An aqua blue spring with crystal clear water flows into the nearby Current River. Round Spring was my destination in Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
About Round Spring
The spring itself is some 55 feet deep, rising in a circular pool of water before flowing under a natural bridge to join the Current River. On an average day, some 26 million gallons of water flow from the spring. At quiet times, otters, wood ducks, and great blue herons may be seen in the spring.
My Time At Round Spring
Located in the same area as Round Spring Campground make sure to look for the signs for parking for the spring.
A short paved hike leads from the parking lot to the spring.
It flows slowly from a cliff shrouded in overhanging plants.
I walked to the higher lookout and took some photos. The turquoise blue water almost seems unreal. Not something you expect in the middle of Missouri, in the tropics, or the ocean, but not here.
I walked down from the lookout. Dark green long fronds and leafy light green plants lay sideways in the flowing water. After the short hikes here I decided to check the nearby Round Spring Cave.
Round Spring Cave
I drove to the parking area for the cave then took the short trail to it.
I walked through a clear water stream seeing small fish dart around me.
Then up a short narrow trail to the cave that led to steps and the mouth face of the cave.
I found the cave locked up and notice that it is closed. It was still cool to look into the dark void and the rocky cliff side jagged and multi-colored.
DETAILS
The drive
I headed down Interstate 44 out of St. Louis., it is about 2 hours and 45 minutes from St. Louis. I then took exit 195 for Highway 8 heading south. Then I made a right turn onto Highway 68 going south towards Salem. In Salem, I made another right turn onto Highway 19 again going south until I made a left onto the Round Spring Campground Road in the area in which the springs is located.
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Admission: Free, except for touring the cave when it reopens.
Address: 13209 Round Spring Campground Road, Eminence, MO 65466
Nearby Dad Hike
Halloween Hikes: Abandoned Sanatorium at Welch Spring
The stone cut walls of a barred and locked sanatorium next to Welch Spring is what I found on my journey to Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
More Nearby Attractions:
Echo Bluff State Park
Missouri’s newest state park Echo Bluff State Park is a base camp for Ozark adventures.
The state park is in a valley surrounded by bluffs cut by Sinking Creek. Current River is only a half-mile away.
Here you can float down nearby streams, kayak, mountain bike, and high scenic miles.
Accommodations include a lodge, cabins, and campgrounds.
Located 2.8 miles north of Round Spring on Highway 19 with a turnoff for the park on the right.
Current River State Park
On Scenic Current River this state park had once been a corporate retreat for the Alton Box Board Co.
Constructed during the late 1930s and early 1940s, the Alton Club buildings themselves reflect the rustic architectural style used by the National Park Service in the early part of the 20th century.
Visitors to Current River State Park can enjoy hiking trails, two lakes, and picnic sites. Park staff provides tours of the historic Alton Club buildings and explains the park’s history.
It is located about 4.5 miles north of Round Spring on Highway 19 with the turnoff for the park on the left.
Alley Mill
Alley Mill is by the turquoise water of Alley Spring. The mill is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. To get the Alley Mill from Round Spring take Highway 19 south to Eminence then take highway 106 west for six miles to the mill.
Blue Spring
A large blue undisturbed spring with aquatic plants surrounded by forest in the Ozarks.
Again take Highway 19 south to Eminence and from there head east on Highway 106 and travel 14 miles. Turn right (south) into the Powder Mill campground and parking area. At the boat launch on the Current River look for a trailhead sign for the Powder Mill/Blue Spring Trail. Follow the trail south along the Current River for 1.5 miles to the Blue Spring parking area. You can also go further down Highway 106 and take County Road 539 to County Road 535, know that County 535 is a rough road. It does make the walk to the spring short.
Rocky Falls
Large rocky waterfall in the Ozark National Riverways. Few places in the Ozarks provide a glimpse of the earth’s turbulent past as well as Rocky Falls. The reddish-brown rock you see here is rhyolite porphyry. It formed as molten rock deep within the earth and flowed onto the surface about 1.5 billion years ago.
Rocky Falls can be visited year-round. Head toward Eminence once more and also take Highway 106 east. Then take Highway H south and then make a left onto Highway NN. Take County Road NN-526 on your right and look for parking for Rocky Falls along this road.
Warning: Watch For Wildlife
Driving towards the springs I encountered a turkey crossing the road. It was going nonchalantly until it saw me. Suddenly it tried to fly up and I saw feathers, a nice long brown feather came up to the windshield then blew on by. It looked like it made it, but it was freaky.
Also, on Highway 19 I slowed down for doe and two fawns with two bright white spots. The doe ran right into the woods but two fawns stayed in the road for a bit. Then one scampered on then the other one noticed and followed behind. It was like two kids, who were annoyed that they had to leave.
Otherwise enjoy the mountain vistas and river views as you drive through the Ozark National Scenic Riverways!
Dad Hikes — Many times I will do these hikes alone to learn the lay of the land before we do it as a family. Feel free to share suggestions for hikes to do. Also, share any questions you might have on the hikes!
