Most parents and grandparents dream about sharing their passions with their kids. But what happens when your passion includes schlepping 30 pounds or more of gear through the tick-infested woods and sleeping on the ground for days on end? Fear not. Here are some tips for hiking with kids.
Why take your kids with you?
It’s hard to guess which kids will take to hiking like a fish to water and which ones will beg off. But you’ll never know until you try. My kids were toddlers the first time we went backpacking on a short, level trail where I carried everything and I knew they could do the hike with no problem. My four-year-old wanted to know when we could go again but my three-year-old was uninterested in another trip. And that’s ok. Backpacking isn’t for everyone. But it’s definitely for me and my oldest. Now he’s 12 and carries almost the same weight as I do and loves to help me plan trips with 10-mile days.
The benefits of taking your kids hiking will be life-changing for you and for them. The physical and mental benefits of exercise are well known. We all know the restorative effects of a walk in the woods on mind, body, and soul. The feeling of self-reliance and accomplishment from a long hike completed are huge for mental and emotional health. And what better way to ensure the future protection of the wild spaces we cherish then to get our kids invested in caring for them?
How to do it
Once you’re out on the trail with young kids, distractions are important; they might not be content as you are to simply watch the trees go by. Poems, fairy tales, and your own made-up stories can help pass the time. Many of the kids I hike with enjoy making up their own stories as a group; someone starts a tale with one sentence and the next in line adds to it, and so on. This can keep up for miles. Food is important for every hike, but it can help to mix it up with special treats. My kids love candy but we only allow a few select kinds in the house to keep consumption under control. So we have a stash of “special” candy in the hiking backpack to use for bribes. Toddlers and preschoolers are especially easy to bribe: “You can have a lollipop if you walk to that tree!” or “You can have a chocolate candy if you take another 100 steps!”
My favorite way to keep kids happy on hikes is to invite their friends. It’s amazing how much complaining happens on a hike with only one family. But if you add another family with at least one kid in roughly the same age range, like magic the hike seems to get shorter and the climbs easier for everyone involved.
What to wear
Comfy and roomy pants or shorts are best (hopefully with pockets, so kids can carry their own snacks and trash). Most kids will do fine with sneakers on short hikes. Once your family is hiking distances on a regular basis, invest in some boots. Kids’ boots are cheaper than adults, and they often outgrow them before they wear them out, so they can get a lot of use by multiple kids. As always, make sure to bring the “Ten Essentials”, extra food and water, sunscreen etc.
A word about baby carriers
Bringing babies on hikes is a great idea! (This is not sarcasm.) When I was a new mom a hike with my baby on my back was a wonderful antidote to the feeling of being overwhelmed by this huge life change. And once he was old enough to walk on his own, his little brother was being carried by me or my husband. There are two basic kinds of carriers you can use to tote those who can’t make it the whole way on their own. The first is a soft carrier like a sling or Ergo. These are for babies and the smallest toddlers; check the manufacturer specifications for weight limits. The second kind of carrier is hard-framed backpack that kids can ride in for as long as mom or dad are willing to carry them. These are usually easy to find used.
The bottom line is that hiking is great for families, and the more you get young kids on the trail, the better. Before you know it, they’ll be ready to shoulder a load on an overnight trek. The Ozark Trail has many offerings for families. Get started planning your trip by exploring our trail offerings or using our Trip Planner tool.
Kathy Schrenk is the author of “Best Hikes with Kids St. Louis and Beyond,” out June 2018 from Mountaineers Books.
]]>Slowing It Down On The Ozark Trail
If moving fast is your goal then we have a trail for you! Be it mountain biking, trail running, adventure races, horseback riding, or trying to beat the setting sun as you cross off another section on your quest to hike the entire trail, all provide a feast for the senses. The Ozark Trail is all of this and more.
Hiking the entire OT, one weekend at a time, was my new passion and fourteen months later it was done. Now what? Hike south to north next time? Through hike? My mind was thinking of ways to enjoy it again when injury and age foiled my plans. I finally had to admit that my days of banging out 18 miles on a Saturday were coming to an end…for now. It was more than a little disheartening to watch my friends continue their passion while I sat on the sidelines wondering if I would ever have another long day on the trail.
Instead, I scaled back and slowed down. I changed my thinking. I loaded up Jughead (my hiking dog) and discovered a new passion. Finding and photographing the amazing creatures that live along the Ozark Trail. I decided to look for a collared lizard on one of the most beautiful short hikes in Missouri: Taum Sauk Mountain trailhead to Mina Sauk falls. Jughead and I ambled along, moving slowly, stopping frequently and soaking in those amazing views…but no collared lizards.
