OT Current River Section 2024

The Ozark Trail struck my interest and after researching, I chose to hike the Current River Section. It was a first time in the area, and I invited Chuck and Liam to go with me. The adventure began by departing Hattiesburg, MS at 4AM on what was to be a 480 mile marathon. We stopped once for breakfast and once for fuel. We arrived at the Hwy 60 Trailhead around 12:30 and our shuttle, Windy’s Floats, arrived 10 minutes later. Our driver dropped us off at the Powder Mill Trailhead 45 minutes later and now we were thirty trail miles from the truck. First off, we had to see Blue Spring. The three mile out and back was well worth it. Shortly after starting south on the OT we met a trail maintenance crew. They do good work! This was obvious the whole length of the trail. As we started up the first bit of rising elevation my pumping heart got a big boost by nearly stepping on a copperhead. This snake was extremely comfortable in the middle of the trail, and it took a bit of encouraging to get him to move along. The remainder of the afternoon was pleasant and uneventful with the Current River below us until we reached Indian Creek. We followed the creek upstream and established our first camp on its banks.

The first night was interesting. Thunderstorms rolled through most of the night. Dampness tried its best to reach me beneath my tarp. Morning, as always, means coffee. After breakfast, leaving Indian Creek, we crossed a shoulder of Barnett Mountain and Rocky Creek became our companion for much of the day. Rocky Falls was also a worthy side hike. We stood alone on the rock bar and admired the falls, thinking that hiking mid-week has its positives. Leaving Rocky Creek, we started up Kelley Hollow and spotted a couple of elk. After scaling Stegall Mountain, we paused briefly at the top, in the Glade. Cold winds forced us to move on down the mountain. Camp was pitched on the bank of Rogers Creek on the northern border of Peck Ranch Conservation Area.

This morning brought cooler temperatures. Our path took us six miles through the ranch. Expectations of the conservation area were not met. We saw no significant wildlife as we walked the trail. Despite the disappointment and two sleet showers, the forest was a grand walk. Midco Hollow was followed out of the ranch and we ended our day at Mint Spring. This spring is clear flowing and has a nice campsite a short distance down the hill.

Our last morning brought freezing temperatures. Everything had a bit of frost, but skies were clear and looking good. A cold-driven speed had us packed up and on the way quickly. Deer and turkey were the fauna of the day on the way to the truck. A swift six miles put us at the Hwy 60 Trailhead before 11:00. This put us in a position to feast at Hillbilly Junction Café in Maynard AR for lunch. Visiting the café topped off a great four days. Outstanding adventure all around!