72 In Guides + How-Tos/ Hiking + The Outdoors/ Missouri/ Travel

Top 10 In and Around Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Last week I really discovered a part of the Ozarks that I had no idea existed. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is located in Southern Missouri and it is stunning. I had visited two of these sites without really venturing on, and that was a mistake because it’s the most beautiful area of Missouri I’ve explored to-date. My dad and I took a spontaneous trip to explore some of the springs of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and our mind was blown! I’m already itching to get back out there. While some of these aren’t maintained or run by the NPS, some of these stops are in or just outside of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

Things You May Need for Your Trip Here

I always recommend getting Travel Insurance if you’re partaking in some outdoor activities, only because I know just how easy it is to do something silly like break your arm while hiking. We love World Nomads.

Water/Hiking Gear We Recommend for a Trip Like This

WATER SHOES – Not only do I recommend water shoes, but I recommend hiking water shoes. I can’t speak highly enough about my Teva Sandals. Although you can’t swim in the springs, your feet are likely to get wet in one of the rivers and that river rock hurts if you’re not in the right shoes. 
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE
– This is important for any outdoor activity. Plus, since this area is filled with National + State Parks there are plenty of places to refill your water bottle.
SUN HAT –
You’ve got to protect that skin!
WATERPROOF PHONE CASE 
– All those water activities means you’ll want to protect your phone. I love the ones that go around your neck so you can be hands-free when you’re not actively using your phone.

Welch Spring and Welch Hospital

Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Welch Spring

Welch Spring flows out of a rock face then spills down a short stream into the Current River. Although it’s one of the smaller springs in this area, it’s still absolutely beautiful. Small seems like a relative term when you learn that it discharges approximately 75 million gallons of water each day. The most unique thing about this spring is the fact there are the ruins of a hospital built in 1913. It was homesteaded by a man named Welch in 1855. Later a Doctor from Illinois bought the land and opened a hospital and spa targeted to asthma patients. The spa and hospital failed due to lack of access to the area, however, the remains are still here.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Welch Spring
Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Welch Spring

 

Left: You can see the stone from the hospital peeking out of the trees to the left of the bluff / Right: Taking it all in

You can explore these remains and the beautiful spring two ways. There’s a trail that leads you there is only a mile total roundtrip over flat ground – this trail puts Welch Hospital across from you. You can also access it by canoe or kayak from the Current River (this way allows you to explore the hospital as well).

Devil’s Well

Ozark National Scenic Riverways Devil's Well
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Devil's Well

 

Devil’s Well was one of the coolest spots in the Ozark Scenic National Riverways, in my opinion. This is a more unique spot because it isn’t right on one of the rivers or a spring. It’s a look down into an underground lake. This parking area takes you to a set of wooden stairs that go down into a sinkhole cave. They spiral around the opening, then turn into a metal staircase. You walk under a tiny natural bridge to a platform (careful, this area can be wet) and look into a a window of the cave to see a lake sitting 100 feet below the surface. While it doesn’t photograph as anything incredible, it’s very unique and super beautiful. Also, in this area is is the Cave Spring Trail (read more about this below).

Ozark National Scenic Riverways Devil's Well

Echo Bluff State Park

Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Echo Bluff State Park
Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Echo Bluff State Park

My dad and I went down to Sinking Creek to play in the water a bit before heading back out on our Ozark National Scenic Riverways adventure.

Although this isn’t part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways it’s right along the Current River and it would be a shame to miss out on. This is Missouri’s newest state park and while it doesn’t have a load of hiking trails, the main attraction is Echo Bluff itself. You can play in the water (swim, float, wade, etc.) just below the bluff in Sinking Creek. If you’re in the area and have time, I would recommend checking it out. They also have a gorgeous lodge and great campground if you’re looking to have a more extended stay.

