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The Ozark Highlands Trail section from Falling Water Creek Trailhead to Dillard’s Ferry is one of the most scenic and rewarding in the Ozarks. Spanning almost 69 miles, the trail transitions from rugged Boston Mountain ridges into the limestone bluffs and river valleys of the Buffalo National River

Stage 4 is a beautiful 13-mile segment that will have you spending most of your day enjoying picturesque viewpoints and passing a few lovely waterfalls along the river corridor. Just after leaving Tyler Bend, you’ll quickly pass the Spring Hollow junction, a short spur that loops through a hardwood forest

Stage 2 runs just over 14 miles, leaving Stack Rock Falls, taking you through mixed hardwoods before joining an old dirt road after just over 8 miles. This marks the final stretch of the Boston Mountains section, with beautiful views of Richland Creek and open fields in the distance. Along the way, there

This first stretch begins at Falling Water Creek Trailhead, reached via Forest Road 1205. At Falling Water Creek Trailhead, you can find parking spots suitable for short-term use or drop-off, but it is not a formal lot, and overnight parking is not recommended due to limited space and lack of monitoring

Your final day begins by following the Buffalo River downstream, and although this stage is the longest at just under 17 miles, the beautiful scenery and plenty of rest stops will help break up the distance. Around mile 6, you’ll reach Maumee Falls, a lovely trio of seasonal cascades spilling over layered

This scenic stage covers just under 12 miles, gradually dropping into the Buffalo River corridor to join the Buffalo River Trail around mile 2. This well-maintained section hugs the south bank of America’s first National River, winding past bluffs, historic homesteads, and quiet forests. The terrain

This stage begins with gentle forest walking before climbing into the granite-rich heart of the central Black Hills. You’ll traverse ponderosa pine and lodgepole stands, with rocky outcrops and ancient ridgelines shaped by uplift and erosion. As you approach the final miles, the terrain becomes more

This first stretch of your long weekend on the Centennial Trail is just under nine miles, heading south from Deer Creek Trailhead. There is a small parking area here, which is perfect for drop-off. Overnight parking is allowed without a fee, but is not recommended for multiple days due to limited space

The Centennial Trail section from Deer Creek Trailhead to Needles Highway is one of the most scenic and rewarding in the Black Hills. Spanning just under 50 miles, it's a fantastic progression from quiet pine forests to granite high country, passing fossil beds, shimmering lakes, and historic corridors

This is the longest and most remote stretch of the route, climbing steadily from Pactola Reservoir into higher terrain. The trail winds along beautiful pine trees and rocky gullies, with occasional clearings that offer expansive views across the central hills. Elevation gain is sustained but manageable