Trans-America Trail — Gilbert to Heber Springs via the Ozark National Forest Interior
Ozark two-track the way Correro drew it.
Sam Correro mapped this stretch to keep you off pavement and it delivers exactly that — roughly 70 miles of Ozark National Forest two-track, gravel county roads, and bluff-hugging dirt above the Buffalo National River corridor. Starting from Gilbert on the Buffalo’s south bank, the route climbs out of the river valley onto forested ridgelines, drops through hollow after hollow, and eventually threads east toward Heber Springs and Greers Ferry Lake. The Buffalo River crossings — if the route takes you through the ford — are the moment of truth after spring rains. Check levels before you commit.
This segment is rated moderate on a dry day, but the clay-heavy Ozark soils turn into ice rink slop when wet, and some of the ledge roads get sporty with any moisture. A stock 4WD with decent all-terrain tires handles it fine in dry conditions, but run something with lockers available if you’re going in spring. Fuel in Gilbert is nonexistent — top off in Marshall or Heber Springs. Cell service disappears for long stretches. Best season is April through June before the humidity becomes its own obstacle, and again September through November when the hardwoods are burning color. Dispersed camping on National Forest land throughout the route.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 70 mi / 112.7 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2050 ft |
| Best season | April-June, September-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD with all-terrain tires |
| Nearest town | Marshall, AR |
| Land manager | Ozark–St. Francis National Forests (Buffalo Ranger District) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Buffalo National River Conditions |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Jeep Wrangler handle this section without any mods?
A stock 4WD with all-terrain tires is the minimum — bone-stock highway tires will get you into trouble on wet clay and loose creek-bottom gravel. Decent ground clearance helps on the ledge sections near the Buffalo River bluffs, but nothing here requires a lift if your tires are right.
What's the trail like in July and August?
Summer heat and humidity in the Arkansas Ozarks is brutal, and afternoon thunderstorms can turn clay two-track into a slip-and-slide fast. The creek crossings can also rise quickly after rain. Best to stick to April–June or September–November if you have a choice.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp overnight?
No permit required for the Ozark National Forest sections — dispersed camping is free and legal with standard Leave No Trace rules. If your route touches Buffalo National River corridor land, NPS regulations apply and some areas have specific camping restrictions, so check current conditions at the NPS link before you go.
What's the hardest section between Gilbert and Heber Springs?
The creek-bottom crossings and the narrow bluff-ledge two-track near the Buffalo River valley are the sketchiest spots — loose rock, off-camber shelf road, and no guardrails. Nothing technically extreme, but a moment of inattention on a wet ledge section will ruin your trip fast.
Is there anywhere to refuel along the route, or do I need to carry extra fuel?
There is no fuel between Gilbert and Heber Springs on this route — Marshall is your last realistic stop before you drop into the backcountry. At 70 miles of slow two-track, fuel burn is higher than highway driving, so top off in Marshall and carry a spare jug if your rig gets less than 200 miles on a tank off-road.
Trail track
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