• Young people floating past yellow flowers

    Ozark

    National Scenic Riverways Missouri

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  • Closings and service reductaions due to Federal Budget Cuts announced.

    The public will experience reduced hours and services provided by Ozark National Scenic Riverways due to the budget cuts that became effective March 1, 2013. Please check back often for further details or changes. List of closed facilities, click "MORE." More »

Trees and Shrubs

Nature and Science
The forests of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways are living testimonials to nature's ability to heal. The area was largely deforested in the late 1800s to provide lumber for the railroads expanding across the Great Plains. It is believed that the forest composition has changed since that time, with more oaks and less pines, and perhaps more understory species and less open savannah.

Today's Ozark forest is mostly white oak and shortleaf pine, Missouri's only native pine species. Along the rivers sycamore and cottonwood are common, along with river birch and maples. In the understory, redbud and dogwood are abundant, putting on a spectacular show most springs. Sassafras, maples, wild viburnum, nine bark and hawthorne are also common.

Did You Know?

Folks canoeing on the Current River.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways has two of the finest canoeing rivers in the Midwest. The spring fed Current and Jacks Fork Rivers provide a fun way to get closer to nature and build family memories. More at www.nps.gov/ozar More...