Round Spring

Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Round Spring
Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Round Spring

Left: The Mouth of Round Spring / Right: My Dad Taking in Round Spring

Round Spring is back into the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. This spring gets its name from, you guessed it, its round shape! From the parking area you follow the path directly to the spring. It’s maybe .4 miles round trip. When you walk up there’s an area with spring-colored water (this is the mouth of the spring, but not round spring). Many people walked up to this and went back to their cars. My dad and I continued up the path and we were rewarded greatly! We heard many people approach and leave only visiting the mouth of the cave. But the beauty is behind the bluff of the mouth of the cave, which continuing on the trail leads you on top of. Round spring is a rich blue color and discharges an average of 26.5 million gallons of water each day.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Round Spring

Two Rivers

Two Rivers is the area where the Jacks Fork and Current Rivers converge into the Current River. I accidentally missed this on our trip to Ozark National Scenic Riverways. It looks like beautiful area. Plus, this region is centered around these two rivers, so seeing where the two come together seems like a spot that shouldn’t be missed.

Rocky Falls Shut-In

Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Rocky Falls Shut-Ins
Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Rocky Falls Shut-Ins

This beautiful waterfall and swimming hole is said to be a mini-Johnson’s-Shut-Ins (which is one of the best swimming holes in America that I’ve visited). It’s definitely a mini version, but has a much taller waterfall area to play around on. When we were there loads of kids were running around and sliding down the natural waterslides made smooth by the falling water and parents and kids were wading and swimming in the waters below. This stop is one you should definitely make if you’re staying longer and looking for a perfect swimming hole. It’s a bit more off the path than many of these other stops.

Blue Spring

Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Blue Spring
Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Blue Spring

Left: My dad on the gorgeous trail / Right: Me taking in the beauty of Blue Spring

There are multiple springs with the title ‘Blue Spring’. However, the Blue Spring that you don’t want to miss is the one between Eminence and Ellington. This is the number one highlight of this area that I would say you truly cannot miss! I think that this is the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in all of Missouri! It’s so deep that the Statue of Liberty would be fully submerged if you sat it at the bottom of the spring. To add to its enormity, it averages a discharge of 90 million gallons of water each day. It’s under one mile round trip to hike to this beautiful sight. It’s truly a gem.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Blue Spring

Alley Spring

Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Alley Spring

Alley Spring is definitely one of the most picturesque places in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The beautiful old, red Alley Mill sits in the pool of the gorgeous Alley Spring. Alley Spring discharges an average of 81 million gallons of water each day. As with other springs, the spring is the blues at the source of it and fades as the water moves outward. We were here in early evening, so the air started to cool and it made a gorgeous haze over the water of the spring. Alley Mill was constructed between 1893-1894. It milled wheat into flour and is actually the second mill to sit here. An earlier, smaller mill (built in 1868) was replaced by the one that sits there now.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Alley Spring
Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Alley Spring

  

Left: Alley Mill from Across the Spring / Right: Looking Back Up at the Spring

In addition to the mill and spring, there are a couple of trails around the beautiful creek and over the bluff above the spring. No trip here is complete without walking around the lake. You can also tour inside the mill (know that it has specific business hours), so our trip inside was only about 4 minutes. Also on the site is the old school house. You can peer in through the windows where it’s setup like an old classroom would’ve been.

Big Spring

Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Big Spring
Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Big Spring

Left: Looking At the Small Cascade Over the Turquoise Water As Seen from the Parking Lot / Right: The Trail that Meanders Behind and Around the Spring

Big Spring is a little further down the road in Van Buren. This is the largest spring in Ozark National Scenic Riverways, and actually in the running as the largest spring in the entire United States. This spring discharges a massive average 276 million gallons of water daily! It flows with such a massive amount of power that looks like a turquoise boil in a river. There’s a trail that leads back around it and walks over a small trickle of water over mossy/ferny stones. There are cabins and a lodge that were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps as well as tent and RV sites. A massive flood occurred in the Ozarks this year, so some of this area is still being put back into order. There are also trails into the forest just down the road from the spring that are a great way to stretch your legs.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Big Spring

Float the Current or Jacks Fork River

Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Current River

This is a fun way to truly jump in and enjoy the Ozark National Scenic Riverway. My family went down to Van Buren to spend a day floating just a couple of weeks ago. I would so highly recommend it, it makes for a day of fun! We had so many laughs and saw really beautiful views from the river. We floated on inner- tubes for a relaxing social occasion, which is perfect for large groups. Next time, I want to hop in a canoe or kayak, start further up and take in a lot of the sites that you can only get to from the river. It sounds like a really amazing way to truly explore!

Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Current River
Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Current River

Bonus Stops in Ozark National Scenic Riverways:

Montauk State Park: This state park is just north of this area near Salem, Missouri. There’s a spring up there, a fish hatchery and more. It’s not one of my favorites, but if you’re staying in the area and want to get some hiking miles in, it’s a great place to stop.

Cave Spring: My dad and I did this trip in a single day, so we skipped hiking to this spring. It does look really pretty, but it’s an almost 5-mile round trip hike. You can access this trailhead from the Devil’s Well parking area.

Pulltite Spring: Pulltite Spring also has an old cabin sitting near this spring. We drove down the road that leads you to Pulltite Campground to make a stop here. Unfortunately it’s on the opposite side of the river. So, the best way to explore this is from the river. There is a path that you could get to the river and swim across, but if you’re just there day-tripping it’s much too deep to wade and stay somewhat dry – we tried.

Powder Mill: Powder Mill looks really nice and historical. We didn’t make it because of the aforementioned flooding we had this spring, the road had debris and quite a bit of water over it still. It’s very close to Blue Spring and you can make it there hiking from the Blue Spring Trailhead. It was about 1.5 miles each way if I’m remembering correctly.

Round Spring Cave: This is right by Round Spring. You can’t go in on your own, but there are 2-hour cave tours led by a Park Ranger. At present tickets are $5 for adults and only $2 for children. It looks like it’s quite pretty and I’d love to try it sometime.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a destination that has something for everyone. There are trails, water activities, springs that don’t require too much effort to get to, caves, camping and so much more! The nature beauty is varied and the historical sites are wonderful as well. It’s a region that’s underrated and waiting to be explored!

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72 Comments

  • Reply
    Natasha
    August 21, 2017 at 10:39 am

    All of these places look like so much fun. I personally love spending time outdoors when I travel. I really love the color of the water at Round Spring — so gorgeous! 🙂

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      August 21, 2017 at 8:45 pm

      It’s one of my favorite things to do while traveling as well! The spring water was unreal! I am hooked on this region!

  • Reply
    Girlswanderlust
    August 21, 2017 at 10:54 am

    Wauw, wauw, wauw! Such a beautiful place. If I didn’t live so far away, I would plan a day to visit it immediately. Look at those springs, such clear blue water! Love the article, I’m going to add this to my list as a nature lover :-).

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      August 21, 2017 at 8:46 pm

      You should definitely make it a destination! There’s enough to do here to fill at least 4 days, if not a week! Let me know if you come to the area!

  • Reply
    Candy
    August 21, 2017 at 11:41 am

    What a gorgeous location! Would have been nice if that spa was still there, but makes sense that the lack of access makes it difficult for patients to get there. I still can’t believe how turquoise that water is!

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      August 21, 2017 at 8:47 pm

      Haha! It would be! It’s been gone for quite some time though! The water blows me away every time I see it. So wonderful!

  • Reply
    Anne @TravelTheGlobe (@TTGLOBE4L)
    August 21, 2017 at 3:03 pm

    I swear I’d never heard of this as before I started reading your posts on the Ozarks. There really looks to be a ton of things to do though and it is all so pretty

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      August 21, 2017 at 8:49 pm

      Well, I’m happy to be introducing you to the Ozarks. I’m very proud of my home region! It’s definitely underrated!

  • Reply
    chloevsworld
    August 22, 2017 at 9:22 am

    Wow all of your photos look so beautiful Paige! I need to plan a visit asap!!

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      August 24, 2017 at 4:38 pm

      Thank you very much, Chloe. It’s definitely a gorgeous destination!

  • Reply
    Juliana Marchian
    August 22, 2017 at 9:43 am

    Ozark National Scenic Riverways looks really cool. I was impressed to see that there are also blue springs. Where I have usually visited them they were called Blue Eye and have icy water. How cold is the water in these ones? Can you swim there?