Spotting the Collared Lizard
Then, during our longest break of the day, we noticed movement as we sat surrounded by the glades. It finally was happening! A collared lizard! Then another, and another as if they were being released for the day from some hidden collared lizard holding pen. These creatures appeared to be coming from under and around every rock in the glade! We succeeded by slowing down. They came to us. The best three mile hike of my life. I was hooked.
I’m not sure if any 18 mile days are in my future but I will forever be grateful for a passion that keeps me on the trail.
There are so many ways to feed your need for speed and adventure on the Ozark Trail. As for Jughead and me, we’ll be “Slowing It Down On The Ozark Trail.”
Thru-Hiking the Ozark Trail
Thru-hiking is defined as hiking the contiguous 230-mile backbone of the Ozark Trail in one trip. A thru-hike can begin at the Onondaga State Park and proceed southward to the Eleven Point Western trailhead, or move in the opposite direction from south to north. The Ozark Trail Association Trip Planner contains information on a thru-hike, including directions to Onondaga State Park and Eleven Point Western trailheads.
How can I discuss the Ozark Trail with other trail users when planning a thru-hike?
The OTA forum is a good way to discuss the trail with other users, and to inquire about particular aspects of the trail. There is a specific discussion for hikers along with other topics and uses. See our forum.
How can I find descriptions and other information about Ozark Trail sections?
Visit Explore the Trails for an overview of the sections. Trail section pages include maps, directions, and downloadable GPS (.gpx) and Google Earth (.kml) data.
What do I need to know about water sources on the OT?
Water is generally available along the trail. However, some sources may run dry during extended periods of drought. Plan accordingly and carry or cache water in case you are not able to find a source close by. Always treat any water for drinking and cooking along the trail. Specific water sources are indicated on Ozark Trail online and printed maps.
What are my options for resupply and services on an Ozark Trail thru-hike?
While the Ozark Trail doesn’t run directly through any towns, hikers may access options for resupply and services along the way, including the locales below. Please be aware that we make an effort to keep this information current. However, businesses and business conditions change, thus the information contained here is subject to change without the knowledge of the Ozark Trail Association.
Ozark Outdoors
Resort and Campground
200 Ozark Outdoor Lane
Leasburg, MO 65535
(573) 245-6837
Bass’ River Resort
Resort and Campground
204 Butts Rd.
Steelville, MO 65565
(800) 392-3700
Bixby County Store
Deli, Groceries, and Post Office
2.9 miles NW on County Road 79 to Highway 32 intersection, store directly across road
(573) 626-4868
Brushy Creek Lodge
Restaurant, Lodging, and Campground
5910 Highway J
Black, MO 65446
(573) 269-4743
Bunker, Missouri
Wood’s Dairette
Restaurant
1656 Highway 72
Bunker, MO 63629
(573) 689-2033
Bunker, MO Post Office
400 Oak Street
Bunker, MO 63629
(573) 689-2635
Bunker, MO Public Library
303 Main Street
Bunker, MO 63629
(573) 689-2718
Eminence, Missouri
Shady Lane Motel
509 N. Main Street
Eminence, MO 65446
(573) 226-3893
Eminence, MO Post Office
205 S. Main St.
Eminence, MO 65446
(573) 226-5520
Tim’s Food Mart
300 S. Main Street
Eminence, MO 65446
Eminence, MO Public Library
Basement of Court House, on Main Street
Eminence, MO 65446
Van Buren, Missouri
The Landing Motel
Next to Current River Bridge
(573) 323-8156
Blue Heron Restaurant
Next to Current River Bridge (in motel)
Van Buren, MO Post Office
307 W Oliver St
Van Buren, MO 63965
(573) 323-4703
G&W Foods
302 Olive Street
(573) 244-5594
Main Street Market
308 Main Street
Van Buren Coin Laundry
Main Street
(573) 996-1829
Van Buren Public Library
403 N. Ash Street
(573) 323-4315
Twelve Essentials for the Ozark Trail
No matter how long your trip or what the season, you should always take certain items along. Here are twelve essentials for hiking the Ozark Trail.
Water
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A map
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Rain jacket
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First aid kit
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Flashlight and fresh batteries
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Emergency blanket
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Food
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Compass
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Extra clothing
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Matches and additional fire starters
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Tent or other shelter
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Emergency whistle
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What is the Ozark Trail Adopt-A-Trail Program?
The Ozark Trail Association is powered by volunteers like our many trail adopters who form the core of our volunteer program. The Adopt-A-Trail program provides opportunities for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, equestrians, and outdoor enthusiasts alike to adopt and maintain a segment of the Ozark Trail. There are 14 sections of the Ozark Trail that span over 400 miles of trail across Missouri. Each section of the Ozark Trail is split up into segments for adoption that typically range from 1.5 miles to 5 miles in length.
