Ozark Trail: Eleven Point Section | Day 2
Ozark Trail Day 2: McCormack Lake to 3152 Trailhead
My Ozark Trail Through Hike Gear List
Day 2 of my Ozark Trail through hike took me from McCormack Lake campground to 3152 Trailhead, Mile 0 of the Eleven Point Section. I passed a beautiful bluff view of the Eleven Point River and crossed the lovely Hurricane Creek. The only disappointment was not being able to hike the River Route (Low Route) of the trail.
Eleven Point Section (Miles 12 to 0)
Day 2 - October 15, 2024
McCormack Lake to 3152 Trailhead
Rate: Difficult | Traffic: Low
Distance: 14.5mi | Elevation Gain: 2,000ft
View my route on AllTrails.
McCormack Lake to 3152 Trailhead
Departing from McCormack Lake Campground (which has a vaulted toilet BTW) the first 2 miles of trail climb to the top of a bluff which has a beautiful view of the Eleven Point River below. This was my first, and only, unobstructed view of the Eleven Point River along the trail. There’s a run down wooden picnic table which makes this spot a great location for a break. I took the opportunity to eat breakfast and enjoy the view. There isn’t a lot of space, but you could set up a 1 or 2-person tent for an excellent backcountry campsite.
The next 3 miles continue along the ridge paralleling the Eleven Point River until reaching your first major road crossing, MO-19, just before Greer Crossing Recreation Area. About a mile past Greer Crossing and I was presented with my first question of the through hike, to continue on the Upland Route (High Route) or the River Route (Low Route).
Deciding which route to take, Upland (High Route) or River (Low Route).
Eleven Point Section Upland (High Route)
The Upland Route (High Route) is the official Ozark Trail route. It continues through the woods for roughly 6 miles, weaving up and down through the various hills and hollows parallelling the Eleven Point River about a half-mile north before reaching Hurricane Creek. Because it’s the official OT route, it’s the path I chose to take.
The Upland (High Route) is the official Ozark Trail route.
Eleven Point Section River (Low Route)
The River Route (Low Route) follows the banks of the Eleven Point River for roughly 4 miles before reaching Hurricane Creek and reconnecting with the official OT trail. Being on the bank of the river I’m sure provides beautiful views the entire way. Plus it’s flat, but I’d imagine overgrown in sections. I wish I could have experienced the River Route as I’m sure it would have been visually more interesting, but I wanted to hike the official trail.
The reason the River Route isn’t the official Ozark Trail Route is simply because of its proximity to the river, it can be seasonally overgrown and is subject to flooding. But in October, I’m sure it would have been great! Oh well, it’s there for me to return to.
Hurricane Creek
Hurricane Creek
Hurricane Creek was my first major creek crossing of my through hike. I didn’t know what to expect since Missouri was in the middle of an uncharacteristically dry October. I reached a small pool of standing water which I thought was Hurricane Creek. That gave me pause as I didn’t like the idea of drinking that water, even with my water filter and treatment. Thankfully just a few hundred feet past the pool I came to the actual Hurricane Creek, which was running, and quite beautiful. This being my last water source before 3152 Trailhead, I filled up for the night and finished out the final 2-miles to the trailhead.
Pool before the actual Hurricane Creek.
Eleven Point Section 3152 Trailhead
Trailhead 3152 is really a parking lot, a parking lot that seemed to be primarily designed for equestrian trailers. There were several gravel parking bays just off FR-3152 with posts to tie up horses and picnic tables. There was one main fire ring in the center of the area so I set up my tent close by, built a fire, and settled in for the night.
Camping at the 3152 Trailhead parking area on the Ozark Trail Eleven Point Section.
Sitting at a picnic table at 3152 Trailhead parking lot.
Ozark Trail Eleven Point Section Review
My overall take away from the Eleven Point Section of the Ozark Trail was that I didn’t see the Eleven Point River all that much. Really only twice. The main points of interest along the 28.6-mile section of trail were: Bockman Spring, McCormack Lake, the bluff view of the Eleven Point River, and Hurricane Creek. Mostly, it was woods-walking.
Breakfast with a bluff view of the Eleven Point River.
That being said, I had completed my first section of the Ozark Trail. It felt good. I just didn’t have the patients yet for days on the trail. That would develop over time. Looking back, the Eleven Point Section was a great introduction to Missouri’s Ozark Trail!
End of Ozark Trail Day 2 portrait.
Ozark Trail Missouri
The Ozark Trail contains over 430 miles of trail divided into 14 mostly connected sections throughout southeast Missouri. The established thru-hike covers 8 of the connected sections and runs from Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg, roughly 84 miles southwest of St. Louis, to the Eleven Point Terminus near Thomasville, 23 miles north of the Arkansas border. Throw in the off-shoot Taum Sauk Section and you have nearly 300 miles of thru-hikeable trail.