Ozark Highlands Trail
2–3 weeks · 197.8 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Ozark Highlands Trail is known for
Arkansas's premier long trail, running the length of the Ozark National Forest past sandstone bluffs, waterfall hollows, and clear-running mountain streams.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 571 ft to 2,329 ft over 197.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 29.7 mi · 15%
- Downhill 29.7 mi · 15%
- Flat 138.5 mi · 70%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Ozark Highlands Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Ozark Highlands Trail scores 75/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Ozark Highlands Trail take?
Most backpackers take 2–3 weeks to hike the Ozark Highlands Trail's 197.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Ozark Highlands Trail?
The Ozark Highlands Trail climbs roughly 30,951 ft total — about 156 ft per mile, topping out near 2,346 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.