Ozark National Scenic Riverways: 1st Time Visitor Guide
Tucked away in southern Missouri lies one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets (until recently), Ozark National Scenic Riverways. This breathtaking region is home to spring-fed rivers, towering bluffs, deep caves, and lush forests that are perfect for outdoor adventure. Whether you’re paddling down the Current River, exploring hidden springs, or hiking quiet woodland trails, this guide will help first-time visitors plan the ultimate trip to the Ozarks.
Overview
Established in 1964 as the first national park area to protect a river system, Ozark National Scenic Riverways includes the Current River and Jacks Fork River. Together, they form a haven for kayaking, tubing, fishing, and hiking. Visitors will find scenic drives, historic mills, wildlife viewing opportunities, and clear-blue springs that appear almost surreal in their beauty.
- Location: Southeastern Missouri
- Established: 1964
- Rivers protected: Current River and Jacks Fork River
- Open: Year-round
Photos
How to Get There
Nearest Airports:
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL): 2.5 hours away (see flight deals)
- Springfield–Branson National Airport (SGF): 2 hours away (see flight deals)
By Car: The park is most easily accessed by car. Main entrances are near towns like Van Buren, Eminence, and Salem, Missouri. U.S. Route 60 and State Route 19 are the primary roads through the park. A GPS or offline map is highly recommended, as service can be limited in the backcountry.
Best Times to Visit
- Spring (April–June): Water levels are ideal for floating, and wildflowers bloom across the valleys.
- Fall (September–October): Fewer crowds and stunning fall foliage.
- Summer (July–August): Popular for swimming and tubing but expect more visitors.
- Winter (December–February): Quiet and peaceful, but limited access to water-based activities.
10 Best Things to Do
For starters, I highly recommend this Tripadvisor page on the area as it showcases the top recommendations from other visitors, but here’s the list:
- Float the Current River – Canoe, kayak, or tube the crystal-clear waters.
- Explore Alley Mill – A striking red grist mill set against the turquoise waters of Alley Spring.
- Visit Blue Spring – One of the deepest springs in the U.S., glowing with electric-blue hues.
- Check out Round Spring Cave – Guided summer tours to Round Spring Cave explore the park’s karst terrain.
- Fish for smallmouth bass – The rivers are a fly-fishing paradise.
- Swim at Big Spring – Missouri’s largest spring and a refreshing swimming hole.
- Wildlife watch near Echo Bluff – Deer, wild turkeys, and river otters are common.
- Drive the Ozark Trail Scenic Byway – Beautiful views, overlooks, and historic markers.
- Visit Rocky Falls – A natural shut-in waterfall with a swimming area.
- Camp riverside under the stars – The park offers both developed and backcountry camping options.
Best Hikes (Beginner–Advanced)
Beginner:
- Alley Spring Trail (1 mile loop) – Easy walk around the iconic mill and spring.
- Big Spring Trail (1 mile) – Scenic stroll with views of the largest spring in the park.
Moderate:
- Round Spring Trail (2.5 miles) – Wooded trail with access to caves and river views.
- Chubb Hollow Trail (3.5 miles) – Quiet and less trafficked trail with diverse terrain.
Advanced:
- Ozark Trail (Current River Section) – 30+ miles of rugged terrain with rewarding views.
- Stegall Mountain via Brushy Creek Trail – Backcountry hiking with steep sections and bluff views.
5 Hidden Gems
- Jam Up Cave – Only accessible by river, this towering cave entrance is perfect for photos.
- Welch Spring Ruins – Paddle or hike to the remains of an abandoned hospital near a vibrant spring.
- The Devil’s Well – A deep, vertical sinkhole cave with an underground lake.
- Klepzig Mill – A little-known historic site tucked away on Rocky Creek.
- Bee Bluff – A remote cliffside with dramatic river views and peaceful solitude.
1–5 Day Sample Itinerary
Day 1:
- Arrive in Eminence, MO
- Visit Alley Mill and Spring
- Camp at Alley Spring Campground
Day 2:
- Full-day float from Akers Ferry to Pulltite
- Explore Welch Spring ruins
- Dinner in Eminence
Day 3:
- Hike Round Spring Trail
- Tour Round Spring Cave (seasonal)
- Visit Blue Spring and drive scenic byways
Day 4:
- Visit Devil’s Well and Jam Up Cave
- Stop by Rocky Falls for swimming and photos
- Camp at Two Rivers
Day 5:
- Morning hike to Klepzig Mill
- Pack up and head home
Packing List
For the following list of things to bring, you can get most of them on my Amazon store page:
- Water shoes or sandals
- Dry bag for valuables
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Refillable water bottles
- Binoculars for wildlife watching
- Swimwear and quick-dry clothes
- Hiking boots
- Map or offline GPS app
- Headlamp (for caves)
- Layers for unpredictable weather
Where to Stay
- Campgrounds: Alley Spring, Pulltite, Round Spring, and Big Spring (both RV and tent)
- Lodging/hotels: Closest hotels near Ozark Scenic Riverways
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cell service is limited – Download maps and guides beforehand.
- Rivers can be unpredictable – Check current river levels before floating.
- Leave no trace – Respect wildlife and pack out all trash.
- Reservations – Book campsites early in peak seasons.
- Weather shifts quickly – Be prepared for rain or heat, especially in summer.
- No park entrance fee, but fees may apply for tours or cave access.
Related
Final Thoughts
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the kind of place that sneaks up on you with its raw beauty and peaceful vibe. It may not be the most famous park in the country, but for paddlers, hikers, and nature lovers looking for an off-the-beaten-path escape, it offers an unforgettable experience. Whether you stay a day or a week, you’ll leave feeling reconnected with nature, and maybe already planning your next float down the Current River.
