The Ozarks: A Physiographic Region Across Four States
The Ozark Mountains (more accurately, the Ozark Plateau) span ~122,000 km² across four U.S. states.
State Breakdown
| State | % of Region | Key Subregions | Major Cities |
|---|
| Missouri | ~55% | Saint Francois Mts (igneous core), Salem Plateau, Springfield Plateau | Springfield, Branson, Joplin |
| Arkansas | ~35% | Boston Mts (highest), Arkansas Valley, Ouachita fringe | Fayetteville, Bentonville, Eureka Springs |
| Oklahoma | ~5% | Northeast corner (Ozark Plateau extension) | Tulsa metro fringe, Miami |
| Kansas | <1% | Extreme SE corner (Cherokee County) | Galena, Baxter Springs |
Geology & Topography
- Not true mountains: Dissected plateau—horizontal Paleozoic strata (limestone, dolomite, sandstone, chert) incised by rivers.
- Highest point: Buffalo Lookout, AR (781 m / 2,561 ft).
- Karst: 8,000+ caves (Blanchard Springs, Marvel), springs, losing streams, sinkholes.
- Rivers: White, Buffalo, Current, Jacks Fork, Eleven Point, Osage (Lake of the Ozarks), Missouri (northern edge).
Ecology & Economy
- Oak-hickory-pine forest; high endemism (cave species, hellbender salamander).
- Tourism: Branson (3M+ visitors), Buffalo National River (first National River), Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
- Timber, lead/zinc mining (Viburnum Trend), poultry, beef, retirement migration.
Wanderlust World