WARNING: If you follow the Google maps directions to this location youll drive 35 minutes one way down a gravel and muddy road to a dead end. There is nothing to see at this location. DO NOT USE THIS MAP POINT AS YOUR GPS DESTINATION.Instead look up a specific destination to use within this park, such as Big Spring in Carter Township, MO 63965 or a specific trail or canoe shop.The park is beautiful and when we found the correct location it was worth the drive but Im giving 1 star because the park itself did not fix this issue and they arent making people aware of this major error.

Words cannot describe how breathtaking this adventure was on the river. Parked in a parking lot and a bus took us up river. Road down the river all day. The entire ride the water was crystal clear and clean. I am terrified to swim in water I cannot see the bottom of. Stopped numerojs times and jumped for a swim. Went into the cave. Highly recommended. Will be back for 2 day weekend trips throughout the summer.

I had a lovely time there this is a very beautiful area that I would highly recommend anybody wanted to get away from it all

Love the scenic beauty. Its Gods Country for sure!

Good activities on the river and plenty of hiking and other nature sites to see

Cool, clean water and plenty of things to stop and see on the way. We jumped off cliffs, hiked to gorgeous springs, saw historic sites, and just enjoyed our time on the river.We did over 40 miles in 2 days on kayaks and I cant wait to bring my family back to do it again. Lots of fun. I googled recommend it!

It is a huge national park in the Ozarks of southern Missouri with river systems flowing through it. According to National Park Service, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the first national park area to protect a river system.Few places in the Ozarks provide a glimpse of the earth’s turbulent past as well as Rocky falls. The reddish-brown rock was formed as molten rock deep within the earth.

Super nice place. We were on the current river. Very nice experience, some times flow is rough which gives more fun. We have canoe for two paid 46$, spend 6hours, 4 on the river 2 swimming at some nice spots. The cruise is scenic, halfway true there was cave you get in. I will go there again for sure. I heard that Sunday is less occupied than Saturday. Make reservation online.

This place is truly incredible. it would take months to see the entirety of it, but each trail head has its own parking and visible trail markers so even if you’re just passing through you can stop at one site and enjoy it for a second. the roads are windy and can be a little stressful, and service is spotty if at all so grab a map at the headquarters just to be on the safe side. keep your dog on a leash, take only pictures and leave only footprints. it’s gorgeous.

So many beautiful sights. Here are some photos that I shot of places that are connected to Buck Hollow and Blue Springs along the Jacks Fork river.

This has got to be one of the most pretty places in the US. It Is for sure a hidden Gem. The Ozarks are amazing a great family vacation for anyone. Great outdoor activities and great little family owned businesses

Absolutely gorgeous! Be aware though, this is National Park land, NOT National Forrest!! Even though it is nestled right in with Mark Twain. You can ONLY camp in DESIGNATED spots and do NOT dig holes, take artifacts, harm live trees or collect wild edibles! The exceptions to this are blackberries and mushrooms only while they are in season and there are limits to how much you can take. The Rangers we encountered were very nice, knowledgeable, informative and passionate about nature.

Beautiful area and so much to see. The springs are amazing. Just remember you will have no GPS, no phone service, no guidance of any kind for most of the area. Map things first. Screen shot your directions. Signs to the springs can be very sparce for some of them.

The Ozarks is a beautiful area.

Lovely drive. Great clean air! Nature!

Absolutely beautiful river! Crystal clear waters, swim/kayak in cave with bubbling springs. Lots of places to camp for free.

This is a dirt road running along Jacks Fork River in Shannon County.

This is one of the most hidden treasures in our public land system. It has become a favorite for me with the intent of visiting the area every year. Take advantage of the NPS interpretation programs and do not miss floating the Current River!

Love floating down the Current! Beautiful area, generally peaceful, though this year (2017) there was way too much traffic on the river on Saturday, lots of noise and traffic jams. I don’t understand people bringing loud radios to a place that excels for getting away and unplugging. Never any mosquitos, camping is free and plentiful anywhere along the river on the banks. Can’t wait to go back yet again!

Its a good place to hang out with if you are a nature lover. Good place to hike and do the trails.

