The Ozark Trail: Eleven Point Section is a 27.5 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Alton, Missouri that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Great vistas and a visit to the cool Eleven Point make this a favorite section. Recent tread repair, sawing, signing, lopping, and leaf blowing leaves this section in good shape. The trail from Hurricane Creek west to Greer Recreation Area along the "lower route" has heavy stinging nettle grown in the summer, so be prepared. This can be a beautiful area to travel in the summer, but summer growth combined with heat, humidity and insects can detract from its beauty. There are some tread issues on the lower route near east of Greer Recreation Area plus some erosion issues near Bockman Spring. This trail can be a great adventure in the summer with swimming and fishing opportunities along the Eleven Point River, but it's not a "walk in the park." The trail leaves the 3152 trailhead, winding along the side slopes to Hurricane Creek. The crossing may be unsafe to use during high water periods. The first 10 miles pass through very rugged slopes and flowage associated with the Eleven Point National Scenic River. Several fine views of the Eleven Point valley are present. From the Greer Recreation area, at mile 10, the trail parallels the Eleven Point River on its way to McCormack Lake. There is a fine picture opportunity at the mouth of Greer Spring and an excellent bluff view of the river near mile 12. A spur leads to McCormack Lake at mile 13. Continuing west, the trail winds through the rugged Eleven Point terrain and offers two more contacts with the river. Near mile 20, the trail passes next to Bockman Spring, which is part of the Spring Creek flowage. All spring water should be treated before use. The westernmost 10 miles of the trail are in the Spring Creek flowage and offer occasional views of the creek and bottom fields.
There are four trailheads on this section. FS 3152- From Winona, take Highway 19 south to FS 3152. Go east about six miles to the trailhead. Greer Recreation Area- From Winona, take Highway 19 south to the Eleven Point River. McCormack Lake- From Winona, go south on Highway 19 12-13 miles, then take a right into the McCormack Lake road. The trail begins near the dam. FS 4155- From Thomasville, go north on Highway 99 about 3 miles to FS 3173. Go east 1.5 miles, then north on FS 4155 for about a mile to the trailhead.
January 11, 2021January 10, 2021
December 26, 2020October 28, 2020June 27, 2020I hiked from McCormack Lake to Greer Crossing. It’s only about 4 miles of the trail, but includes two very scenic overlooks. The view of the Eleven Point River is absolutely stunning—a must see. Unfortunately, though, the trail is very overgrown at certain parts. It desperately needs maintenance. About a mile from Greer Crossing, there is a spot that is so overgrown that the brush was above my head. Thankfully, my bug spray helped. Anyway, both McCormack Lake and Greer Crossing are great spots. Greer campground is a great spot to retire for the night. If you don’t mind a rough trail, you ought to check this out.
June 6, 2020What a wild adventure this was. Started at Western Trail head, but passed the trail head a few times. Thankful for whoever tied the McDonald's bag to the post, caught my eye fluttering in the wind. Trail was overgrown, and with recent storms, plenty of trees down. Markings were sparse, but at least the views were attractive. Hiked from Western Trailhead, spent the night at Bockman Spring. Started day 2 totally disoriented, assumed I was 4 miles farther than I really was. Between Bockman Spring and mile marker 17.5 were flooded access roads, waist deep in running water. Bring good water shoes, even in dryer seasons, plenty of water crossings. Ended my trip short on road crossing 4153. I suggest pants, plenty of bug repellent, and sturdy water shoes. I appreciate what the O.T.A. is doing; hopeful for more trail work on this section.
February 24, 2020Girlfriend and I did this trail this past weekend. had the gear to keep warm on those cold nights. pretty straightforward. early part coming from the 4155 trailhead is not well marked and with leaf litter it makes it hard to see the trail at times. there are some creek crossings headed south to north before Greer but nothing you would have to get wet over. From Greer the trail gets more defined. dont make the mistake of thinking the high route and the low route options are before Greer, they are not. It is after and marked with signs. the cave mentioned in comments before me is pretty cool. but please obey the NPS signs and do not enter the caves. White Nose Syndrome is destroying populations of bats all across the nation so please be respectful to conservation and the park service. once on the lower route between Greer and the trailhead and 3173 there are 2 major creek crossings at hurricane. you will either have to suffer with wet shoes and clothes. or slip into some sandals as we did. it's a beautiful trail and the first section of my attempt to complete the OT this year. I look forward to more sections to come!
February 18, 2020Great trail on horseback it’s quite rocky so have a good set of shoes on your horse. This trail would be difficult on foot due to the steep hill sides on the east end of the trail before hurricane creek if you want nice views best to go when the leaves are off!
June 9, 2019Nothing but switchbacks over and over, and over. Not a lot of places to camp. A few different things to switch up the view, like the campground, a lake, a cave (which was actually very cool albeit small). But overall it’s a lot of switchbacks. Did I mention the switchbacks? No real interaction with the river or even a nice overlook. It was grueling to do the nearly 30 miles in less than 2.5 days. Probably not a trail I’d ever do again. Plenty of better trails in the area than this one.
June 3, 2019Started from the 3152 trailhead hiking west to Greer crossing. We found the trail easy to follow and had fun at the hurricane creek crossing, but otherwise it was a very challenging hike with not too many rewards like good views (we went late May). Also, no real access to the river or good backpacking camping areas until Greer recreation area. We found the hike to be much more enjoyable from Greer to McCormack lake — lots of great views, small running creeks, and an easy to follow trail. But no matter where you go this year, it seems like ticks are going to be outrageously bad.
April 26, 2019Greer’s Crossing kayak trip 4.5 miles on Eleven point. 10 mile hike back to the truck.
March 20, 2019Bockmans Spring to Western Terminus
March 19, 2019Day 2 of a 3 day hike. McCormick Lake to Bockman’s Spring. Trail is not well marked. Definitely need a gps. Lots of water crossing! 8.5 miles
March 18, 2019Day 1 of a 3 day hike. Greer’s Crossing to the Western Terminus. This hike was from Greer’s Crossing Recreation Area to McCormack Lake. Good hike, lot’s of beautiful views! Not too long of a hike. Great day hike!
March 9, 2019hiked McCormick to Greer with my mom on her 75th birthday great view from the bluff we took the lower route by the river my nephew and I did it taking the upper route in snow and saw turkey tracks I hiked Greer to hurricane creek on the upper trail great view of the river hiking in from the east trail head in freezing weather to hurricane and saw ice hanging out of the bluffs
December 29, 2017First two miles of the trails were great, but was not able to continue due to the lack of trail markers. The switch backs we were suppose to encounter were not visible from any point, and poor signage led to a bad experience.
February 26, 2017One of my favorite sections of the OT!! It doesn't get a lot of foot traffic, so it maybe a little faint in areas, but a really beautiful hike! If it works out, the scenic overlook of the 11 point at the boom hole would be an awesome place to camp for a small group!!!
September 10, 2016Smooth walk from McCormack Lake dam to a bluff with a great view of the 11 point river. Nice picnic table to have a seat and relax up there as well. Only about 2 miles until the views! Must add that the waypoint that the app shows is no where even close. The trailhead is actually south on highway 19 out of Winona. You will drive 10-15 miles until turning on the county road.
September 9, 2016Amazing view about 2 miles in
September 6, 2016Hiked from McCormack to first bluff view. about 1.8 miles in. Was amazing. went to check out before overnighter at end of the month. Can't wait.
June 1, 2016
First to ReviewThis totally wild country! Loved it. Going back this weekend to canoe and trout fish. Very isolated with low traffic.
December 12, 2020October 16, 2020August 15, 2020June 28, 2020June 12, 2020