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      August 24, 2017 at 4:40 pm

      It’s pretty chilly in most of these as well. About 50-60 degrees F, depending on which one. Most of these you’re not supposed to swim in, but you can seem in the rivers that flow beside them!

  • Reply
    The Soul of Seoul
    August 22, 2017 at 8:32 pm

    Wow, you’re right, that is stunning! I can’t believe how blue that water is. The Devil’s Well is SO COOL too! I need to do more hiking in the States. I think there are just so many amazing natural wonders that don’t get taken full advantage of. I bet this place is gorgeous in the autumn too. Can you imagine?!

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      August 24, 2017 at 4:42 pm

      It is so cool!! I’m glad that it translated into the post, I was afraid it wouldn’t! It was so unique! There are so many amazing natural wonders in the States that I don’t think one person could ever see them all! I bet it is! I’ve seen gorgeous photos of Alley Spring in the fall specifically. I’ll have to make a fall visit sometime!

  • Reply
    Trisha Velarmino
    August 22, 2017 at 11:07 pm

    Your posts about Ozark are captivating, Paige! I can feel how you love your home region. I love everything on the list! They are all stunning!!!

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      August 24, 2017 at 4:48 pm

      Thank you so much, Trisha. I do have so much love for the Ozarks. Especially since it’s so underrated! Thanks for reading. I hope you visit sometime!

  • Reply
    Megan Indoe
    August 23, 2017 at 12:05 am

    You have successfully made me fall in love with the Ozarks with your beautiful photography and great write ups! I love the color of the water at the springs and I want to float down that river so bad! You’ve convinced us to make a trip happen!

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      August 24, 2017 at 4:50 pm

      Yay! That makes me so happy! You two will definitely have to come give it a visit! If it doesn’t fit in with your plans for a year or so, we’d love to meet up and give you some tips or just grab a drink!

  • Reply
    Thelittlelai: Beyond limits
    August 23, 2017 at 6:06 am

    Truly, this is nature’s beauty at its best. I love the blue lagoon and looks so enticing. I would love to jump into its cold water and douse myself. I also love some other scenery cause they are all stunning. I haven’t heard about Ozark and it is really indeed an amazing and interesting place to visit. This is actually the kind of adventure I always love to do. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      August 24, 2017 at 4:52 pm

      It does look enticing, doesn’t it? It’s definitely a unique spot to visit and always worth checking out. Thank you for reading and leaving such a thoughtful comment.

  • Reply
    Patricia Steffy (@PLSteffy)
    August 23, 2017 at 10:28 am

    The color of Blue Spring will ever fail to get my attention. So gorgeous! I’d love to float down the Jacks Fork River, particularly on a hot summer day. Welch Spring and Welch Hospital have also captured my imagination. How much of the hospital remains? I’m picturing ghost hunters heading out there because there always seems to be something slightly haunted about hospital remains, even when the hospital treated something like asthma. I might be watching too much travel channel.

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      August 24, 2017 at 4:55 pm

      Isn’t is just so stunning?! It’s so much fun to float. I want to get a canoe and float it sometime so I can stop at all of the places. It’s pretty much all of the exterior structure! I think that would be a lot of fun! I bet there are some spirits lingering there somewhere.

  • Reply
    Clazz - An Orcadian Abroad
    August 23, 2017 at 12:50 pm

    Looks beautiful! I had never really heard of this place before!

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      August 24, 2017 at 4:56 pm

      It is gorgeous! It’s one of my favorite places in the U.S.!

  • Reply
    Vibeke Johannessen
    August 23, 2017 at 5:01 pm

    This looks so beautiful. The blue water in Blue Spring looks so unreal. I cant believe is so deep. I am so happy you taught me about this place because I would probably not hear about if it wasn’t for this post. I have to check out this place 🙂

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      August 24, 2017 at 4:57 pm

      It is unreal. I’ve never seen something so deep and crystal clear. Especially here in the Ozarks! Let me know if you make it to the Ozarks!

  • Reply
    Cat
    August 23, 2017 at 5:48 pm

    You’ve found some cool spots at Ozark National Scenic Riverways! The water at the Round Spring is so blue! And the Alley Spring is so picteresque! It must be so fun to float in the river!

    • Reply
      Paige Wunder
      August 24, 2017 at 5:05 pm

      Thanks, Cat! It’s a really gorgeous region and the crazy thing is that there’s so much more there to see as well! Thanks for reading!

  • Reply
    Emma McKay
    August 26, 2017 at 1:49 am

    So beautiful there! I had no idea Missouri was so green (sorry – dumb Canadian here haha). So nice that your dad came along too. I love traveling with my dad – we did a California road trip earlier this year and it’s still the best memory of 2017.

    Tubing looks so fun! Is it not too cold??

  • Reply
    Fiona Maclean
    August 26, 2017 at 8:40 am

    It looks stunning and a real destination to visit if you like the outdoors. I’d be kayaking too I think – it looks like the perfect countryside for it.

  • Reply
    roff555
    August 26, 2017 at 11:28 am

    Amazing how deep the Blue Spring is! I love the underground lake as well. I have never visited but the natural beauty here is outstanding from your photos. Thank you for sharing, I also pinned 🙂

  • Reply
    Katherine
    August 26, 2017 at 3:13 pm

    The Ozark National Park is beautiful and really shines through in your photos. Especially the photos of the Blue Springs! That blue is just incredible. Great place for a day out in nature 🙂

  • Reply
    dearlittledaisy
    August 26, 2017 at 3:13 pm

    Wow – how blue is that spring! So gorgeous.

  • Reply
    Vanessa
    August 26, 2017 at 5:55 pm

    My stomach swooped a little with Devil’s Well – yikes! But I think I’d fall in love with just about everything else. What a gorgeous collection of natural wonders!

  • Reply
    anna faustino
    August 26, 2017 at 6:26 pm

    This looks awesome! Can I admit that I’ve never even heard of the Ozarks until I started watching the show? Haha. Seems like a great place to get outdoors and enjoy nature!

  • Reply
    carrieemann
    August 26, 2017 at 6:52 pm

    That underground lake viewpoint is so cool! I didn’t realize there were so many springs and water holes in this area — and so much diversity of landscapes. Great that you were able to explore it with your dad and get both quality family time and quality outdoors time.

  • Reply
    Jane M
    August 26, 2017 at 7:12 pm

    We just started watching “Ozark” on Netflix, which makes the area look beautiful but doesn’t really sell the place as a tourist destination. Thanks for sharing the true Ozarks – these areas look stunning and really make me want to visit.

    J

  • Reply
    Anna @ shenANNAgans
    August 26, 2017 at 8:12 pm

    Your description of Devils Well had me googling for more information, sounds so cool. I love it when you find a place like the well that just keeps on a giving. Looks like a pretty spectacular part of the world, shall add to my list.

  • Reply
    Wiebke Siemering
    August 26, 2017 at 10:29 pm

    Looks like an interesting place to visit during the summer – so green and peaceful. I wish it would be possible to stay overnight in that mill, it looks so cute!

  • Reply
    Megan Claire (@mappingmegan)
    August 27, 2017 at 3:32 am

    I’m dying to visit the Ozarks after having lived vicariously through each of your posts. What a stunning natural area. Devil’s Well seems like it’s a really cool spot to visit – how amazing to look down into a sink hole that large! Echo Bluff State Park looks really beautiful too – I can’t get over the shade of blue in that lagoon! Falls, blue springs, historic water mills, I need to explore the Ozark National Scenic Riverways asap!

  • Reply
    Siddhartha Joshi
    August 27, 2017 at 8:13 am

    Ozark National Scenic Riverways is truly a gorgeous park! My favorites are the Devil’s and the idea of a Hospital & Spa there. Sad that the idea didn’t work out…might work out now though 🙂

  • Reply
    Aleah | Solitary Wanderer
    August 27, 2017 at 8:56 am

    So beautiful. I would love to go river tubing. And great that it has a lot of hiking trails. There’s nothing much nicer than hiking for a couple of hours and then jumping into the river. Will definitely visit if and when I can!

