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Ozark National Scenic Riverways |
Description:
Ozark National Scenic Riverways was created by an Act of Congress on August 24, 1964, to protect 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers in the
Ozark Highlands of southeastern Missouri. The clean, clear waters of these two beautiful rivers provide excellent opportunities for johnboating, canoeing, swimming, fishing and tubing. Hunting is also an authorized use within the Riverways' boundaries. The landscape is predominantly rural, with broadleaf forests and occasional open fields.
The southeast Missouri Ozark Mountains are typified by narrow steep-sided hollows, numerous streams, and bluffs.
Much of the area is underlain by soluble limestone and dolomite, giving rise to sinkholes, caves, and springs of a classical karst topography. There are over 300 recorded caves within the boundaries.
Sixty per cent of the rivers' flow comes from seven major springs and 51 other springs of various sizes within the drainage basin. Big Spring, one of the largest springs in the United States, has an average flow of 276 million gallons of water per day. The maximum recorded flow in one day was 840 million gallons in June 1928.
There are 112 species of fish, 196 species of birds, and 58 species of mammals found in the park. There are also 25 species of snakes found in the park, including 4 poisonous species.
Accessibility:
Most developed areas have rest room facilities which are accessible. Accessible camping sites have been
developed at Big Spring, Alley Spring, Round Spring and Pulltite Campgrounds. An accessible trail and picnic site has been developed at Big Spring and Round Spring. For more information on accessible facilities, call or write the park. 573-323-4236
Activites:
Biking | Boating | Camping | Educational Programs | Fishing | Hiking | Horseback Riding | Hunting | Swimming | Wildlife Viewing | Bird Watching | Nature Walks | Stargazing | Kayaking | Snorkeling | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Restaurant or Snack Bar | Lodging | Picnic Areas | Groceries or Supplies | Comfort Stations | Museum Exhibits | Cabin Rentals | Tours & Guided Activities | And more.
Nature: Caves | And more.
Directions to Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Plane:
The nearest commercial airports are Saint Louis, Memphis and Springfield.
Car:
The area is best reached via Interstate 44 or U.S. Route 60.
Attractions:
Local Chamber of Commerce Numbers
Missouri Division of Tourism
Missouri Department of Conservation
Phone:573-751-4115
Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce
Phone:573-364-3577
Missouri State Parks
Phone:800-334-6946
Nearby Parks:
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield (140 miles)
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (185 miles)
George Washington Carver National Monument (175 miles)
Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site (175 miles)
Hot Springs National Park (250 miles)
Harry S Truman National Historic Site
Pea Ridge National Military Park
Fort Scott National Historic Site
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
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Missouri Road Maps (MO Maps)
Missouri Photos