Blue Spring/Big SpringsBlue spring was one of the most beautiful springs in the area. If youre going to drive there pay special attention to the roads. If you go up 106 from Eminence you go past the bridge about 2 miles up on the right you will see a sign that says Blue Spring trail head. This is the trail head and ALSO the spring entrance. Turn onto that road and at the fork go right towards the trail head. Start walking down the trail from the parking lot(yes there are restrooms in the parking lot) youve got a bit of a hike first you come to a fork in the trail to the right shows hiking, go left. The trail is a bit rough and can be muddy and you have to step across a small creek stepping stones are in place but be prepared to get your feet wet if some needs assistance across. Once you arrive it is incredibly beautiful. Bug spray is a must, Absorine Junior worked great to repel the nats. Lots of ticks up there this year also. One of the bluest springs there. ENJOY!Big SpringsIf your going to Big Springs be advised the bridge is out and will be under construction for most of the 2019 season they said. You cannot enter through the main park entrance. But, if you are coming up the road near the park from the highway (Winona way) there is a church on the left, turn before the church onto a paved road it will take you into the park. Just sharing this because there were no signs explaining this to use we had to ask the construction crews in the area. Big Springs is amazing and huge. Gorgeous pictures. Beware of the bugs bring repellant, restroom are nice and clean handicapped parking. Grounds are nicely maintained and the walk from the parking lot is a short distance and easy. Picnic tables and benches around to relax on.

Its a beautiful place im happy to have grown up here and raise my children here. The hunting is amazing

Peaceful, beautiful, tranquil... there are so many adjectives that can be used to describe this area. I was half tempted to toss my kayak in the water and go for a float right then and there. Cant wait to actually come back down for float trips!

Beautiful park. Hunting and fishing. Great picnic spot. No overnight camping allowed - if the attractive rangers catch you it is a $80 fine. Lots of berries along the path that you are allowed to forage.

You must see Round Spring Cave! Tickets are offered 30 minutes before tours (currently 10, 12, and 2:00) for groups of up to 15. Adults are $5, kids are $2. There are no reservations, but plenty to see in the area if you have to wait for the next tour (such as Alley Spring or Eminence). The cave is only illuminated by lanterns carried in. We saw two species of cave salamanders, and evidence of extinct cave bears. This was one of the best cave tours I have been to.

Would recommend to anyone just needing to get some fresh air. Great place to go.

Clear water and plenty of sunshine. A very nice day

There really isnt any other river quite like the Jacks Fork...clean, clear, cold, but not to cold,...and the breath taking view of the bluffs, it will take your stress and leave you peace

Float trip on Current River. It is a beautiful area.

Lovely area for peaceful scenery, hiking trails, water adventures and a bit of history.

Beautiful cool water!! Love current river!! Would def visit again!!

Loved big spring, beautiful place to stop for a picnic.

Great river to paddle. Akers Ferry was a good outfitter to deal with.

Beautiful!!! Quiet and relaxing way to spend a vacation in very well-respected waterways

Beautiful area, what the Ozarks were like before the huge lakes...

Absolutely beautiful scenery. Pristine rivers and springs.

I cannot rave about this place enough. The waters are so clear, you can see schools of fish, crayfish, snails, plants. Even in areas where the river is deep, you can see the bottom. I honestly felt like I was in the rainforest, with the lush growth hanging over the edge of the water and all the wildlife. Ferns were growing out of cliffsides, flowers were in bloom everywhere. I have to say this was a truly magical experience. Unforgettable.

All of our rivers should be protected. What a gorgeous area.

I live nearby and this is probably one of the best places in Missouri! Go and visit the beautiful high-cliffs on the Current River... its extraordinary, like the Anduin in The Fellowship of the Ring!

The Big Spring and Current River are some of the most beautiful Ozark National Parkways! If you havent been.. WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU WAITING FOR? GO.. NOW, REALLY.. GO NOW! FALL is so beautiful there.. The amazing tree colors, the beautiful water. Just leave your phone at home and enjoy!

