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A June 2006 trip to Ozark by Jose Kevo

Natural Highlights Photo - Blue Spring, Ozark, Missouri

Quote: Show you the Show Me State's best natural treasure? Look no further than The Ozark National Scenic Riverways; the National Park you've never heard of!

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Overview

The sign says it all... Photo - Ozark, Missouri

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Tucked away in the bosom of Missouri, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways are draped along the Current and Jack's Fork rivers. When travelers need recommendations for passing through my neck of the woods, I never hesitate mentioning these hidden treasures. Especially, if they're prone towards outdoor recreation, historical significance, or have esteem for nature. Brochures herald that "The Current River is the nation's number one float stream....Read More

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Pulltite Campground

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Hotel

Breakfast Burritos Photo - Pulltite Campground, Ozark, Missouri

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Whatever part of the river you choose to float should determine location of where you decide to stay, especially for campers. Pulltite Campground served our purpose with convenient access to the Upper Current. This is one of seven riverside facilities maintained by the National Park Services.Pulltite has 55 individual campsites and three group settings which are limited to 45 persons per site. The campground is geared for tent campers, though trailers and motorhomes are welcome. There is no dump station. Campsites are spacious and come with picnic table and fire pit. The attached-grill had adjustable leve...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 2, 2006

Pulltite Campground
Route Ee, 4-miles Off Highway 19
Ozarks, Missouri
(877) 444-6667

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Ozark National Scenic Riverways

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Hotel | "Akers Ferry to Pulltite float"

Cave Spring Photo - Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

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Our float between Akers Ferry and Pulltite campground was a perfect introduction to canoeing on the Upper Current. The course extends approximately 10-miles, and can be completed anywhere between 3 to 6 hours. Depending upon experience determines whether this segment would be considered moderate or easy.The river is mostly narrow and shallow through this section which increases speed of the current. Minimal steering was required to keep from getting swept under low-lying limbs, and for navigating sharp bends. Otherwise, drifting with little directional effort is quite manageable....Read More

Our float between Akers Ferry and Pulltite campground was a perfect introduction to canoeing on the Upper Current. The course extends approximately 10-miles, and can be completed anywhere between 3 to 6 hours. Depending upon experience determines whether this segment would be considered moderate or easy.

The river is mostly narrow and shallow through this section which increases speed of the current. Minimal steering was required to keep from getting swept under low-lying limbs, and for navigating sharp bends. Otherwise, drifting with little directional effort is quite manageable.

Floaters won't be disappointed by how this portion lives up to billing of Scenic Riverway. The Missouri Ozarks absolutely shimmered against a clear-blue sky. Intermittent breaks in the densely timbered banks give way to sheer bluffs. The adventurous will find clearings at the bases for docking to explore along beaten trails.

The greatest natural highlight is Cave Spring, which marks half-way point of the journey. The mouth is large enough to paddle into the darkened opening. Small stalactites adorn the dripping ceiling, but most unsettling was the interior's contained pool of untold depths. The area is just large enough to make one think they can turn around. You can't while fighting the spring's current, so plan on floating out backwards which might be even trickier with crowds.

For what it's worth, the float begins at Akers Ferry. Because this mode of transport is so antiquated, it's listed as one of the area's historic attractions but isn't all that impressive. If planning to drive out of the way just to see it, also include stops at historic Welch Hospital and Spring, slightly north on Highway K.

-- Current River Canoe Rental picked us up at the campsite for shuttle to Akers Ferry. Without even trying, we made the float back to Pulltite Campground in a little over 4-hours, with only one extended stop.

-- The biggest unplanned bonus was the weekday, 2:00pm departure. We were the only canoe on the river, and the segment was almost entirely shaded. Easing towards dusk, riverbanks were active with wildlife.

-- Considering contour of the terrain and gentleness of the river, this particular float would be the ultimate excursion when hills are awakening in the newness of spring, or ablaze with vibrance of fall. Winter's snow-covered landscape, against a steely-gray sky, could be just as alluring, bundled-up with a thermos of hot chocolate.
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Member Rating 5 out of 5 on October 2, 2006

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Van Buren, MO

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Ozark National Scenic Riverways

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Attraction | "Pulltite to Round Spring float"

Crane on the Current Photo - Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

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Listed as the area's most popular canoe trip, this 9-mile stretch is recommended for beginners and the less-inclined of all ages. The river follows more of a direct course. Overall, water conditions are wider and deeper which creates a slower current. Expect to do more mobility paddling than with the previous stretch. Depending upon effort, this float takes between 3 to 6 hours.The inexperienced will find obstacles. Rootwads are clusters of trees washed-away during flooding. When these obstruct channels, the current tends to pull towards the exposed limbs. Nothing will entrap and sink a canoe quicker. Otherwise, it should be smooth sailing!...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on October 2, 2006

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Van Buren, MO

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Round Spring

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Attraction

Crossing the Current Photo - Round Spring, Ozark, Missouri

Quote:

Centrally located, Round Spring attracts the largest number of visitors thanks to accessibility. It's rather average compared to the region's larger springs, but still a convenient opportunity that shouldn't be missed.Tucked-away within a deep pocket of forest, what distinguishes Round Spring is its cavernous formation inside a large sinkhole. Water seeps through a small crevice, draining into Spring Valley Creek before feeding the nearby Current River.An overhead trail loops the Spring for peering down into the serene waters which transform in hues ba...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 2, 2006

Round Spring
Highway 19
Ozarks, Missouri

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Alley Spring and Mill

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Attraction

Alley Sideshows Photo - Alley Spring and Mill, Eminence, Missouri

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Gracing travel brochures for as long as I can remember, historic Alley Spring and Mill is one of Missouri's most photographed treasures. Archaeologist proof has determined this area was attracting visitors 10,000 years ago. Today's significance stems from the mid-1800s community which settled in the river valley.The walking tour begins at a cluster of information and photo displays. Split-rail fences hem a central lawn which contains the restored school and blacksmith shop, playing second fiddle to the main attractions.Crossing over a s...Read More

Gracing travel brochures for as long as I can remember, historic Alley Spring and Mill is one of Missouri's most photographed treasures. Archaeologist proof has determined this area was attracting visitors 10,000 years ago. Today's significance stems from the mid-1800s community which settled in the river valley.

