St. Louis: Ozark Trail-Marble Creek

This 8.8-miler takes you deep into Ozark backcountry, where deer and turkey outnumber hikers.

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 14.2

Waypoints

MCT001

Location: 37.4512367248535, -90.5402755737305

Head across Hwy E; trail begins gradual climb

MCT002

Location: 37.4433898925781, -90.541877746582

Good rest spot; trail follows ridge

MCT003

Location: 37.4228324890137, -90.5682601928711

Trail heads S, joining old logging road

MCT004

Location: 37.418758392334, -90.5699768066406

Head back into the woods

MCT005

Location: 37.4189338684082, -90.5710220336914

Great lunch spot in glades

MCT006

Location: 37.4196319580078, -90.5884552001953

Cross gravel road

MCT007

Location: 37.4203414916992, -90.6024627685547

Cross creek; trail turns L. In the fall, mix up Indian lemonade from red sumac blossoms. Rinse flowers, boil in water, add sugar to taste

MCT008

Location: 37.4155654907227, -90.6060638427734

Turn R @ T-intersection

MCT009

Location: 37.4148368835449, -90.6093597412109

Trail enters woods. Swim in Crane Lake Creek or cast for bluegills before climbing granite slope

MCT010

Location: 37.4191017150879, -90.6137542724609

Great vista of Crane Lake

MCT011

Location: 37.4272193908691, -90.6260986328125

Parking lot @ Crane Lake; shuttle cars or return to trailhead