  • Reply
    Sara Broers (@TravelWithSara)
    August 27, 2017 at 9:31 am

    Ah… you found one of the treasures in the midwest. We have so many beautiful scenic highways and byways in the United States that often do not get the coverage they deserve. Horseback riding is another great activity to take in while in this area, along with a good old fashioned swimming hole!

  • Reply
    gokulr27
    August 27, 2017 at 9:54 am

    The round spring is pretty amazing. Love the the wilderness of this place. Untouched and secluded.

  • Reply
    Candiss | Lost Not Found
    August 27, 2017 at 12:09 pm

    Wow all these hikes look fantastic, the water is such an amazing color of blue! I have never seen that kind of color in a lake/ spring! I honestly don’t know much about the Ozark’s so thanks for sharing these lovely spots, so much to do and see!

  • Reply
    lucywilliamsglobal
    August 27, 2017 at 1:07 pm

    The blue spring is gorgeous! I love the red Alley Mill next to Alley Spring, so picturesque. The national park looks so nice to visit. I read your last post on floating on the riverway, looks like you had a great time visiting the park.

  • Reply
    SherianneKay
    August 27, 2017 at 2:27 pm

    You find the best places! Round Spring and Blue Spring are stunning!!

  • Reply
    road_ninjas
    August 27, 2017 at 6:34 pm

    Paige – This is amazing. I lived near Branson at one point and then have family that lives near Van Buran and never knew about any of this. Certainly my next trip will be loads more fun because I will put this on the to do list. Especially the Round Spring and Blue Spring with that water. Wow I never knew that excited in that part of the country!

  • Reply
    Drew Seaman
    August 27, 2017 at 9:17 pm

    The Ozarks are a really under appreciated area. I used to go there when I was younger and lived in Kansas City, and the whole lake region is really beautiful, though I never got the chance to head down the Riverways. The amount of hiking and outdoor activities you can do is great. Perfect roundup for any outdoor lovers!

  • Reply
    Star harford
    August 28, 2017 at 1:28 am

    I love the colour of the springs, so inviting! Especially round spring, I would love to go there! I hope I will make it there one day

  • Reply
    Doctor Anni
    August 28, 2017 at 1:33 am

    Beautiful pictures. This post has really inspired me to explore the Ozarks. I have been wanting to find more national parks to explore. This seems like a fine choice.

  • Reply
    Karla
    August 28, 2017 at 4:08 am

    I honestly love everything to do here, I would spend quite sometime here. I love being around Nature.

  • Reply
    Jose Harvey
    August 28, 2017 at 8:33 am

    I visited the Ozarks as a child and remember thinking how beautiful they are at that time! I find it absolutely stunning as an adult too! It’s also quite interesting that the chain of mountain has a sister chain in Asia!

  • Reply
    Foodie Flashpacker
    August 28, 2017 at 10:04 am

    How awesome! I’m from Oklahoma so I’ve heard about the Ozarks but I’ve never been. The deep blue water looks amazing. I’d love to visit some of these spots.

  • Reply
    Claire 🌍 (@clairesturz)
    August 28, 2017 at 11:32 am

    Wow there are a lot of beautiful places in the Ozarks! You’re right, the underground lake is not something you see every day, although the overground ones are stunning!

  • Reply
    Natasha Haley
    August 28, 2017 at 12:45 pm

    We have been watching a TV show based in the Ozarks. It looked incredible on there but I must admit your pictures are even more tempting. I love the look of the Devils well and I would loooove to jump in that inviting water at alley Spring

  • Reply
    RaW | Ramble and Wander
    August 28, 2017 at 12:48 pm

    I’ve commented before on the Blue Spring post but looking at the photos of other places here, I have to say that I would love, love, love to visit Rocky Falls Shut-In. The cascading waterfalls and the fact that you can swim here makes it much more appealing! Alley Spring is another one I’d love to visit, simply to capture some photos of the old mill with its reflection in the water. Its colour is such a perfect contrast to the waters.

  • Reply
    sophie
    August 28, 2017 at 2:04 pm

    Wow! Althoug I’ve heard about the Ozarks but I’ve never been to one of them. The real charm about the place is the deep blue water! thanks for sharing this! Would love to go there someday and experience! Cheers!

