15 th. Annual Ozark Trail Trip !

Hostelling International/American Youth Hostels (HI/AYH), in conjunction with the Ozark Trail Council, will be leading a one week backpacking trip on the Ozark Trail.  The dates are Saturday October 11th, 2003 to Sunday  October 19th., 2003.  This is the 15th year of the Gateway Councils week-long backpacking adventure.

Explore the beauty of the Ozark Trail on this seven day walk through southern Missouri.  Participants will encounter spectacular scenery, cool nights and warm days.  We will travel through the diverse natural communities that make the central Ozarks a unique area.  Beaver dams, deer, turkey, red-tailed hawks and wild flowers are frequently seen.  Imagine cooling your feet in crystal clear waters or relaxing by a warm fire on a moonlit night.  The first hint of fall colors will be appearing and sleep will be serenaded by Barred owls.

Cost for the trip is $175.00 for a full week and $90.00 for a half week. ( $185.00 and $100.00 for non members ). Included are transportation from St. Louis, Motel Room (Full Week), trail shuttle, experienced leaders, T-shirt, Ozark Trail Patch, maps, information packet, itinerary and the evening meal on Saturday October 12th.  A $50.00 deposit is required and the balance is due by the deadline of October 1st.  Registration after October 1st.will incur  late fee.  HI/AYH is a non-profit organization. 50% of all proceeds will be donated to the Ozark Trail Council maintenance of the trail.

The difficulty of this trip is variable as all types of terrain are covered.  We will average 7-8 miles each day for total of  around 50 miles.  The number of participants is limited and we recommend that you register early.  Participants can drive separately to the trailhead.  We will have a midweek break on Wednesday evening and go to the Motel after finishing the First section.    The motel is included in the cost of the trip for full week backpackers.  We will start the Second section on Thursday morning. Anyone going for a half week will be responsible for there own transportation to and from their home. We will assist you in finding someone for you to  carpool with.

This Year Will Be The Taum Sauk Section And The Karkaghne Section Of The Trail !!

Refund Policy:

Full Refund if cancellation is made more than 30 days prior to the event.

Half Refund if cancellation is between 14 and 30 days of the event.

No refund within two weeks of the event unless as a result of a documented medical emergency.