Ozark National Scenic Riverways - Blue Spring (U.S. National Park Service)

Bill O'Donnell

Looking into the depths of Blue Spring

There are two "Blue Springs" in the park and several more with that name statewide. The smaller Blue Spring on the Jacks Fork River is a river access and primitive campsite. The spring is small and across the river from the road access.

Called "Spring of the Summer Sky" by Native Americans, the more famous Blue Spring is on the Current River and is one of the most beautiful places you'll ever find, anywhere. The spring itself is over 300 feet deep, one of the deepest in the United States.This gives it a vivid blue color that one must see to believe.

The spring is reached by a short trail which abounds with wildflowers in spring and fall colors in autumn.

While completely surrounded by National Park Service land, Blue Spring itself is owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Blue Spring is 16 miles east of Eminence or 16 miles west of Ellington off of State Route 106. A long dirt road leads to the parking area from the state highway, and it is very steep. It is not recommended for large RVs or buses, although in most weather a normal passenger car can make it quite well. From the parking lot it is about 1/4 mile walk down a pleasant trail. You can also walk from the Powder Mill Campground, about 1/2 mile.

To view some of the interpretive exhibits at Blue Spring, click here:

Trailhead exhibit
Wayside exhibit