Arkansas · Hiking

Ozarks Keystone Trail

31.6 mi
one way
2,727 ft
climb
812 ft
high point
Point to point
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Caution at last check

Weather is marginal · OpenWeather · checked 23 h ago

The Ozarks Keystone Trail is a 31.6-mile point-to-point hike in Arkansas's Norfork Recreation Area, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. It is an expert-level route with a total elevation gain of 2,727 feet, and the climb is steady rather than a single steep stretch. The trail's high point reaches 812 feet, and the steepest section comes at about 14.2 miles in, with a grade of 9 percent. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show October highs around 71°F with lows near 48°F, and May highs around 77°F. Summer runs hotter, with July and August highs near 89°F. The trail is not wheelchair accessible, and neither bikes nor horses are allowed. Plan for about 12 hours on foot. Campgrounds sit within a few miles, including Robinson Point, Bidwell Point Park and Henderson Park. The North Fork River, about 8.8 miles away, offers river fishing.

  • Best time to go · Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Ozarks Keystone Trail

    Best months: March–June and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      46° / 26°

      8 wet · 1 snow

    2. Feb

      51° / 29°

      8 wet · 1 snow

    3. Mar

      60° / 37°

      10 wet · 1 snow

    4. Apr

      70° / 46°

      11 wet

    5. May

      77° / 56°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      85° / 65°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      89° / 69°

      9 wet

    8. Aug

      89° / 68°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      82° / 60°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      71° / 48°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      59° / 37°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      48° / 29°

      9 wet · 1 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mtn Home 1 Nnw, AR, 6.3 mi away at 800 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors