Nestled in a hollow in the lower Missouri Ozarks (near the city of Van Buren) is one of the most popular recreational areas in the state and Missouri’s first state park: Big Springs. Big Springs is a favourite retreat for people from near and far. They come to picnic, to hike and to partake of water sports; yet, mainly they come to stare at one of the largest springs in the world.
Big Spring is a natural spring with freshly-flowing blue water that appears like a blue-green lagoon as it forms a pond at the base of the spring and flows downstream to feed Current River via Sherman’s Creek. The constant 58-degree temperature and shade from the mammoth chert bluff provide for a scenic and cool picnic area even during the excessively warm months of July through September. The impressive flow of water through earthen caverns spews with such force that it is estimated that some 286 million gallons of water flow daily. That is more than triple the amount of any other spring in the state, with the exception of Greer Spring. It is truly a sight to behold!
However, this cosy state park offers even more than this, as if that were necessary. There are several cabins offered for a reasonable price, allowing visitors to extend a day-trip into a weekend retreat. River resorts in the city of Van Buren allow for canoeing, jet-skiing, floating, boating and fishing. Trails and paved entry roads allow for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Camping is also widely available throughout the region.
On my most recent visit, I introduced two friends to the site, and we decided to hike. There are several trails including the Big Spring Overlook Trail, Slough Trail, Chubb Hollow Trail and others. Warning! The trail leading above the spring to the ridgeline is very difficult for amateur hikers! I am not certain if it is Big Spring Overlook Trail because neither end of the trail is marked with signage (though one end abuts the 1.2-mile Slough Trail at about one-third of the route along). This trail rises at least 150 feet above the spring area with very steep points at either end and is well over two miles in length. However, the entire trail is gravelled for easier walking.
The Slough Trail is a flat, wheelchair-accessible trail with its trailhead near the spring. Along the path, signs detail the CCC’s efforts to build the state park (with original pictures and quotes). The path ends at the Peavine Picnic Shelter. The round-trip is 1.2 miles. It was along this trail that we spotted two white-tailed does and several squirrels.
During the summer months particularly, one may access a few caverns and receive a guided interpretive tour of the partially-completed railroad tunnel left intact after it was abandoned in the late nineteenth century by a now defunct railroad company.
If one is very adventurous, like me, he or she may scale the rocks above the spring and climb one of two boulders overlooking the spring. I did this safely inside of 15 minutes. Once at the top, the view is impressive, though partially obscured by trees. This point is perhaps 65 feet above the spring. One must utilize his or her upper body strength and be prepared to plant on unstable earth. This climb is not recommended for anyone save the fearless.
In short, there is something for everyone at the majestic Big Springs in Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Whether you fancy a day on the water in Ozark National Scenic Riverways system or a day of hiking over the numerous trails that litter the region or simply a quaint, family picnic, Big Spring State Park is the place for you.
-Aaron Jackson
beautiful!
ReplyDelete