Grew up in Eminence, Missouri so quite familiar with the park. So many places to explore, dont know where to begin in a review like this. Definitely spring and fall are the best times to visit and if you can avoid the major holidays in the summer youll have a far more quiet and solitary experiences.I would recommend some of the lesser used campgrounds for some peace and quite... talk to a park ranger or the office for more info in that regards as they can be of much greater help.One of the last great untamed / damned river systems in America, and enjoy the vistas of the hills of an long ago eroded hills of the Ozark plateau. Also dont forget to visit some of the many caves and springs as well.The floating on the very upper portion in the park on Jacks Fork probably allows for the most scenic of floats but check with rangers to make sure river levels are high enough...usually only in the springtime

Beautiful scenery. Upper end generally requires jet drives or canoes to handle shallows between bluff holes. Good for tube floating upper end. Blue Spring access just below Powdermill is a unique experience.

The Current River is clean, clear, and beautiful.

Beautiful and peaceful rivers. The water is so clear you can see to the bottom in most places.

It was beautiful. We did a four day float and loved it. We camped wherever we stopped and it was so peaceful.

Hidden gem. Amazingly clean and clear rivers. Definitely going back to do some boating in the summer.

Always have a wonderful time when we spend it on the river especially when we are able to camp at some of the campgrounds. The app makes it very easy to reserve your spot and I have found the host are the campgrounds very hospitable. That I have found nothing beats a hot shower the end of the day it actually cool your body down makes it easier to sleep.

The fishing is wonderful! The river is clean and cold!

Very pretty views, everything takes a long time to get to and can be hard to find, but is worth it.

Very beautiful and peaceful ....

Its really nice, I love boating and/or floating up/down the river its absolutely beautiful.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the FIRST NATIONAL PARK area to protect a river system. The Current and Jacks Fork Rivers are two of the finest floating rivers youll find anywhere. Spring-fed, cold and clear they are a delight to canoe, swim, boat or fish. Besides these two famous rivers, the park is home to hundreds of freshwater springs, caves, trails and historic sites. Floating is open year-round, but its best to to call the NPS park office for current conditions.

So beautiful!!! We had so much fun hiking, fishing, rock hunting!! What a beautiful world God had created for us!!!

Great place to float or canoe. Crowds are minimal in spring. Rentals are reasonable with different rates on weekend and weekdays

Beautiful Environment. So much to do & see

It is beautiful, peaceful, clean, and a get away from life

Stunning float trip views. Great campground for tents and/or campers. Clean grounds and nice showers too

Love this area! Have floated upper and lower Jacks Fork many times. Need to try the Current too! I hear the Jacks Fork water is cleaner and colder than the Current. Thats why we have always done the Jacks Fork!

Love it best vacation spot there is fun Connoeing kayaking camping hiking fishing swimming sight seeing .

Great place for kayaking. Springs and fall are the best time to avoid millions of people. Camp along side the river.

Very winding two lane roads thur some of Missouris beautiful forests lined with short leaf pines towering along the roadsides with spanding views of green pasture dotted with majestic oaks and wild flower dancing in the breeze occasionally getting a glimpse of deer and turkey.

The Current river in Shannon county, MissouriI love this area!!

Gorgeous raw wilderness. We go floating here every year, wouldnt miss it.

We call this place Heaven on Earth. This riverway offers so much. There are trails to walk, crystal clear water (deep and shallow), gravel bars to spend the day, and the views are beautiful. If you love floating, kayaking, canoing, camping, or just hanging out riverside you wont be disappointed here

There arent many places like this left in the United States. During the week it isnt crowded, but the river can get a little rowdy on the weekends. Great place for kayaking, canoeing, or cooling off in a swimmin hole.

Great Kayaking and camping place. Kayaking here can be a bit tiring. Water overall is a little greenish. You can kayak from different spots. Akers Ferry to Pulltite is a good one with caves in between.

I love this wilderness area. I frequently visit for canoe trips down the upper Current River and upper Jacks Fork River. While there are several approved concessioners from which to choose, Two Rivers Canoe Rental is my preferred choice for single day or multi-day float trips.But canoeing isnt the only choice. The area is great for hiking, horseback riding, and seeing wild life. Ive seen deer, Great Blue herons, ibis, muskrat, otter, ducks, turtles, bald eagle, and wild horses along the rivers. There are several large springs including some in caves as well as in the open to see unique habitats.One can primitive camp on gravel bars along the river or at any of the several Natonal Park Service campgrounds with restrooms, fire pits, and poles to keep trash or food bags out of the reach of animals, as well as hot showers. There is a fee for the NPS campsites, but its a great value and the sites are patrolled by rangers for safety and to limit disturbances during quiet hours.This is a hidden gem in the crown of the NPS and a great place for solo visitors, families, or groups.

