2026 UPDATES
Due to declining team numbers, and a more hassle free registration process we have decided to do away with the designated TEAM portions of this event. That said we HIGHLY encourage you to twist all your friends arms to join you in our event. This allows folks to no longer have to finish alongside or wait for teammate to get final finish time.
Additionally, we have all intentions to maintain the basic aid station we had the opportunity to host mid course last year again going forward. We still ask you to plan to carry all water and nutritional needs, but this is an added 'Luxury" we are fortunate to offer everyone!
Event Details
The Devil’s Toll Gate is a 13-mile event across one of the most scenic & rugged landscapes Missouri’s Ozark Trail has to offer. The event traverses from the highest point in Missouri, Taum Sauk Mountain, down past the beautiful Mina Sauk falls and thru the rock formation known as the Devils’ Toll Gate before again climbing over and around Proffit and Wildcat Mountains with a tricky descent past the famous Scour of Taum Sauk reservoir, finishing with an amazing Black river crossing at Johnson Shut-ins State Park.
Prepare to traverse a rough and rugged portion of Ozark Trail where 1,400’ of elevation over 13ish miles may seem like a cake walk, but fear not there is enough rock to keep you rolling, enough hills to keep you panting, a few turns to keep you thinking and when rhythm comes to your stride prepare to lose it again as the rocky and technical terrain will let you know that won’t be happening often!
Prepare for a gorgeous course with some of the most amazing vistas, history and flora/fauna galore. We take you thru the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in an attempt to really put you “out there”
Participant Pre Race Packet - To be Updated
Requirements
This is NOT an easy/beginners hike/run and participants should be prepared adequately. It is recommended all participants have completed at least a 7+ mile distance of rugged, rocky, technical terrain. Basic navigational skills and ability to traverse steep topography is highly encouraged. If at anytime prior to you beginning the course we reserve the right to remove you from participation if we deem you are not prepared adequately.
This could include physically and/or proper gear/supplies to complete this distance.
There is limited cell service in this region. On-course communications will be spotty at best, typically AT&T works the best.This is a rugged and remote area of wilderness and the following are a few suggested items to carry while on course:
- Bug spray / basic first aid
- Strong trail running shoes / hiking boots with strong tread highly encouraged
- Trekking poles / hiking sticks
- Food and electrolyte drinks(enough to sustain the duration of the event and extra)
- 1L or more of water either in hydration pack/belt or handhelds. 2L+ is HIGHLY encourage for ALL hikers or those taking 6+ hours
- Water filtering is limited, primarily in the first 5 miles
The concept of this event is minimalist in nature and is a fundraiser for the Ozark Trail Association. We expect anyone participating in this event to understand that this is potentially the toughest course around and race officials deem the right to prohibit participation if deemed unprepared.
Race Rules
- No pets allowed in the race
- Hikers are asked to remain at hiking speed up to brisk walk but not including running strides.
- No participant should begin BEFORE the pre race meeting at the summit/start line
- We practice and require everyone to practice in “No Trace left behind” policy while using the trails
- Please engage in fair play and safe practices while keeping the spirit of competition in mind, should there be complaints of unsportsmanlike happenings it may be investigated by race officials and/or the OTA
- All participants must ride the shuttle to the start line
- No Smoking/vaping on the shuttles/on course
* No Refunds of registration fees, deferrals or transfers. Thanks for your support of the OTA!
Packet Pickup/Shuttles/Times
Course & Packet Pickup Google Map
We will be at the gravel lot at the entrance to Johnson Shut Ins campground on Friday October 2nd 5pm-7:30pm
- Race day Packet Pickup: Oct. 3rd at 5:45a-6:50a for Hikers & 7:30a-8:50a for Runners at the Johnson Shut Ins Black River Visitor Center, which is also where shuttles will be loaded.
- Hike Race
Shuttles leave promptly at 7am
Race begins at 8am
- Run Race
Shuttles leave promptly at 9am
Race begins at 10am
- Cutoff for all races 4pm (8 hours for hikers/ 6 hours for runners) course sweepers will trail the event to be sure all participants are off course.
- ALL participants MUST check-in at the start line prior to race start.
Camping
We recommend using the Johnson's Shut-Ins Camping options if you are looking to camp for the weekend. We are offering a group campsite option as an add on to register. It is $2 per person per night offered for Friday and/or Saturday nights. Space is limited to 50, so register and add to your registration early!
Johnson Shut Ins Campground
The camping option is an open space w/o fire rings, but has a vault toilet nearby. Additionally it has gravel parking for car camping or your tent space. No Hookups.
Awards and Swag
TBA for the first X participants registered by 9/19/26
Custom Commemorative patches for all finishers
The Purpose
All Devil’s Toll Race proceeds benefit the Ozark Trail Association (OTA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, whose mission is to develop, maintain, preserve, promote, and protect the rugged, natural beauty of the Ozark Trail, a 400+ mile National Recreation Trail.
The OTA is the only nonprofit volunteer group that’s specific mission is to take care of the Ozark Trail. The organization was incorporated and held its first construction outing in December 2002. Today, the OTA is recognized as the premier backcountry trail organization in the state of Missouri and the Ozark Trail is one of the 20 longest backcountry trails in the country.
For more information please visit:
Course
The course is marked in a red blaze the initial mile before turning right and following the traditional OT blazes the remaining duration. There may be occasional directionals at bigger intersections on course
Here is the GPX file for the course: Devil's Toll!
Event's current local time: 9:28 PM CT
