Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Ozark National Scenic Riverways protects the clear, spring-fed Current and Jacks Fork rivers in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks — the first river system in the United States to be set aside and protected as a unit of the National Park System. Winding for some 134 miles through a wild landscape of forested hills, towering dolomite bluffs, gravel bars and crystal-clear water, these free-flowing rivers form one of the great float-stream and natural-spring paradises in America.

Fed by some of the largest springs in the country — including Big Spring, which gushes hundreds of millions of gallons of cold, clear water each day — the rivers run cold and clear over gravel and around bluffs riddled with caves. Canoeists, kayakers and tubers float the gentle rivers past springs, swimming holes, caves and historic mills like the picturesque Alley Spring mill, while the surrounding hills shelter rich Ozark forest and wildlife. With its spring-fed rivers, giant springs, caves and bluffs, Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a treasured natural wonderland of the Missouri Ozarks.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a premier float-stream destination — canoeing, kayaking and tubing the clear, gentle Current and Jacks Fork rivers past springs, bluffs, caves and swimming holes, with outfitters and access points along the way. Beyond floating, visitors enjoy swimming in the cold, clear water, exploring giant springs (like Big Spring and Alley Spring with its historic mill), caves, fishing, hiking, camping and horseback riding. The combination of the spring-fed rivers, the giant springs, the caves and the Ozark scenery makes the riverways a beloved and premier outdoor destination in Missouri.

Late spring through early fall is the prime floating season, when warm weather suits paddling, swimming and tubing — summer is the busy peak, especially on weekends, so go early or midweek for quieter water. Spring brings high, fast water (and fewer crowds), and fall brings spectacular color along the rivers and crisp, peaceful floating, a beautiful time. The springs run clear and cold year-round. Summer for floating and swimming, and fall for color and solitude, are the highlights; check water levels, as high water can be dangerous.

The Current and Jacks Fork rivers, long central to Ozark life — powering mills, floating timber, and sustaining the hill communities — were protected in 1964 as Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the first national park unit established to protect a wild river system, a landmark in American river conservation. The riverways preserve historic mills like Alley Spring, old homesteads, and the cultural heritage of the Ozark hill country alongside the natural wonders. The rivers remain a treasured and protected wild-river paradise, a model for later wild and scenic river protections.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways flows through a classic karst landscape, where the soluble dolomite and limestone of the Ozark plateau have been dissolved by water over immense time to create the giant springs, the caves and the bluffs that define the rivers. Big Spring, Alley Spring, Round Spring and others gush enormous volumes of cold, clear groundwater — filtered through the karst — into the rivers, keeping them clear and cool. The bluffs riddled with caves, the gravel-bed rivers and the great springs reflect the dissolving of the carbonate rock that shapes the Ozark karst.

The rivers, springs, caves, bluffs and forests of Ozark National Scenic Riverways host white-tailed deer, black bear, river otters, foxes, wild turkey, and a rich community of birds, including herons, kingfishers and woodland species, while the clear rivers support smallmouth bass and diverse fish, the caves shelter bats (including endangered species), and the springs harbor unique aquatic life. The biodiverse Ozark karst landscape supports abundant wildlife. The riverways offer outstanding wildlife watching and birding from the water and the trails amid the springs, bluffs and forests.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways protects a biodiverse Ozark karst ecosystem, where the clear, cold, spring-fed Current and Jacks Fork rivers, the giant springs, the caves, the bluffs and the surrounding forests support exceptional plant and animal diversity, including rare cave and spring species, endangered bats, diverse fish and mussels in the clean rivers, and rich forest communities. The springs’ constant cold, clear water is vital. Protecting the rivers’ and springs’ water quality, the caves, the bluffs and the forests sustains a rare and ecologically significant wild-river system in the Missouri Ozarks.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the first protected wild river system in the National Park System, holds a treasured place in American conservation and in the culture of the Missouri Ozarks. The clear, spring-fed rivers, the giant springs, the historic mills and the float-stream tradition have drawn generations of paddlers, swimmers and nature lovers, and the riverways preserve the natural wonders and the Ozark hill heritage together. A landmark in river protection and a beloved wild-river paradise, the riverways embody the clear-water beauty and the deep cultural roots of the Ozarks.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways winds through the southeastern Missouri Ozarks along the Current and Jacks Fork rivers, with access points, outfitters and the gateway towns of Van Buren, Eminence and Salem, off US-60, State Route 19 and others, about three to four hours from St. Louis. The riverways are free to enter (outfitters and some campgrounds charge fees). Numerous river accesses, the great springs (Big Spring, Alley Spring, Round Spring), caves and campgrounds serve visitors. Check the National Park Service for access, outfitters, water conditions and tours before visiting.

The National Park Service protects the Current and Jacks Fork rivers, the giant springs, the caves, the bluffs and the forests of Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Visitors help by protecting the rivers’ and springs’ clear water (no littering or pollutants, and cleaning gear to prevent invasive species), floating and camping responsibly, following cave rules that protect bats (including from white-nose syndrome), packing out everything, respecting wildlife and historic sites, and following Leave No Trace. Protecting the spring-fed rivers, the karst and the forests sustains this rare and treasured wild-river system.

Floating the rivers is generally gentle, but safety matters — wear a life jacket, check water levels (high or fast water after rain is dangerous and can capsize boats), and be aware of cold spring water, strainers and changing conditions. Swim carefully, mindful of currents, drop-offs and cold springs. In caves, follow rules and never enter restricted areas. Watch for the occasional snake along the banks, carry water and sun protection, and be bear-aware at campsites, storing food. Respect the rivers’ power, especially in high water, and float within your ability.

The riverways are free to enter (outfitters and some campgrounds charge fees). Wear life jackets and float safely; follow water-level and safety guidance. Protect the rivers’ water quality — pack out all trash and clean gear to prevent invasive species. Follow cave rules (protecting bats); some caves are restricted. Camp only in designated or permitted areas; store food in bear country. Fishing requires a Missouri license. Pets must be controlled. Drones are restricted. Respect historic sites. Check the National Park Service for current rules and conditions before visiting.

The gateway towns of Van Buren, Eminence and Salem, the giant springs (Big Spring, Alley Spring, Round Spring with its cave), the Mark Twain National Forest, and the wild Ozark hill country surround the riverways, with the cities of St. Louis and Springfield within a few hours. The Ozark plateau and its rivers and springs define the region. Ozark National Scenic Riverways anchors a premier float-stream and natural-spring region of the Missouri Ozarks, a centerpiece of a paddling, swimming and spring-touring adventure in the heart of the Ozarks.

Float the clear, spring-fed Current or Jacks Fork river by canoe, kayak or tube — rent from an outfitter, go early or midweek to avoid summer-weekend crowds, and wear a life jacket, checking water levels (high water is dangerous). Don’t miss the giant springs — Big Spring, Alley Spring with its historic mill, and Round Spring — and the caves and swimming holes. Visit in summer for floating and swimming or fall for color and solitude, protect the clear water, store food in bear country, and savor this first-protected wild river.