Ozark Trail — Section 3: Middle Fork
~3 days · 22.4 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Ozark Trail — Section 3: Middle Fork is known for
Section 3 of Ozark Trail is an official 38.6 km point-to-point section from Highway DD / 32 Trailhead to Highway J Trailhead.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 3,294 ft to 4,544 ft over 22.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 9.5 mi · 43%
- Downhill 10.4 mi · 47%
- Flat 2.3 mi · 10%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Ozark Trail — Section 3: Middle Fork?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Ozark Trail — Section 3: Middle Fork scores 15/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 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 Trail — Section 3: Middle Fork take?
Most backpackers hike the Ozark Trail — Section 3: Middle Fork in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 22.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Ozark Trail — Section 3: Middle Fork?
The Ozark Trail — Section 3: Middle Fork climbs roughly 3,222 ft total — about 144 ft per mile, topping out near 1,385 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0. 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.