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This section is the gateway to the Ozarks--starting at Onondaga Cave State Park and winding through the Huzzah State Forest/Conservation Area, opening into the lead district of Missouri and the Mark Twain National Forest, view variegated wildlife, flora, and scenery and end up at Hazel Creek on the south. This 45-mile long section includes 7.5 miles of state land north of the Narrows Trailhead, crosses private land at the Bass Resort, follows the Berryman Trail from about mile 22 through mile 32, and connects to the Trace Creek Section on the south at the Hazel Creek Trailhead. It is part of the over 220 mile continuous through-trail. Use caution after periods of rain as the creek crossings can be hazardous. This section of trail includes springs, creeks and other water locations, as well as some popular places for trailside camping.
Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!
Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles
Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources.
Treat any water found in the area before consuming it.
Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered.
Pack out all of your garbage.
Courtois = ***Cort-a-way is the phonetic sounding of this large creek. French settlers, Spanish Claimed, and was twice owned by France before the Louisiana Purchase
If you want a challenge? Float it in Springtime, Smallmouth season opens about the time the rivers get low and the stream is ideal for wading/fly fishing. It's all rocky.
The real Huckleberry Finn's of Missouri fish the streams by wading them in a pair of shorts and old tennis shoes. note...as long as you are within the normal banks of a creek or river YOU ARE NOT TRESPASSING in Missouri, the state owns all right of ways formed by natural water flow ...don't let anyone convince you otherwise, some people will try.
Very picturesque float, the region has been in a heavy drought since 2015 ? Many of the secondary rivers in main river basin areas of Missouri ARE ALWAYS very low the more spring became summer.
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After Memorial Day weekend, mainly July and August, can be dud times for floating the Huzzah and Courtois creeks, they can be incredibly low.
Even the St. Francois River can get near trickle flow level and has
The water level was way down so we had to fight for 10 miles to get to our takeout. Would have been nice if the outfitter would have given us a better idea of what we were getting into. Ended the day more exhausted and sore than I've ever been. Not an enjoyable day.
