Trail enthusiasts and endurance athletes alike will soon benefit from significant improvements to the iconic Trail of Four Winds at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. These upgrades will enhance the trail experience for participants in the Lake of the Ozarks Endurance Runs, including the LOZ Traverse and Trail of Four Winds 25K, as well as all park visitors who use these trails for recreation.

The project, which will improve approximately 14 miles of the Trail of Four Winds, including both the north and south loops, is a collaborative effort between Branches for the Lake (branchesforthelake.org) and Lake of the Ozarks State Park. AmeriCorps NCCC Southwest Region will be providing critical labor support, including a small reroute, trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and other essential tasks to ensure the success of this project. The work is expected to be completed by December 13, 2024, with the goal of enhancing the trail’s accessibility, safety, and beauty for all users.

“Whether you’re an endurance athlete or someone just out for a peaceful hike, these improvements will make a real difference. It’s an investment in the long-term health of our trails, and we’re excited to see how these efforts benefit the entire Lake of the Ozarks region,” says John Shelby, race director of the Lake of the Ozarks Endurance Runs and owner of Ha Ha Racing Events.

These upgrades are especially timely for the Lake of the Ozarks Endurance Runs, a popular event organized by Ha Ha Racing Events. The event, scheduled for May 3, 2025, will feature three exciting races: the Wandering Bobcat 5 Miler, the Trail of Four Winds 25K, and the challenging LOZ Traverse — a 32-mile run combined with three miles of paddling. The Trail of Four Winds 25K race and LOZ Traverse course will directly benefit from these improvements.

“A shoutout to Branches for the Lake, Lake of the Ozarks State Park, and to the young men and women with the AmeriCorps NCCC Southwest Region who will be in the trenches getting the work done,” says Shelby. “We’re thrilled to see these trail enhancements coming to fruition, especially as we prepare for the 2025 Lake of the Ozarks Endurance Runs. These improvements will not only make the course more enjoyable for runners, but also ensure that our beautiful trails are well maintained for the entire community.”

The Lake of the Ozarks Endurance Runs is a premier event for outdoor enthusiasts in Missouri and throughout the country. Registration for all races is available on UltraSignup.com, where participants can also make a donation to support Magic Dragon Trails, Ha Ha Racing Events’ non-profit partner dedicated to creating and maintaining multi-user trails in the region. Ha Ha Racing Events matches each donation dollar-for-dollar up to $2,500 per calendar year.

To learn more about the Lake of the Ozarks Endurance Runs and to register for the event, visit UltraSignup.com and search for Lake of the Ozarks Endurance Runs.

Top image: Nick Gosset.