Ozark Grinder Trail ( Full Trail ) route

The Ozark Grinder Trail (OGT) has more than 170 miles of road, predominately of gravel, accessible through some the Ozarks most wild and scenic countryside Close to 10,000 feet of elevation gain! The trail runs inside of the Buffalo National River with fabulous river overlooks, is also within the Ozark National Forest running next to the Richland Creek Wilderness, along Richland Creek (a National Wild and Scenic River), Falling Water Creek, and the Middle Fork of the Little Red River running along portions of the railroad bed of the long-departed Missouri & North Arkansas Railroad. This trail also sports some steep mountain climbs! The Ozark Grinder Trail also occasionally runs in conjunction with or in close proximity to the Ozark Highlands Trail and the Buffalo River Trail hiking trails. There are multiple access points to the trail. The OGT is broken up into 4 Sections: SECTION 1 (Tyler Bend on the Buffalo River to Witts Springs AR) SECTION 2 (Witts Springs to Leslie AR) Section 3 (Leslie to Shirley AR) and Section 4 (Shirley to Fairfield Bay)
A new section, the Tomahawk Run, Gilbert to St. Joe, is 26.43 Miles, Elevation Gain 1,982 ft, Elevation Loss 2008 ft, using a Garmin GPS for cycling. Has a short spur route to the spectacular Red Bluff Overlook, Buffalo National River.
The OGT at times will be impassable due to high water at low water bridge crossings. Never attempt a dangerous river or stream crossing! Turn around, don’t drown. Come back another day! It is also recommended that you always ride with a partner. Many sections of the trail are outside of cell phone coverage. Loops and spurs provide unique features, opportunities for camping, cabins, air bnb, restaurants, convenience stores, etc. PLAN AHEAD to insure you have the services you need.