Location: South from Rolla on Hwy 63 to West Plains then 15-miles west on Hwy CC. This trail is adjacent to and north of the Devil's Backbone Wilderness. The North Fork Campground/Recreation Area is a trailhead for both areas.

Distance: The Ridge Runner Trail is 22 miles long and extends from Noblett Lake at the north terminus to the North Fork Recreation Area at the south terminus. There are also two hiking loops besides the 22 mile trail, an 8 mile trail around Noblett Lake, and a 12.1 mile trail in the Steam Mill Hollow area just north of the North Fork Recreation Area. The trail can also be combined with the trails in the Devils Backbone Wilderness for extended trips.

Water: Drinking water is available from April 15 to October 15 at North Fork and Noblett Lake recreations areas. Water from any streams must be treated due to high bacteria levels. Water sources along the trail are limited and scarce in dry weather.

Parking: Overnight parking is available at four locations: Noblett Recreation Area, one-mile west on forest road 857 from Hwy AP; Horton trailhead on Hwy 107 3.3-miles from Noblett trailhead; Blue Hole Trailhead/Picnic area located 1/4 west of Hwy AP (8-miles south, trailwise from Noblett Lake); and North Fork Recreation Area/Campground on Hwy CC.

Comments: This trail will lead you through a part of the Missouri Ozarks known for its beauty and limestone karst topography. 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.

Maps: An access map can be obtained from the Willow Springs Ranger District, P.O. Box 99, Willow Springs, MO 65793 (417-469-3155) or from the Rolla Supervisor's Office, Mark Twain National Forest by calling 573-364-4621. Quad Sheets: The District Ranger office can give you the 7-1/2 minute quad names.