If you’re looking for a place to trade neon lights for starlight and traffic noise for the calls of coyotes and barred owls, then look no further than the Ozark Trail Customer Service This rugged path is brimming with natural wonders that are sure to take your breath away, and it’s also a fantastic workout. Read on for all the details you need to know about hiking this lesser-traveled trail that will rekindle your love for nature.
In the 1915-1926 timeframe before numbered highways became the norm in the United States, there were a number of named roads that traveled across the country, one of which was the Ozark Trail (OT). Cyrus Avery, who later helped establish the country’s system of numbered highways, was involved in organizing the OT route through Oklahoma and Texas, much of which ended up becoming U.S. Route 66.
The trail was designed as a means of transporting goods and people over long distances and it was often the main route for travelers heading to new destinations. As such, it was a huge benefit to the towns and villages through which it passed. A major reason for this was the railroads that ran through most of the trail’s towns and cities, helping bring in business and establishing an economic base.
There are still many opportunities to hike the OT today. Many of its sections are open year-round and it’s relatively easy to find maps and information online. You can also visit the OT website for the latest trail news, safety tips and more.
To get a taste of the OT’s history, head over to Kellyville to check out the historic Rock Creek Bridge, which is a popular photo-op for anyone traveling Route 66. Then it’s a short drive to Sapulpa, where the OT begins just before you reach the intersection of Route 66 and Taft Ave.
From here you can follow the OT south as it winds through the town of Bristow and then heads west toward Stroud. If you’re lucky, you might come upon the only two original obelisks that still stand in Oklahoma. These tall, four-sided structures were the precursors to the mile markers we all recognize today and they displayed the name of the nearest town and its distance from the trail.
The obelisk in Stroud is located off of 3540 Road/26th Street and was recently refreshed by Route 66 enthusiasts. While you’re in the area, be sure to stop at Freddie’s BBQ and Steakhouse for an expertly-prepared steak. The menu includes unique side dishes like tabouli and cabbage rolls as well, so there’s something to please everyone in your party.