The landscape varies from gently rolling to very steep terrain with rock outcrops and bluffs. The trail is open to hiking, horseback riding, and mountian biking. The portion of the trail from Blue Hole Trail Head to North Fork is a dual trail with the Ozark Trail unamed western section that has not been completed as yet. Spring and fall are the best times to use the trail. Mild periods in the winter are also good.
Summers tend to be sweltering.
The trail crosses south-facing slopes which can be quite hot. This part of Missouri is also subject to tornados and flash flooding. Be careful of high water - the North Fork trailhead has been flooded before.