Ozark Trail: Between the Rivers to Big Spring Spur

With an average daily water discharge rate of 276 Million gallons of water and the largest spring in Missouri it is easy to see how Big Spring got its name. Located in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, this spring and over 20 other springs nearby feed the Current River in Southeast Missouri. The spring flows from three outlets at high flow.  Churning out beautiful aqua-blue water (caused by...

Rocky Falls are located only a short hike away from the parking lot. The swimming hole is also popular, and the adventurous can climb up to the rock face to reach the top of the falls.

If you were to place the Statue of Liberty in Blue Spring, the torch of the monument would still be 5 feet below the surface. As part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Blue Spring is a must see and pinnacle of the nature preserve. The 6th largest spring in Missouri with water discharge at an average of 90 million gallons per day, Blue Spring helps feed the Current River with a year round ...

Alley Spring is the seventh largest spring in Missouri. It is known to extend at least 3000 feet into the hillside and has a known depth of 155 feet. Water surfacing here is known to begin its journey 15 miles away near the town of Summersville as rain enters sinkholes and then travels through many cave systems of limestone. Then after a half mile journey on the spring branch creek, the water e...

The Shut-Ins Trailhead is located located next to the River Store in the Johnson Shut-Ins State Park day use area.   Simply follow the paved trail for 0.3 miles to the boardwalk and viewing deck.  Here you’ll find stairs accessing the Shut-Ins.   Take your time exploring the unique rock formations spreading across the Black River.  The trail to the observation deck is family friendly and handic...

The hike begins with a paved trail leading to a plaque marking the highest point in Missouri.  Although there is no view here it is still a fun spot to take a picture. Continue back on the main trail until you reach the junction marked by the backcountry camping registration box. Turn right at the junction to hike a counterclockwise loop. The trail slowly descends through the woods.  As you con...