6 Must See Spots in Missouri’s Ozark Scenic Riverways
Deep in southern Missouri, visitors can drive winding backroads to discover stunningly beautiful natural landscapes. The spring-fed and free-flowing Current and Jack’s Fork Rivers flow through this region and are protected as part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. This national park unit is less well known than some of the big name parks out west, but it still visited by over 1.2 million people annually. While paddling on the river is the most popular activity in this region, there are six scenic spots that are a must see for families with no water access required.
Alley Spring
The Alley Spring Mill is one of the most photographed spots in the Ozarks. The contrast of historic red mill against the turquoise blue spring waters is postcard perfect.
The mill was first constructed in 1893 and is located just west of Eminence. The adjacent Alley Spring provided a constant water power source with its average flow of 81 million gallons a day. The mill became the center of a small community. Today, only the mill and the one room schoolhouse remain.
Activities and amenities
Tour the Mill – While some of the mill is not open due to COVID, you can still view the main level of the mill and the equipment. You can stamp your National Parks passport books or buy a souvenir. The doors of the one room school are often open as well to take a peek inside this historic schoolhouse.
The mill is typically open 9-5 Mon-Thurs, and until 7 p.m. on weekends Memorial Day to Labor Day
Hiking – The mill itself can be viewed by walking along a short paved path from the parking area and over a footbridge. The 1/3 mile Spring Branch trail starts behind the mill and circles around the spring pond. The trail used to make a full loop until severe flooding in 2017 damaged the footbridge. A new pedestrian bridge is under construction but for now this is an out and back hike.
The 1.5 mile Overlook Trail also starts behind the mill. This trail is more rugged and climbs above the bluffs for a great view from above of the mill and spring.
Picnic Areas – There is a nice picnic area near the main parking area.
Restrooms – Located both near the main parking lot and at the picnic area.
Camping – Alley Spring has a campground with both sites for tents and RVs.
Big Spring
Located near Van Buren, Big Spring is the most impressive of all of Missouri’s Springs. One of the largest springs in the whole country, Big Spring pumps out an average of 286 million gallons a day.
Big Spring became one of Missouri’s first state parks before joining the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps established a camp at Big Spring. The CCC performed extensive infrastructure work on the park. The CCC also constructed a beautiful stone and log dining lodge and cabins that still stand today. The lodge and cabins are undergoing a multi-year extensive renovation project with a tentative completion date of 2022.
Activities and amenities
Hiking – There quite a few trails around Big Spring. The wheelchair and stroller friendly 1.2 mile Slough Trail starts just north of the spring and connects to the 1.8 mile Rivers Edge Trail. The Spring Branch Trail is a popular 1 mile loop around the spring. For views from above the spring, try the 1.2 mile Stone Ridge Trail. If you want a longer hike, there are several more trails to choose from.
Picnic Areas – There are several pavilions around Big Spring as well as numerous picnic tables.
Restrooms can be found scattered throughout.
Camping – Big Spring has a campground with both sites for tents and RVs.
River access is available near the campground.
Blue Spring
Blue Spring was called “Spring of the Summer Sky” by Native Americans and its easy to see why. At over 310 feet deep, the spring emerges into a pool of water so vivid in color that is has to be seen to be believed.
Blue Spring takes a little more effort to reach than the other springs. The trail to the spring is located at the end of county road 535 off Highway 106, east of Eminence. The gravel county road is 2.5 miles long. It has one steep section and is not recommended for RVs. The road is generally well graded and passable in a car though.
Activities and amenities
Hiking – The trail to the spring is easy and a short 1/4 mile long. There is a small and shallow stream to cross over rocks or a log and a couple of rocky sections, but the trail is flat. An additional path continues 1/2 to the Powder Mill campground.
Picnic Area – There are several picnic tables near the parking area.
Restrooms – A vault toilet is located at the parking area.
Rocky Falls
Located off NN east of Eminence, Rocky Falls is the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy some water play. This scenic waterfall tumbles 40′ down exposed rock to a pool below. Water levels can vary depending on rainfall levels.
