Location of the Ozark Highlands

The Ozark Highlands (also called the Ozark Plateau or Ozark Mountains) are a major physiographic region in the Central United States, spanning four states:

• Arkansas — largest portion (Boston Mountains, Springfield Plateau, Salem Plateau).
• Missouri — southern half of state (Mark Twain National Forest, Lake of the Ozarks).
• Oklahoma — northeastern corner (Ozark foothills, Grand Lake).
• Kansas — extreme southeastern corner (Cherokee County).

Geologic Context

• Underlain by the Ozark Dome — a broad, asymmetric uplift of Paleozoic carbonates (limestone, dolomite) and sandstones.
• Bounded north by the Missouri River / Osage Plains; south by the Ouachita Mountains (distinct orogeny); west by the Great Plains; east by the Mississippi Alluvial Plain.
• Karst topography: caves (Blanchard Springs, Marvel), springs (Mammoth Spring, 9M gal/day), losing streams.

Ecology & Use

• Oak-hickory-pine forest; high endemism (salamanders, crayfish, plants).
• Recreation: Buffalo National River, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, hiking (Ozark Highlands Trail 350+ mi), fishing, hunting.
• Economy: Tourism, timber, poultry, lead/zinc mining (Viburnum Trend), retirement migration.

The Ozarks are a cultural region too—distinct dialect, music, craft traditions (whittling, quilting).