  • Reply
    lukeandmeagan
    August 28, 2017 at 6:42 pm

    Holy bajeezus, some of those springs/lakes look amazing! I’ve always been interested in the Ozarks, but now I’m REALLY paying attention 🙂 thank you for sharing your adventures and your photos!!

  • Reply
    Elaine Masters
    August 28, 2017 at 7:20 pm

    Don’t you love discovering natural gems like this? I love meandering road trips and envy you spending time with your dad. We spent several weeks driving cross country a few years ago with family but with their itinerary we almost never pulled over when something interesting presented itself! Re-do in order!

  • Reply
    100cobbledroads
    August 28, 2017 at 11:04 pm

    Just looking at the pictures of the crystal clear and vivid green-blue colors of the water made me feel refreshed. It must have been such an invigorating experience for you. Sometimes the simplest of places can make such a deep impact. That’s travel.

  • Reply
    Archana Singh
    August 29, 2017 at 8:57 am

    Such a beautiful place. Sinking Creek and devil’s well look gorgeous. The water is so calm and crystal clear. Wish I was staying a little closer I would have definitely gone there.

  • Reply
    AllGudThings
    August 29, 2017 at 10:45 am

    What a beautiful place? Out of everything, I am loving the crystal clear, turquoise color of springs. This might have been an amazing travel experience of your life. Would love to visit this place someday for sure. Thanks for sharing.

  • Reply
    Tami
    August 29, 2017 at 5:01 pm

    Devil’s Well is awesome! And the springs are so beautiful — I love that blue and turquoise water. Paige, your photos are simply stunning

  • Reply
    Sandy N Vyjay
    August 29, 2017 at 10:53 pm

    These are all really beautiful riverways. Each one of them seems to vie with each other in outdoing in terms of beauty. The area is so pristine and enchanting. The devils cave is what I found really fascinating, also the Welch Spring with the hospital ruins. I just wonder how it must have been in those days when the hospital existed and the doctor struggled to keep his hospital going in this wonderful but inaccessible place.

  • Reply
    mags
    August 30, 2017 at 12:02 am

    The Ozarks are beautiful. That blue water!! I had no idea anything like that existed in the ozarks!

  • Reply
    sara | belly rumbles
    August 30, 2017 at 12:33 am

    The riverways of Ozark look stunning. The sinkhole cave of Devil’s Well would really be cool to visit. The underground lake is amazing. I can’t believe how beautifully blue the water of all the springs are, simply glorious.

  • Reply
    Mike Cotton (@MikeCjourno)
    August 30, 2017 at 8:32 am

    What a beautiful National Park, I love that the US has so much land designated as public. Hopefully it continues. Ozark looks like the sort of place a photographer such as myself could get lost in for hours. The Devil’s Wall looks like it has some beautiful textures and colours.

  • Reply
    Heather
    August 30, 2017 at 8:45 am

    This looks like my kinda destination! I was unfamiliar with the Ozark River ways in Missouri prior to reading your post. The hiking looks spectacular, and I love the bit of history around the hospital ruins and the mill. River tubing is so much fun and a perfect way to enjoy the day with friends and family among beautiful scenery. Thanks for sharing this hidden gem, I won’t hesitate to make it a point to visit when in Missouri!

  • Reply
    Melissa Jones
    August 30, 2017 at 5:04 pm

    Woah! How beautiful is the Ozark National Scenic Riverways?! I just wanted to dive into those springs! So lovely that you got to spend a day out in nature making such wonderful memories with your Dad. I couldn’t get my Dad to go on a hike, not even the most epic of springs, you’re so lucky! I would love to see everything in person, it looks amazing.

  • Reply
    carla
    September 1, 2017 at 6:31 pm

    Loved the photos! I am currently following a TV series on Netflix with the location setting in Ozarks. I think this is the same one.

  • Reply
    The Untourists
    September 9, 2017 at 9:55 pm

    It’s gorgeous! I love that red barn in the middle of a thick overgrowth!

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