Thanks!

[tdecell]

I'm leaving this Friday for Eagle Rock Loop, western Arkansas, almost 30 mile loop. Go to Backpackingarkansas.com for lots of info.. Good luck to you

[Hangin'Yankee]

The Taum Sauk, Middle Fork and Current River are all great sections.

HY

[Gideon]

The Taum Sauk section is nice; it's point to point but no schuttle so you need someone to drop you off and place your car at the end. You can hit 3 or 4 of the highest points in Missouri and you'll go by Minna Sauk (sp?) falls. You can also spend one night along the "scour" the huge path wiped clean when the resivour failed and millions of gallons of water washed through Johnson shut-ins. I'll have to look at the route and get back to you or perhaps Disco or Skygzr can provide some details. We did it on a 3 day hike and it was beautiful and rugged.

Gideon

[MGUNS]

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mtnf/...21842&actid=50

Above is a link for the Berryman Trail. It is a 24 mile loop with a few interesting features. You can get GPX info for your GPS from the Ozark Trail Association web page at: http://www.ozarktrail.com/planner/index.php# The page also contains a hike planner to help you find a great hike on the OT.

[AndyG]

I want to try the Berryman Loop. Everyone seems to like the Taum Saulk section. The Bell Mountain loop was good, you could tack on some point to point with it.

Tdecell, I'm doing Eagle Rock in March. Hope you write a trip report!

[Gideon]

I've been on part of the Berryman loop; one review said it was "lacking in features". I would agree with that; it's your typical Missouri woods but it would be nice if you're looking for a loop hike instead of point to point.
Gideon