Who can adopt a trail segment?
Anyone with an interest in trails and the outdoors is invited to help us maintain the rugged, natural beauty of the Ozark Trail. There is a great deal of satisfaction and pride in knowing that you are responsible for keeping the trail open for everyone to enjoy. Our adopters have included youth and church groups, scout troops, community/service organizations, local businesses, and trail running groups. We can work with your group to certify service hours. Many of our dedicated adopters also are families and groups of individuals who just enjoy getting out on the trail together.
What do adopters typically do?
Adopt-A-Trail volunteers are expected to go on at least three outings a year (or more!) to trim back vegetation growing into the trail corridor, remove sticks and debris from the trail surface, and submit regular reports on trail conditions and work accomplished. Other tasks may include trash clean-up and replacing missing trail markers. Additionally, you can work with us to host a volunteer outing or maintenance event on your trail segment. Adopters are not permitted to use chainsaws (unless they hold a current chain sawyer certification card from the U.S. Forest Service) or to construct trail reroutes without official approval from the land manager.
What type of training is involved?
No specific experience or training is required for adopters. Each adopter is provided with a handbook that overviews the basics of trail maintenance. If you are new to trail work, it is highly recommended that you sign up for one of our volunteer events to learn more about how to sustainably maintain trails. An experienced trail volunteer may also be able to meet up with you in the field for one-on-one training. There are other advanced training opportunities available throughout the year to include trails skills college, crew leader training, and U.S. Forest Service chain sawyer certification.
What equipment do I need?
A good pair of loppers and a hand saw are all that are needed to get started. Other tools that can be helpful include a weed trimmer for brushing heavy vegetation growth and a metal rake/hoe for clearing trail debris or light tread repair. It is recommended that you wear long pants, long sleeves, sturdy work boots, and leather gloves. Eye protection and a hard hat are additional safety items that may be required for some activities. We can make arrangements if you need to borrow any tools or safety equipment.
How do I sign up?
Email the Adopt-A-Trail Coordinator to inquire about which segments are available for adoption or with any other questions. To sign up, volunteer adopters are asked to sign an agreement form, verify they have read through the adopter handbook, and complete a volunteer liability waiver form for every participant in the group. We can email or mail these forms to you. Adopters will also receive a welcome packet that includes a trail map, markers and related information.
Wendy and her husband Jim Davis have been involved with the Ozark Trail Association for many years. Wendy’s life was changed after her first backpacking trip on the Ozark Trail. Her life was transformed after her experience on the trail and now she is regular competitor in many of the biggest trail biking races in the region and beyond.
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Rebecca Landewe works for the Nature Conservancy in Van Buren, Missouri but she is also a very active volunteer and partner with the Ozark Trail Association. She recently renovated a home in Van Buren near the river that was flooded in eight feet of water. She shared her experience with the flood of 2017 and why she loves the region, the rivers and the people that helped her endure this tragic event.
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Flooding is part of life in the Ozarks but in the spring of 2017, the Current and Jack’s Fork rivers rose higher than ever before. This film is about Manley Smith, a 97 year-old native of Van Buren, who survived the flood and sat down to share his story. As stewards of the Ozark Trail we have the pleasure of getting to know the people and communities of the Ozarks. We encourage our members, partners and friends to support these communities, outfitters and people of these beautiful areas of our state. Make sure to put Van Buren on your list to visit as they rebuild from this devastating flood.
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Ozark Trail Etiquette
Whether you’re sharing the outdoors with bikers, hikers, or riders, we put together some general trail etiquette guidelines for how to safely share the Ozark Trail with others.
- Keep groups small to limit your impact on the trail.
- Always pack out what you pack in.
- Travel on designated trails, do not cut switchbacks or take other shortcuts.
- Camp at least 100 feet from the trail and from water and scenic areas. Please leave your campsite so others won’t be able to tell that you have been there.
- Build a fire only if necessary. Do not encircle fires with rocks and do not build fires on the edges of bluffs, on glades or in caves. Be sure to clear the area of combustible material and make sure you drown the fire completely out with plenty of water before leaving the site.
- Bury all human waste at least 100 feet from the trail and from any water. Dig a hole 6-8 inches deep, and cover—the top layer of soil is alive with biological decomposers and they will do the rest of the work.
- Hikers should yield to cyclists and horses. Cyclists yield to horses.
Eminence, Missouri sits on the Jack’s Fork river just above the confluence of the Current and Jack’s Fork. The town was also affected by the floods of 2017. This film features many of the local people of Eminence and how they and many others from not only the state but the country banded together to get the town back on its feet. This film stands as a reminder of the spirit of the people of the Ozarks and how much they love to have folks visit and experience it with them.
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