The 2026 Hare Mountain Hike-In, a celebration to commemorate the 1981 birth of the Ozark Highlands Trail Association, will be held November 7-8, 2026.

Get your gear ready, gather together your family members, call all of your friends, and start deciding on a great dish you can bring for a top-o’-the-mountain potluck. You might even give some thought to some of the tall tales you could share with all the folks who will join you around the campfire near the summit of Hare Mountain for this year’s Hike-In.

If you want to be a part of 2026’s special occasion, there are multiple locations from which to start your hike. However, the spot closest to where everyone will camp on Hare Mountain is the Hare Mountain/Morgan Field Trailhead (can be located on the Ozark Highlands Trail—West map available in OHTA’s online store). From there it is a mere 1.7 mile hike to the top.

There is plenty of room to camp, but be sure to pack in all the water you will need. Come one, come all. This is a perfect opportunity to introduce someone who is new to hiking to the spectacular beauty of the Ozark mountains and the unparalleled experience of primitive camping.