The Jacks Fork is my favorite float.

The area (Cedar Grove) once owned by my family.. is still in spite of the government taking it by eminent domain, a great place to visit. Swimming, canoeing and fishing are just some of the things that can be enjoyed during a visit. Just enjoy yourself.. follow the rules and clean up after yourself.

Clean, beautiful rivers. Great topography. We will be back every year.

Beautiful!

Family tradition lovely spot for family and camping there are some good fishing

Always, enjoy our trips to the river.

I go there all the time I love to watch it in the winter and float in the summer.

If you like the wilderness, fishing, and good clean fun, then you should vacation here.

Im never disappointed whether Im floating or hiking.

The Most Beautiful clear river and springs! A must see and experience this beauty!

Beautiful nature and scenery

Great for a weekend getaway

Beautiful. Great water

Went to the trout farm and saw the stages of growth from small to adult. The walk was beautiful for this time of year. A lot has changed since my last visit. If you havent been in a while a return would be worth the trip.

This was once a beautiful river to experience. Now do to jet boats I feel it is completely unsafe to canoe, especially with children. It is like going to lake of the ozarks in a canoe. The way upper section is okay but after around mile 30 all you will hear are the high pitch wailing of jet boats. The last trip i went on there wasnt any wildlife i am guessing due to the noise. Avoid this river!!!

The place to go in the Missouri Ozarks.

Nice campgrounds. Great rivers and amazing scenery!

It was beautiful. We visited Big Springs, the Bathrooms were clean. The only issues were lots lots of knats or whatever theyre called. You will not regret visiting.

I will come back again i like it very much. Peacefuly and nice. It is quiet and so lovely. I enjoy the day. I come down from stressful day.

One of best floats around. I have kayak down this river three times and loved every minute of it.

Love this whole area. Floating and exploring has been fun and very beautiful!

One incredible destination! Beautiful scenery from a magnificent river. The Fishing is second to none. Wild trout and smallmouth bass all weekend long. The view of the stars up through the trees from shore was absolutely awe inspiring. This will forever be on my short list of favorite destinations!

It is a nice long drive to see the beautiful nature. If you have a day to spend hiking this is a great place to go.. Devils well

Beautiful place!

My family and I met at Pultite campgrounds this year for a float on the Current. During our stay we also visited Alley Springs, Round Springs, Echo Bluff, Rocky Falls and Big Spring. Every park ranger that we met at each of these place, including the campground, were extremely informative, very kind and interesting people to talk to. My family thoroughly enjoyed our stay and our visit to all of these places. We stayed 07/31 - 08/04. Thank you for making our stay even more pleasant and for helping preserve such a beautiful piece of our state.

Amazing place to enjoy nature in the safety of our National park.

Love this place! Beautiful no breath taking and so peaceful!!

Great camping and floating. Cant go wrong with the ONSR

The land, scenery, and a lot of the people were awesome, but...so disappointed by how commercial everything has become... The Landing was by far totally outrageous on prices. 100.00 for a raft rental! Seems no matter where you go if youre not rich you cant have any fun. Eventually we came to a place that had the most friendly older man that was a campground host...he told us about an affordable camp that was right on the current! Beautiful spot, yet another saga...handful of sites $5. Sweet! Set up camp have a great night float all the next day in a expensive canoe...only one we saw on the river...mostly motor boats flying through like nobody else was there! Since when is it OK to have Morons running up and down the river when theres umpteen people, children, floating all over! It was ridiculous. Van Buren has changed to the point we wont be back...got back to the site only to be told that the one site we picked was not 5 dollars like the rest of the sites it was 30 for two nights! Needless to say pulled up tent and pulled it to next site. Not coming back...but we will find another place on the current because I love that river regardless...

One of the prettiest places in Missouri. Beautiful crystal clear rock bottom rivers. There are so many things to do here. Lots of choices of floats on the rivers. Everything is well kept and clean. Local people are great here too.

Beautiful clear stream water and the fall colors are beautiful!

Had water. Was wet. Was scenic. Checks all the boxes! Beautiful trip.

Great fun! Go visit