Activities and amenities
Hiking – There are several unmarked trails that wander around the falls area. Many people like to climb up the rocks of the waterfall, but use extreme caution here especially with kids. The Ozark Trail connects from the falls to other rocky shut-ins and an old mill 6 miles further upstream.
Picnic Areas – There are picnic tables and benches near the water.
Restrooms – Vault toilets available.
Round Spring
Round Spring is located about 15 miles north of Eminence, just off highway 19. This spring has an average daily flow of 26 million gallons. The spring emerges into a beautiful circular pool before flowing under a natural bridge to join the Current River.
Activities and amenities
Hiking – A 1/3 mile wheelchair accessible trail leads to the spring and an overlook platform. Additional trails including the Ozark Trail are located on the other side of the Current River.
Picnic Areas – There is a picnic pavilion and picnic tables near the parking area.
Restrooms – Located near the parking area.
Camping – There is a campground for tents and RVs. Electric and water sites are limited.
Boating – There are several different canoe and boat launches located around Round Spring. There is also a canoe rental business along the highway just north of Round Spring.
Cave Tour – The Round Spring area also has a beautiful natural cave. Park Rangers normally conduct two hour lantern tours of this cavern, however, tours are on hold for 2021 due to COVID. There is normally a small fee for the tours.
Welch Spring
With an average flow of 78 million gallons a day, Welch Spring is a beautiful place to visit. Located near Akers off Highway K, the spring tumbles over rock debris on its way to the Current River. What makes this spring even more unique are the hospital ruins built right over the spring.
In 1913 an Illinois doctor named C.H. Diehl bought Welch Spring for $800. He believed the spring water and cool air emerging from the adjacent cave had healing properties for a variety of illnesses including tuberculosis. Dr. Diehl expanded his health resort to include cabins, a campground, and a show cave. Unfortunately, the difficulty in traveling to this remote area of Missouri at the time led to the resort failing to become a success. Once the doctor passed away in 1940, the hospital fell into ruin.
Activities and amenities
Hiking – The spring can be viewed by taking a flat and easy 0.5 mile path each way. The trail leads from the parking area along the river to the spring. You can view the spring and see the hospital ruins from the end of the trail, but you will be on the opposite side of the water from the ruins.
Things to know about the Riverways
- Cell service is spotty. Be sure to have a printed or downloaded map of the area.
- Keep up to date on closures of buildings, trails, and roads on the park’s website or Facebook page.
- You can find a list of various other trails in the national park here.
- Swimming or wading is not allowed in any of the springs. Keep a close on children around the springs and rivers.
- As always be sure to pack out what you bring in or use park trash receptacles.
Places to Stay
The Ozark Scenic Riverways spans a large area. There are numerous stay options including campgrounds, hotels, cabins. One of our favorite accommodations in the area is Echo Bluff State Park. This state park is located just north of Round Spring and features a beautiful lodge, cabins, and campground.
The park features several hiking trails, a splash play area, a restaurant, and a shallow and clear creek perfect for the whole family.
Places to Eat
A large portion of the Ozark Riverways is located in more remote and rural areas where food options are limited. Bringing along a picnic lunch and plenty of snacks are recommended. You can also find several great food choices in the towns of Eminence and Van Buren. We have particularly enjoyed J&B’s Family Restaurant, the Dairy Shack, and Dos Rios in Eminence. The Creekside Grill at Echo Bluff State Park is also a great option.
Have you ever visited the Ozark Scenic Riverways?
2 Comments
St. Louis Retaining Walls
This post is a fantastic introduction to exploring the beauty of the Ozark Scenic Riverways! The photos are stunning, and it’s helpful to have a curated list of must-see spots, especially for first-time visitors. The suggestion to rent a kayak for a closer look at the caves sounds particularly adventurous.
Sara
Thank you! I wanted to provide a great reference for anyone that wishes to visit the area.