The walking tour begins at a cluster of information and photo displays. Split-rail fences hem a central lawn which contains the restored school and blacksmith shop,

playing second fiddle to the main attractions.

Crossing over a small bridge, the stately mill is concealed by shade trees but there's no mistaking presence. Gentle roars stirred the breeze from Alley Spring, which gushes more than 81-million gallons of water daily. Natural power was first harnessed for grinding grain in 1868. The present structure was completed in 1894.
The mill is no longer used for production, but is still in working order.

Demonstrations are given at 10am and 2pm during summer. Otherwise, visitors can inspect machinery throughout the second floor museum, which also includes historic artifacts from the region. The Missouri Department of Conservation operates an impressive gift shop on the first floor. But for all that waits in the darkened, stuffy interior, the natural surroundings are guaranteed to imprint the best memories.

A back porch looks directly into the turbine pit where waters were channeled for powering the mill. Colorful perspectives can be gained from different vantage points, but no one should miss walking around Alley Spring.

There are two trail options. A 1.8-mile uphill trek circles the upper realm with overviews of the spring and mill. An easier route loops around the spring at ground-level. Close-up encounters with the vivid waters and life sources they nurture were highlights of the visit.

-- The Alley Mill and Spring is located on Highway 106, 3-miles west of Eminence. It's open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm during summer, and on weekends in spring and fall. The complex also includes a NPS-Campground and picnic areas.

--In addition to mill exhibits, other programs enjoyable for all ages include the old schoolhouse, which has class in session with math and spelling bees, and century-old recess games at 10:45am and 2:45pm. How settlers cultivated crops is discussed in the scarecrow corn patch at 1pm, weather permitting.
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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 2, 2006

Alley Spring and Mill
Highway 106 6 Miles West Of Eminence
Eminence, Missouri

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Blue Spring

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Attraction

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Of the three larger springs visited, Blue Spring was my favorite thanks to an exquisite combination of natural highlights. It ranks as Missouri's 8th largest spring, but tops any list for resplendence. Colorful perspectives are projected from the basin's 310-foot depth. Grandeur was magnified on our late afternoon appearance with sunlight piercing through the trees.As another lifeline of the Current River, Blue Spring's daily output is 87-million gallons. Waters surge from the secluded, inland location along a crystal clear stream. Moss-covered r...Read More

Of the three larger springs visited, Blue Spring was my favorite thanks to an exquisite combination of natural highlights. It ranks as Missouri's 8th largest spring, but tops any list for resplendence. Colorful perspectives are projected from the basin's 310-foot depth. Grandeur was magnified on our late afternoon appearance with sunlight piercing through the trees.

As another lifeline of the Current River, Blue Spring's daily output is 87-million gallons. Waters surge from the secluded, inland location along a crystal clear stream.

Moss-covered rocks and vegetation sparkle underwater in a kaleidoscopic of green, hemmed by dense forest accented with wildflowers. Tranquility is perfected by the rushing waters and random chirps. A refreshing scent of purity permeated each breath as the finishing touch.

A short trail scales the bluff, but platform vistas were severely overgrown. Even with pruning, there's likely nothing to surpass what's found below. Indulgent viewing decks, a benchless terrace, or any number of settings beg visitors to stop and linger in magic of the moment. Those which can appreciate the finer qualities of nature will find this place irresistible!

-- The Blue Spring turn-off is along Highway 106, 16-miles east of Eminence. ** Don't confuse this with another Blue Spring listed on maps, off Highway 60 southwest of here.

-- Another highlight of Blue Spring is the 3-mile roadway which connects the parking area to the highway. The backwoods drive suggests adventure, but the canopied rolling hills quickly tame conceptions. The deep-rooted encounters with Mother Nature are a distinct beginning and ending for what waits in between.

-- The entry area has picnic tables, restrooms, water fountain, and information stations.

The .04-mile trail to Blue Spring is easy and clearly marked, but beware of poison ivy growing everywhere.

-- The highly-touted Powder Mill, located west of Blue Spring, is simply a recreational and camping area along the Current. There aren't any "must see's", but the site is a starting/ending point for hikers of the Ozark Trail. The Powder Mill turn-off is clearly marked along Highway 106, or can be an enjoyable riverside walk from Blue Spring.
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Member Rating 5 out of 5 on October 2, 2006

Blue Spring
Highway 106
Eminence, Missouri

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The Entertainer

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Story/Tip

Idler to the Rescue Photo - Ozark, Missouri

Quote:

They say that "idle hands are the devil's workshop". So what better way to foil temptation than by picking up a canoe paddle, and go idling down the river with IGO's Idler? When Idler mentioned she was heading my way, opportunity knocked to enjoy—camping and canoeing. Basically, I made a few recommendations, and Idler the avid travel planner took care of the rest.Avid travel planner, eh? I like that. Very diplomatic of you, Kevo. What you mean is that I’m anal-retentive about planning every little last detail. One of IGO's cyber highlights has been meeting like-minded travelers. After several years acquaintance through journals, emails, and paths almost crossing, we'd fi...Read More