Lakes, Rivers, and Springs
Alley Mill
photo courtesy of Mark PeltonAlley Mill Alley Spring, the natural area’s namesake, is the seventh largest spring in Missouri. The spring conduit is known to extend at least 3000 feet underground and reaches at least 155 feet below the surface. Rainfall and runoff...
Allred Lake Natural Area
Allred Lake Natural Area Allred Lake is a small remnant of the once vast network of swamps and bottomland forests that once covered the Mississippi Lowlands of southeast Missouri. Here you can experience a natural scene similar to that found in Louisiana...
Big Spring
Big Spring The name says it all. Big Spring is not only the largest spring in Missouri, but also one of the largest springs in the world. A dye-trace study has showed that dye introduced into a losing stream 39.5 miles away (near Mountain View) was detected at Big...
Black River
Black River The Black River originates in Reynolds and Iron Counties, MO and flows south through Wayne and Butler Counties and into Arkansas. Due to the differences in geology, hydrology, habitat, biota, land use, and water quality, the basin is separated...
Blue Spring
Blue Spring A large, beautiful, undisturbed spring and spring branch with associated aquatic plants and animals surrounded by forest in the Current River Hills region of the Ozarks. The Osage Indians reportedly called this spring “Spring of the Summer Sky.” Spring...
Clearwater Lake
Clearwater Lake The US Army Corps of Engineers completed construction of the Clearwater Lake Dam in 1948, with the prime purpose of maintaining flood control for the Black River drainage around the Poplar Bluff region. At a conservation pool of 1,630 acres, the lake...
Eleven Point River
Eleven Point River The Eleven Point National Scenic River was established in 1968 as a 44 mile scenic river, free of impoundments with a largely undeveloped shoreline and watershed. This portion of the river between Thomasville, Missouri and the Highway 142 bridge is...
Falling Springs Mill
Once you step out of your car this site will transport you back in time. This is a rustic picnic area with abundant history, and minimal conveniences. The day use facility is situated on the edge of a pond formed by a spring. The around the pond is open and grassy....
Greer Spring
Greer Spring Greer Spring is the second largest spring in Missouri. Its average daily flow of 222 million gallons more than doubles the size of the Eleven Point National Scenic River into which it flows. The spring flows from two outlets about 250 feet apart at the...
Jacks Fork River
photo courtesy of Mark Pelton Jack's Fork River The Jacks Fork River is formed by the confluence of two streams: the North Prong and South Prong of the Jacks Fork. The North Prong has its beginnings approximately 9 miles south of Raymondville, Missouri,...
Lower Current River
Lower Current River While the Lower Current River starts at the 2 Rivers Junction, the 52-mile reach in Carter and Ripley counties from Van Buren to the Arkansas state line offers some big water for smallmouth bass, walleye, and suckers. Look for...
Markham Springs
Markham Springs Markham Springs Campground is set on the Black River in a scenic and historic recreation area in the southwestern corner of Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest. The area provides access to multiple trails and recreational opportunities....
Montauk State Park
Montauk State Park Montauk State Park preserves a shady green retreat that offers visitors plenty of opportunities for fun, whether it is fishing, camping, hiking, picnicking or just relaxing with friends and family. The park is located at the headwaters...
Pinewoods Lake Recreation Area
Pinewoods Lake Recreation Area Pinewoods Lake Recreation Area sits next to Pinewoods Lake in southeastern Missouri. It is an ideal location to enjoy lake fishing and scenic trails. The day-use picnic shelter can accommodate up to 75 people. It is equipped...
Round Spring
Round Spring In the rolling, forested landscape of Round Spring, two of America's most beautiful spring-fed rivers combine to make up the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. As the first national park area to protect a wild river system, visitors have plenty of scenic...
Upper Current River
Upper Current River With camping, trout fishing, and canoeing, the 19 miles of Current River from Montauk State Park to Akers Ferry in Dent and Shannon counties has it all. There are two designated trout management areas below Montauk Trout Park that offer...
Wappapello State Park
Lake Wappapello State Park is the ideal vacation spot for a day or a week. The park offers a modern campground and cabins plus rustic camper cabins. Miles of trail for hikers, backpackers and horseback riders offer great scenery and picturesque views. With...
